Wings roster includes 14 returnees

The Wings set their opening roster and return 14 players from last season's team, which went 10-6 and qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

That roster does not include National Lacrosse League MVP and single-season goal-scoring recordholder, Athan Iannucci. He is is listed on the league's physically unable to perform list following surgery in July to repair two meniscal tears in his knee.

Iannucci, who scored 71 goals in 16 regular-season games for the Wings, was injured in June while playing for the St. Regis Indians, of Major Series Lacrosse.

His return date remains uncertain pending an upcoming physical, although he has had no setbacks. The Wings are hopeful Iannucci will be ready for the home opener on Jan. 23 against Boston at the Wachovia Center. The season opens Jan. 3 at Buffalo.

Key returning players include All-Stars Geoff Snider and Taylor Wray; goalies Rob Blasdell and Brandon Miller; All-Rookie Team member Merrick Thomson; and captain Thomas Hajek, in his sixth season with the Wings. Among the newcomers are draft choices Sean Thomson (first round), Matt Bocklet (second) and Jordan Levine (fourth). *