WINGS SPOIL GAIT’S COACHING DEBUT

[James Foote]

WINGS SPOIL GAIT’S COACHING DEBUT WITH RALLY OVER MAMMOTH IN NLL SEASON OPENER

The Colorado Mammoth opened the National Lacrosse League's 20th season on Friday night with a tribute to its legendary former captain, Gary Gait. The team raised Gait’s No. 22 to the Pepsi Center rafters and recognized his stellar career that spanned 15 seasons.

Gait then stepped behind the Mammoth bench – assuming his new role as the team’s head coach – and guided the team as it began its fourth season in Denver. The Mammoth jumped out to a five-goal lead in the first half, but Gait’s NLL coaching debut was spoiled by the visiting Philadelphia Wings, who rallied for a 13-11 win in front of 15,726 fans.

"It's definitely a night of mixed emotions," Gait said. "It's a terrific honor to have a jersey retired, but we're moving into a different phase of the game and this is a disappointing loss."

The teams began the fourth quarter tied at 10 but Sean Greenhalgh scored three of his game-high four goals in the final quarter to lead Philadelphia to victory.

The Wings and Mammoth reminded fans why theirs is the best inter-divisional rivalry in the NLL, combining for 83 penalty minutes in a game that was marked by heavy checking and a continual march of players to the penalty box.

In his first game as captain, Gavin Prout led the Mammoth with three goals and five points, but was held to just one assist in the second half. The Mammoth (0-1) was outscored 8-4 in the second half as Philadelphia (1-0) became the first team to beat the Mammoth in a season-opener.

Forward Dan Carey, the Mammoth's first pick in last summer's entry draft was strong in his debut, tallying four points on one goal and three assists. Jay Jalbert added two goals and Brian Langtry, Nick Carlson and Ben Prepchuk each added one. Chris Gill scored one goal in his first game with the Mammoth and goaltender Gee Nash scored a virtually unheard of goal in the final minutes of the first quarter.

Keith Cromwell and Luke Wiles each scored two goals and Dan Finck, Dan Marohl, Jeff Spano, Rob Van Beek and Jeff Ratcliffe each scored one.

Nash took the Mammoth loss in goal with 33 saves while Philadelphia’s Matt Roik earned a victory in his debut with the Wings with 44 saves.