ALBANY, NEW YORK – The Albany FireWolves, the Capital Region’s Indoor Lacrosse team playing out of the Times Union Center beginning in December, today announce that defenseman Nick Chaykowsky and forwards Charlie Kitchen, Reilly O’Connor, and Jacob Ruest have all signed extensions with the team.
Nick Chaykowsky, Defense, 1-year Extension:
Another FireWolf to pick up a lacrosse stick at a very young age, Nick Chaykowsky’s father got Nick into both lacrosse and hockey early on and Nick has not looked back since. After beginning play in minor lacrosse leagues, Chaykowsky was drafted into the Jr. A league by the Barrie Lakeshores. After four and a half years with the Lakeshores, Chaykowsky was traded to the New Westminster Salmonbellies. He then broke into the NLL and was drafted by the New England Black Wolves. Oddly enough, Chaykowsky was drafted on September 17, as the 17th overall pick, in 2017… it also happened to be his birthday.
Chaykowsky spent his first season on the Black Wolves’ practice squad before working his way into the team’s regular lineup. He is looking forward to being a part of something outside of the team on the field by getting into the community and cannot wait to experience the Albany fanbase that he has heard so much about!
Charlie Kitchen, Forward, 3-year extension: A New Jersey native, Charlie Kitchen comes to the FireWolves shortly after an accolade-filled collegiate career at the University of Delaware. A five-year player, Kitchen is one of two players in program history ranked inside of the top-10 in goals, assists, and points. The forward also currently holds the school record for consecutive games with a goal, scoring in 39-straight. Throughout his five seasons with the Blue Hens, Kitchen was a three-time all CAA honoree, one-time CAA Player of the Year, and was named Team MVP four times.
Kitchen got his first experience playing box lacrosse with the Toronto Beaches of the Ontario Junior A Lacrosse League under current FireWolves Coaches, Glenn Clark and Clem D’Orazio. In one season with the Beaches, Kitchen racked up 41 points in just 17 games. Kitchen has heard nothing but good things about the Capital Region and is excited to come to Albany and play at the Times Union Center!
Reilly O’Connor, Forward, 1-year extension: Another Ontario, Canada native on the FireWolves, Reilly O’Connor has been playing the game of lacrosse since he was about four years old. A true leader on the field, O’Connor was a two-time captain during his career at Georgetown University. During that time, he racked up 133 points in just 57 games for the Hoyas and was twice named to the Big East All-Conference team. O’Connor spent some time in the Jr. A Lacrosse league, leading the Whitby Warriors to two Minto Cups, one in 2011 and again in 2013. O’Connor claims the two Minto Cups as two of his biggest accomplishments of his lacrosse career.
In 2015, O’Connor was drafted by the Calgary Roughnecks in 2015. He adjusted to the professional level quickly, totaling 36 points in 18 games as a rookie. He was then traded to the New England Black Wolves where he has spent the past four seasons as a pivotal part of the team’s offense. O’Connor is looking forward to coming to the Capital Region, meeting new fans, and getting actively involved in the local community.
Jacob Ruest, Forward, 1-year Extension:
Playing since the age of six years old, Jacob Ruest was introduced to lacrosse by his father who was also his coach throughout his childhood. The Cornwall, Ontario, Canada native played with current FireWolves teammate, Reilly O’Connor at the Hill Academy before attending Robert Morris University. Ruest spent four years at RMU and was named as a team captain in his senior season.
Ruest spent some time in the Jr. A league with the Burlington Chiefs where he was named Rookie of the Year. He was then drafted into the NLL by Calgary but released from the team after training camp. Him being released caused him to focus on his work ethic and he ended up getting signed by the Colorado Mammoth prior to the next season. Ruest spent four seasons with the Mammoth before transitioning to the FireWolves. He is excited to be part of and contribute to a new organization and is looking forward to being closer to home where family and friends can come watch him play.
Do not miss your opportunity to witness history! Fans can secure their season tickets for the inaugural 2021-22 FireWolves season today! For more information regarding season ticket memberships, visit https://albanyfirewolves.com/tickets/season-tickets/ or call 518-362-4900.
The Albany FireWolves 2021-22 Inaugural Season is presented by CDPHP.
About Albany FireWolves
The Albany FireWolves is the Capital Region’s very own Professional Box Lacrosse team, playing in the National Lacrosse League beginning in the fall of 2021. For more information, contact the Albany FireWolves Front Office at (518) 362-4900 or by going to AlbanyFireWolves.com. Follow the team on Facebook at facebook.com/AlbFireWolves, Twitter @AlbFireWolves, and Instagram @AlbFireWolves.
About the National Lacrosse League
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is North America’s premier professional lacrosse league. Founded in 1986, the NLL ranks third in average attendance for pro indoor sports worldwide, behind only the NHL and NBA. The League is comprised of 14 franchises across the United States and Canada: Albany FireWolves, Buffalo Bandits, Calgary Roughnecks, Colorado Mammoth, Georgia Swarm, Halifax Thunderbirds, New York Riptide, Panther City Lacrosse Club (TX), Philadelphia Wings, Rochester Knighthawks, San Diego Seals, Saskatchewan Rush, Toronto Rock, and Vancouver Warriors.
For more information, visit NLL.com and find @NLL on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For more information visit NLL.com.
About ASM Global
ASM Global is the world’s leading venue management and services company. The company was formed by the combination of AEG Facilities and SMG, global leaders in venue and event strategy and management. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 325 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention, and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. From Aberdeen to Anchorage, and Sydney to Stockholm, its venues connect people through the unique power of live experiences. ASM Global’s diverse portfolio of clients benefit from the company’s depth of resources and unparalleled experience, expertise and creative problem solving. Each day, the company’s 61,000 passionate employees around the world deliver locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to deliver maximum results for venue owners and amazing experiences for guests. By consistently looking for new ways to envision, innovate and empower the spaces and places that bring people together, ASM Global elevates the human spirit while delivering the highest value for all stakeholders. For more information, please visit www.asmglobal.com.
About Times Union Center
Times Union Center is a full-service entertainment and sports facility featuring a wide variety of family shows, sporting events, trade shows and concerts. Owned by Albany County and managed by ASM Global, Times Union Center opened in 1990 and is home to the Albany FireWolves of the National Lacrosse League, the Albany Empire of the National Arena League and the Division I Men’s College Basketball Siena Saints. For more information, please visit www.timesunioncenter-albany.com.
About CDPHP®
Established in 1984, CDPHP is a physician-founded, member-focused and community-based not-for-profit health plan that offers high-quality affordable health insurance plans to members in 26 counties throughout New York. CDPHP is also on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Instagram.
