The Albany FireWolves (2-11) are on the road this Saturday, April 1, at 8:00 p.m. for their first ever matchup against the Panther City Lacrosse Club (8-6). Panther City enters the game sitting in third place in the West with four games remaining and are two wins ahead of the Colorado Mammoth. This weekend’s game can be watched on My4 Albany or ESPN Plus.
FireWolves Players to Watch:
John Piatelli, a rookie, has really come into his own as a scorer over the course of the past few weeks. Despite the loss to Toronto last weekend, Piatelli notched a hat trick and added an assist to boot. He led the team in shots on goal in the game, which might be a sign of things to come for the Wolves. Last weekend’s effort marked back-to-back games where the rookie scored four points, and he now ranks fifth on the team across the board in total points (27), goals (11), and assists (16). Piatelli is a guy who Capital Region fans can get excited about as he looks to only improve his game and become one of the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons.
Hiana Thompson may not have recorded a goal last weekend, but he did contribute four assists in the game. In fact, three of his assists came in the fourth quarter in the FireWolves’ comeback effort after trailing by four goals. He now has 16 assists in his debut season with the FireWolves, tying him with Piatelli. Despite the team’s scoring troubles this year, Albany has multiple weapons who are capable of lighting up the scoreboard on any given night. Thompson is one of those weapons, and between that, and his veteran leadership, the FireWolves offense can still turn it around over the course of the last five games.
Doug Jamieson has had a solid season, though the win/loss record would say otherwise. Over the last four losses, Jamieson has allowed only 44 combined goals, doing his part to give the FireWolves a winning chance in each contest. Last weekend, the goalie stopped 47 Rock shots and allowed just 10 goals. He was stellar all night as Toronto took 16 more shots on goal than Albany. He has 447 saves on the year, and has allowed just 127 goals in his 12 appearances. As long as Jamieson is in net, the team will always have a fighting chance. If the team can figure out how to lessen the number of shots on goal that the opposing team gets, and Jamieson is on his A-game, don’t be surprised to see Albany come home with a much-needed road victory.
Opposing Players to Watch:
Will Malcom had a breakout season for Panther City last year after the team acquired him in the Expansion Draft, and he has already surpassed those numbers from a season ago through 14 games this year. The forward currently leads the team with 84 total points and 31 goals, and ranks second with 53 assists. He ranks in the top 10 in the NLL in total points and assists and is well on his way to his first career 100-point season. Despite a low scoring losing effort last weekend, Malcom still recorded three points on a goal and two assists. Albany has faced their share of star forwards this season, and the defense has been playing stout despite the losing streak. If the FireWolves can keep Malcom at bay, this would be a great weekend to turn that streak around in what could be another low scoring outing for both sides.
Jonathan Donville has been a one-two punch with Malcom for Panther City this season. The first overall selection in last year’s Entry Draft, Donville has wasted no time assimilating himself to the professional level. He currently leads the club with 57 assists, and sits behind only Malcom with 77 total points and 20 goals. Furthermore, the young forward is tied for fourth in the league in assists, and tenth in total points. Just last weekend, Donville led the team with five total points against the San Diego Seals, totaling a goal and four assists. With Donville on the left side and Malcom on the right, the two can be lethal and score on any given possession.
While both PCLC goalies have seen action this season, Nick Damude has been the primary netminder. Through 14 games, Damude is credited with all eight wins, has a GAA of just 10.34, and a respectable save percentage of 79%. Last weekend’s game was a rough one for Damude, who allowed 12 goals in just shy of 45 minutes as the Seals handled Panther City. Damude has proven he can be one of the best goalies in the game this season, and Panther City has not lost back-to-back games since December, further demonstrating how good he has been between the pipes this year. Albany may have the fewest goals scored in the league, but Damude and PCLC’s defense cannot overlook the numerous options that the FireWolves have who can find the back of the net on any offensive possession.
Fans can secure their tickets now for Albany’s next home game on Saturday, April 15 against the UAlbany Great Dane legend Lyle Thompson and the Georgia Swarm! For more information regarding tickets and Union Strong Night, 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. 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 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/.
