The Albany FireWolves (1-2) take to the road this Friday, January 13, at 6:30 p.m. for a rematch against the Halifax Thunderbirds (3-1). Albany looks to settle the score after Halifax bested the FireWolves just days ago in the Capital Region, 14-11. Though they have played one more game than Albany, the Thunderbirds lead the league with 65 goals scored early in the season. This weekend’s game can be watched on My4 Albany or ESPN Plus.
FireWolves Players to Watch:
Connor Kelly is doing everything expected of him and more in his debut season with Albany. He led the Wolves in the previous matchup against Halifax with five points on four goals and one assist. So far on the season, Kelly leads the team in total points (15), goals (7), and assists (8). In a rematch against the highest scoring team in the league, Albany will continue to rely on Kelly to stay hot and keep finding the back of the net while also setting up teammates for scoring chances.
Kieran McArdle is another guy in his debut season with Albany but has wasted no time showcasing his offensive ability. Though he missed the team’s second game, McArdle still sits fourth on the team in total points (9) and goals (5) and is third in assists (6). Last weekend was no different as the forward recorded four points on one goal and three assists. Like Kelly, McArdle was brought in this offseason to help shape Albany’s offensive identity and has not disappointed. Once these two really start to gel, they could be a dangerous one-two punch and a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Jackson Nishimura looks like he is shot out of a cannon every time he scoops up a loose ball on defense and starts a transition. Seemingly whenever he has the ball in his stick following a defensive stand, Albany gets good opportunities in transition as he blazes past opposing players and finds an offensive teammate taking the floor in stride. Last weekend, Nishimura led a break before finding Kelly for a goal to give Albany a lead midway through the fourth quarter. The FireWolves will need to put up points to keep pace with the Thunderbirds and Nishimura has the ability to turn on the jets and create space for quick scoring opportunities.
Opposing Players to Watch:
Eric Fannell took a little bit to get going in the previous matchup against the FireWolves, but that did not stop the forward from ending the night with six points on four goals and two assists. He did most of his damage in the second half as he found the back of the net three times after the halftime break. The Thunderbirds have a ton of weapons on the offensive end, and Fannell is another name that the FireWolves defense must be prepared for. Through four games, Fannell has recorded 15 points on nine goals and six assists.
Chris Boushy, like Fannell, did most of his damage in one half, but he took over the first half of last weekend’s contest. After a slow start by both sides, Boushy scored two goals within minutes of each other late in the first quarter before capping off his hat trick midway through the second. He added a fourth goal to his line on a power play in the fourth quarter, which tied the game and was the first of four consecutive goals for Halifax. On the season, Boushy ranks fifth on the club with 17 total points and leads the team with 13 goals.
Cody Jamieson had a seemingly quiet night on offense and still ended up with four points on one goal and three assists. The Thunderbirds’ captain has proven to be yet another challenge for opposing defenses this season as he is tied for second on the team in total points (24) and assists (16). Though he has been great at setting up teammates for scoring opportunities, he is no slouch at scoring goals himself as he has eight through the team’s four games this season. The FireWolves were up to the challenge last weekend, holding Halifax to just 14 goals, and must find a way to continue to slow down the league’s hottest offense to come away with a win on the road.
This will be the second and final meeting between Albany and Halifax this season. The FireWolves will return home on Saturday, January 21 to take on inner-state foes, the New York Riptide at 7 p.m.
Fans can secure their tickets now for Albany’s next home game! 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. 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/.
