This Week In Philadelphia Sports, 12/8 - 12/14

The week of December 8th to the 14th around the Philly sports landscape.

Monday, December 8

The first reports came out that the AFL might cancel its 2009 season based on financial concerns. Could the Soul be the last ever Arena Bowl champs?

Tuesday, December 9

The Flyers beat the Islanders, 4-3.

Wednesday, December 10

The Sixers hung with the really good Cavaliers for the first half, but Cleveland pulled away in the third quarter to coast to a 101-93 victory.

Thursday, December 11

Cole Hamels went on WFAN sports radio in New York and told it how it is.

No. 15 Villanova just barely edged Saint Joes in the Holy War, 59-56.

The Flyers came back from 5-1 down in the third period to beat Carolina in a shootout, 6-5.

Friday, December 12

The Phillies signed free agent outfielder Raul Ibanez to a three-year deal worth $30 million, effectively ending the Pat Burrell era in Philadelphia.

The Sixers and Cavs played the back end of a home-and-home. Cleveland won 88-72 to complete the sweep.

The Phantoms scored three goals in the first period to defeat Springfield 5-2.

Saturday, December 13

After a very weak start to a season with much higher expectations, the Sixers fired head coach Mo Cheeks. He was replaced by Tony DiLeo, a front office guy close to GM Ed Stefanski. DiLeo takes the job on an interim basis. The Sixers went on to pound the Wizards 104-89 in their first game under their new coach on Saturday night. [Liberty Ballers]

The Kixx fell to Monterrey 14-12 at the Spectrum. They are one win shy of 250 in their history. With a 2-1 record, they sit in second place in the five team NISL.

Temple beat No. 8 Tennessee 88-72 at the Liacouras Center. Storm the floor!

The Flyers beat the Penguins, 6-3.

Sunday, December 14

The Phantoms beat Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 2-1 on Scott Hartnell Glove & Mitten Toss night. Claude Giroux scored the game-winner in the third period.

No. 15 Villanova beat La Salle 70-59 in Big Five action at Tom Gola Arena.