The Albany FireWolves (2-2) return to the Capital Region this Saturday, January 21, at 7:00 p.m. for a matchup against the New York Riptide (0-4). Albany is coming off a massive overtime victory on the road against the Halifax Thunderbirds while New York is seeking its first win of the season. This weekend’s game can be watched on My4 Albany or ESPN Plus.
FireWolves Players to Watch:
John Piatelli has found his groove early on in his debut season in the NLL. In last weekend’s win over the Thunderbirds, the rookie accounted for three points on one goal and two assists. His second assist of the night came with 30 seconds to go in regulation when he connected with Ethan Walker who tied the game at 10 and forced overtime. Through three games, Piatelli has logged nine points on two goals and seven assists. His nine points ranks fifth on the Wolves, while he sits tied for fourth on the team in assists. Piatelli is making a name for himself early on in the season and has quickly become another weapon in the FireWolves’ offensive arsenal.
Patrick Kaschalk, another rookie playing an important role on the FireWolves, has been exactly what the team hoped for when they selected him in the first round of last year’s Entry Draft. Last week, his lone point came from an assist to Jackson Nishimura in transition after he made a defensive stop. On the season, the rookie defenseman is tied for the team lead with four blocked shots, ranks third on the team with 18 loose ball recoveries, and has five points to boot. As part of a strong defensive unit, look for Kaschalk’s role to continue to grow as his debut season continues.
Doug Jamieson returned to the net last weekend after missing the previous game. Despite not playing the prior weekend, Jamieson came back in top form as he allowed just 10 goals and stopped 53 Halifax shots on goal. He was spectacular all night, holding the league’s top goal-scoring team in check as the FireWolves secured a huge road win. Though the Riptide have yet to win a game this season, they certainly have dangerous offensive weapons. The FireWolves will continue to lean on the former Goaltender of the Year in this one as they look to make it two wins in a row heading into a week off.
Opposing Players to Watch:
Jeff Teat took the league by storm last year as rookie, and has picked up right where he left off. The young superstar leads the Riptide in total points (25) and assists (19) and sits tied for second on the team in goals scored (6). Despite the team dropping their fourth game in a row to begin the season last weekend, Teat assisted on five of the team’s eight goals in the contest. He certainly has the ability to light the scoreboard up in any given game, but so far on the season, it has been Teat’s ability to set up teammates for scoring opportunities that has made him most dangerous.
Reilly O’Connor is a name FireWolves fans already know as he was one of the team’s top five scorers last year. Both sides made out in the offseason deal that sent O’Connor to New York, as Albany acquired Kieran McArdle, who currently leads the team in points, goals and assists, in return. O’Connor has had himself a strong start to the season with the Riptide, ranking second on the team in total points (16), goals (6), and assists (10). The forward is coming off a three-point outing a week ago and it’s all but certain that he will try to light up the scoreboard in his return to the Capital Region.
Steve Orleman has had a tough start to the season, as one could expect considering the team is searching for their first win. Through the first four games, the goaltender has allowed 48 goals. Orleman is coming off a decent performance in last weekend’s loss, surrendering just 11 goals to the undefeated Knighthawks. You can’t pin the team’s winless start solely on the goaltender play, as the offense has garnered the second fewest goals scored in the league with just 40. There will be opportunities for the FireWolves to get points on the board in this one as they look for another win heading into a bye week.
This will be the first of three meetings between Albany and New York this season, with the next two matchups being on Long Island.
Fans can secure their tickets now for Albany’s next home game on Saturday, February 18! 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/.
