The Albany FireWolves (2-3) return to action this Saturday, February 4, at 7:00 p.m. against the Philadelphia Wings (2-4). Albany enters the game fresh out of a bye week, while Philadelphia suffered their third loss in a row last Friday. This weekend’s game can be watched on My4 Albany or ESPN Plus.
FireWolves Players to Watch:
Tanner Thomson has solidified himself as one of the many scoring threats in the FireWolves offense. In the team’s last game two weekends ago, the second year forward turned in a five-point performance on two goals and three assists. On the season, Thomson leads the team with 14 assists, and is third on the team with 20 total points. Expect Thomson to continue to set up teammates in scoring opportunities while knocking in a goal or two of his own.
Colton Watkinson earned the role of assistant captain at the start of the year for a reason. He has been a proven leader both on and off the floor since he came into the league and his continued improvement has been on display this season. It seems like every time the team needs a big goal, Watkinson comes up big in transition. In the team’s last game, Watkinson did a little bit of everything, logging two points on a goal and an assist, while also collecting three loose balls and causing two turnovers. In a game where both sides are itching for a big win, leadership will play a huge role in who comes out on top.
Leo Stouros made his FireWolves debut two weeks ago after being traded to the team from the New York Riptide. Stouros is a veteran defenseman who has been in the league since 2016 and joins an already stout defensive unit. Though he only had one caused turnover on his line two weeks ago, expect Stouros to provide a boost to the FireWolves defense, especially if the team’s faceoff woes continue. He has 77 career games played, and brings championship experience to the Capital Region. Once he collects his bearings in Albany, goals from the opposition will be much tougher to come by.
Opposing Players to Watch:
Joe Resetarits is a name that FireWolves and Capital Region lacrosse fans are all too familiar with. The forward led Albany in scoring a season ago and has proven to be one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league throughout his career. This season, Resetarits leads the Wings with 33 points and 20 assists, and ranks second on the club with 13 goals. In the team’s most recent loss, Resetarits still tallied six points on five assists and a goal. While he is settling in nicely with his new team, the Albany defense and coaching staff knows just how dangerous he can be and should be prepared to at least limit his production in this one.
Blaze Riorden is another familiar name to Capital Region fans as a UAlbany alum. Though he played goalie for the Great Danes, Riorden is a forward in the box. The former Dane is having a nice season, leading the Wings with 15 goals and ranking second on the team with 24 total points. In Philadelphia’s most recent game, Riorden went for three points on two goals and an assist. Even though Albany knows him as a goalie, do not be surprised to see the big-framed forward being difficult to stop on the offensive side of the ball this weekend.
Zach Higgins and Angus Goodleaf, both goaltenders, have each seen action in all six of Philadelphia’s games this season. While Higgins has played the bulk of the minutes, Goodleaf has still logged 71 minutes in net. On the season, Higgins has a 13.10 GAA, while Goodleaf has a 10.90. What does this mean? The FireWolves offense should have plenty of opportunities to find the back of the net and will need to do so to keep up with Philadelphia’s firepower.
This will be the first of two meetings between Albany and Philadelphia this season, with the next matchup being in the Capital Region the second to last weekend of the regular season.
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/.
