[Edited 10 December 2000 with editor's comments at bottom]

The Philadelphia Wings were the big winners of a three-way scrimmage with the New York Saints and Washington Power, defeating both teams this afternoon at the Tri-State Sports Practice Facility in Aston, PA.

However, the lasting memory of the afternoon for the hometown Wings fans might be the game Philadelphia didn't participate in. The game between the Saints and Power ended early after a bench-clearing brawl. The Saints led at the time, 7-6, giving New York second place on the afternoon.

Each game consisted of four fifteen-minute periods, but were played with a running clock to keep each match one hour long.

Analysis of the games:

Game 1: Wings 5, Power 3
Philadelphia looks like they have made a commitment to defense this year, but we'll have to see how it plays out. Dallas Eliuk looked great for the three-plus quarters he was in goal for the Wings -- arguably at 1998-level form, when the Wings won the league title. Washington looked ready to challenge the Toronto Rock as the league's toughest team. A lot of physical play in this game, especially after the whistle. Devin Dalep played extremely well tedning the Power net.

Fabio Gump Outsider's Guide   New York Saints and Washington Power players brawl during their scrimmage match Saturday. The game was called off early, with the Saints leading, 7-6.

Game 2: Saints 7, Power 6 (suspended, 3rd qtr.)
New York jumped out to quick 4-1 and 7-3 leads before the Power narrowed it to 7-6 with about five minutes left in the third quarter. However, the game was soon ended due to a bench-clearing brawl, when an unidentified Power player jumped out of the penalty box to attack the New York goalie during another altercation.

Game 3: Wings 9, Saints 8
The Saints have returned to a run-and-gun style, but couldn't beat Wings goaltender Chris Sanderson during the first half. Brian Dougherty played average in the second half, stopping several Saints breaks but also allowing six goals, almost blowing the 5-2 halftime lead he inherited. Late goals from Michael Busza and Jake Bergey gave the Wings the 9-8 win and first place in the tournament.

Editor's Note, 10 December 2000: The Outsider's Guide has been asked by Washington general manager Steve Govett to present the Power's side of the events in Game Two. Govett's statement: "Matt Green [the player accused of exiting the penalty box] was on the floor the entire time. He hit the New York goalie, who had progressed to almost midfield with the ball, and knocked him over. Thinking nothing of it, he started back to the defensive end. One of the NY players came after him from behind. He turned and was ready to go. The goalie challenged another of our players, Keith Gonsouland. While the others were engaged, they [Gonzouland and the goaltender] began to fight in front of the New York bench. Two of the New York players grabbed our player from over the boards and another left their bench to get involved. That's when our players went. No one left the penalty box, no one was in the penalty box except three players not playing in the game and myself. Gary Gait, Paul Cantabene and Jon Brothers were the non dressing players in the penalty box; none left until after it [the brawl] was over." Our game reporter, Chad Gambone, responds, "I apologize if it's wrong, but the people sitting with me seemed to see the same thing."