Albany, NY – The Albany FireWolves (9-2) begin their double header weekend tonight Friday, March 8 as they welcome the Vancouver Warriors (3-8) to MVP Arena at 7 pm for Indigenous Celebration Night. The FireWolves are on a three-game winning streak and will look to ride that momentum as they hunt for a National Lacrosse League (NLL) playoff berth. They will travel to play the Rochester Knighthawks tomorrow to complete the two game weekend.
The game will be available to watch on ESPN+, TSN+, and locally on MY4.
Tickets are available at: https://albanyfirewolves.com/tickets/2023-24-ticket-center/
Get Fired Up
There is a lot of buzz around this team in the Capital Region and across the NLL as they have been the best story of the season. This weekend the FireWolves have an opportunity to reach their tenth win of the season, which would be their highest win total since relocating to Albany. It has been a tremendous turnaround for the team after going 3-15 last season. From their explosive offense to the dynamic defensive group, there are plenty of reasons for FireWolves fans to be fired up about this special team. Led by rookie Alex Simmons’ 61 points, Joe Nardella winning 69% of faceoffs, Doug Jamieson saving the ball at 80%, and a core group of gritty players, this Albany team is setting the lacrosse world on fire.
Double Trouble
Two games in two days is always a big test for a team and the FireWolves will play their only double header of the season at a crucial point in the year. A win against Vancouver tonight and a win in Rochester on Saturday would put them in a great spot to clinch a playoff spot in the coming weeks. Albany faces a Vancouver squad that has had a tough season, but is still fighting to finish the season strong. The FireWolves will need to stick together through tonight’s game and be ready to bounce back right away.
Scouting The Warriors
The Vancouver Warriors defeated the Buffalo Bandits last weekend and will be coming into MVP Arena looking to take down a top team. The Warriors have a deadly offensive group with righties Keegan Bal and Kevin Crowley and lefties Adam Charalambides and Ryan Martel being their primary scorers. All four are crafty shooters and can explode for big games. Their transition game is very good with standout transition player Reid Bowering leading the way. Head coach Curt Malawsky is a proven winner in the NLL and in his first season with Vancouver he is building a team that will be a contender in the years to come.
FireWolves Players To Watch
Marshall Powless has been making keys plays in the past few games that have helped the offense find their groove. His creative passing and knack for loose balls makes him so dangerous every time the ball is in his stick.
Doug Jamieson has been incredible in net for the FireWolves since missing one game with a minor injury. He has made 45 saves or more during their three-game win streak and will be crucial for the team’s success for this weekend’s double header.
Mike Byrne is an unsung player on the FireWolves defense who knocks down passes, makes perfect double teams, and sets the tempo with his work ethic.
Opposing Players To Watch
Kevin Crowley has been an elite goal scorer in the NLL for many seasons and if anyone is going to lead the Warriors on a run it will be him. He uses his big frame to get open and he can score from anywhere.
Reid Bowering is an elite defender and a vacuum on loose balls. When Bowering is playing well the Warriors will always have a chance to win.
Aden Walsh has stepped in net for the Warriors and played very well as he held the Bandits to 12 goals last weekend.
Join us tonight for Indigenous Celebration Night as we honor the roots of the game. Get your tickets now for as low as $20 at 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.
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/
