The Albany FireWolves (2-4) are back on the road again this Saturday, February 11, at 7:30 p.m. for a rematch against the New York Riptide (1-6). The two teams faced off against each other in the Capital Region just three weeks ago, and the Riptide came out on top with their first and only victory so far this season. This weekend’s game can be watched on My4 Albany or ESPN Plus.
FireWolves Players to Watch:
Connor Kelly has been everything the team had hoped for when they acquired him this offseason. Currently, the forward leads the team in goals with 11, and ranks second on the Wolves in total points with 24. Last week, Kelly scored two of the team’s five goals, his fourth multi-goal game in just five games with his new club. Despite the loss the last time these two teams met, Kelly had a solid night, tallying six total points on two goals and four assists. The FireWolves will rely on Kelly to continue his impressive scoring numbers as they seek revenge on their inner state foes.
Brett Manney may not light up the stat sheet every night, given that he is a defender, but he certainly makes his presence known on the floor. Last weekend, the captain caused four turnovers. Though it was not the result Albany had hoped for, the defense played pretty well against the Wings. Manney leads the charge of this stout defense, and the team will need him to step up once again as they try to slow down Jeff Teat and co.
Doug Jamieson recorded his 2000th career save in last weekend’s defeat to the Wings. Despite the team coming up short on the scoreboard, “Dougie” allowed just 12 goals in the contest while stopping 39 shots. The former Goaltender of the Year has done his part to keep the FireWolves in games all season, and will be a major factor of the team’s success moving forward. The last time the FireWolves played the Riptide, New York had his number as they managed to net 10 goals in just 40 minutes of gameplay. Three weeks later, Jamieson will get his chance at redemption and once again show why he is in the Goaltender of the Year conversation every season.
Opposing Players to Watch:
Jeff Teat, yes, made the preview article again. One of the league’s rising stars, the FireWolves had no answer for Teat when the two teams squared off just three weeks ago. The forward compiled 12 points in the game on seven goals and five assists. On the season, Teat is tied for second in the league with 56 total points and 35 assists. He was a man who could not be stopped when he last saw this FireWolves defense, and will certainly be at the center of attention in this one. If Albany can slow down Teat, it will bode well for the team’s chances securing a revenge win on the road.
Brett Hickey is a name who might fly under the radar, but when he last faced the FireWolves, he had himself a solid night. The forward turned out six total points on two goals and four assists, playing a key role in the team’s win in Albany. Though he has only played in three games this season, Hickey’s six points against the FireWolves were half of his season total. With so much of the defensive focus on Teat, Albany cannot forget about guys like Hickey who can quietly put up numbers.
Connor Kearnan is another guy who has the ability to step on big for this Riptide offense. He totaled five points on two goals and three assists when the two teams met last. He was efficient too, taking only four shots in the contest. Kearnan enters the game ranking third on the Riptide with 28 total points, and is behind only Teat with 13 goals. Kearnan has proven that he can be a real threat on offense and is another guy that Albany needs to keep an eye on in this one.
This will be the second of three meetings between Albany and New York this season, with the final matchup being on Long Island on March 18. The Riptide won the previous matchup, 16-10.
Fans can secure their tickets now for Albany’s next home game on Saturday, February 18 against the Las Vegas Desert Dogs! For more information regarding tickets and Box Out Cancer 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/.
