FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 26, 2023
FIREWOLVES NAME CAPTAINS FOR 2023-2024 SEASON
ALBANY, NY – The Albany FireWolves have selected their new captains for the 2023-2024 season. Colton Watkinson will serve as the second captain in FireWolves history while Nick Chaykowsky and Ethan Walker will serve as alternate captains.
The team was joined by long time captain Brett Manney via video message on Saturday as he announced the new captains in front of the team.
With the retirement of Manney this offseason, Watkinson will fill his shoes as one of the most experienced members of the team going into his sixth NLL season. In 81 games played, he has accumulated 72 points (33 goals, 39 assists), 57 caused turnovers, and 318 loose balls. He has been a catalyst in transition for the FireWolves and was recently voted a Top 5 transition player in the NLL by the league coaches and GMs.
“Colton has grown into an elite player as well as a leader in the NLL,” said Head Coach Glenn Clark. “He’s been in a leadership role for a few years with our group and is ready for the responsibility of being a captain in our league. His time watching and learning from Brett Manney will set him up well and bring his style of leadership to our group.”
Nick Chaykowsky is going into his sixth NLL season and has been a foundational piece of the defense for the organization. He plays a similar game to Watkinson and makes an impact on both sides of the floor. In 68 games, he has accumulated 34 points (10 goals, 24 assists), 37 caused turnovers, and 289 loose balls.
“Much like Colton, Nick has grown into an elite player in our league,” said Clark. “His passion for the game and his calm and consistent demeanor has him poised for the next step in his career as a player.”
Ethan Walker is the FireWolves highest scoring returning player from last season with his 56 points (26 goals, 30 assists) and will look to take the next step in his career going into his third NLL season. His playmaking ability and leadership will be crucial for the offense’s success during the 2023-2024 season.
“Ethan is entering his second year with our group and has gained the respect of his teammates,” said Clark. “His skill, compete level, and professionalism are the type of behavior we want modeled within our organization.”
The new captains will face their first test as the FireWolves begin their season this Friday, December 1 on the road against the Las Vegas Desert Dogs. The game will be available to watch on ESPN+ at 10 PM EST and is also available locally on MY4.
Single game tickets are available now! Season tickets for the FireWolves’ 2023-24 season are on sale now! For more information regarding tickets, visit www.AlbanyFireWolves.com or call/text the FireWolves front office at 518-362-4900.
About Albany FireWolves
The Albany FireWolves is the Capital Region’s very own Professional Box Lacrosse team, playing in the National Lacrosse League out of the MVP Arena in downtown Albany, NY. For more information, contact the Albany FireWolves Front Office at (518) 362-4900 or visit 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 15 franchises across the United States and Canada: Albany FireWolves, Buffalo Bandits, Calgary Roughnecks, Colorado Mammoth, Georgia Swarm, Halifax Thunderbirds, Las Vegas Desert Dogs, 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.
About MVP Arena
MVP Arena 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, MVP Arena 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 https://www.mvparena.com/.
