National Lacrosse League

The Philadelphia Wings have named former player Thomas Hajek the team’s defensive coordinator for the upcoming 2013 season. Last year’s defensive coordinator Blane Harrison will remain with the team as the offensive coordinator next season.

Hajek played eight seasons as a defenseman for the Wings. Last year’s offensive coordinator Jimmy Milligan will not be retained by the team.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the Wings coaching staff next season as the team’s defensive coordinator,” said Hajek. “Being part of the Wings organization for much of the last decade, I’m very familiar with the high expectations of the owners and fans on and off the field. I look forward to the challenge of helping the team win as a coach rather than a player.”

“We talked to Tom last year with respect to joining the coaching staff when he decided to retire from playing,” said Head Coach Johnny Mouradian. “Everyone knows what Tom means to this organization, he is a character athlete and his passion, knowledge of the game and living in the market aligns perfectly. We are going to miss Jim Milligan in so many ways. Jim worked extremely hard on all fronts and this move in no way reflects on anything that Jim did or did not do while he was with the organization.”

Hajek finishes his nine-year playing career with 126 games played, seven goals, 46 assists and a team-record 390 penalty minutes.