Albany, NY – The Albany FireWolves (11-7) welcome the Halifax Thunderbirds (10-8) to MVP Arena in a historic first home playoff game for the FireWolves. This will be the only NLL playoff game played on Sunday so all the eyes of the lacrosse world will be on Albany in this single elimination opening round game of the National Lacrosse League (NLL) playoff.
Tickets are still available here https://albanyfirewolves.com/tickets/ticket-center/
The hunt for the NLL Cup starts this weekend at MVP Arena on Sunday, April 28 at 3 pm. Game will be nationally broadcast on ESPNU and also available on ESPN+ and TSN+.
Trial By Fire
The FireWolves are the youngest team in the NLL and have been through trial by fire that has seen them come out of the regular season ready for a playoff run. Rookies Alex Simmons and Tye Kurtz have been outstanding on offense and new additions like Travis Longboat, Sam Firth, and Nathan Grenon have provided great complimentary scoring. The defense has veterans that have provided a calming presence and Doug Jamieson will be the anchor of the team in this do or die game. Their biggest test yet starts at MVP Arena tonight.
Rise To The Occasion
No one expected Albany to be where they are now as the #3 seed in the NLL Playoffs. The FireWolves have an opportunity to keep surprising and show that they belong in the conversation as a top team in this league. The leadership of head coach Glenn Clark and the FireWolves captain Colton Watkinson will be crucial as they use their past playoff experience to guide their young stars. All eyes will be on Albany as the only playoff game of the day and it will be a breakout moment for the franchise if they can advance to the next round.
Scouting The Thunderbirds
Halifax is the opposite of Albany as they boast a group of savvy veteran players who have championship experience. They had an up and down season but will be eager to get pay back on the FireWolves who beat the Thunderbirds back in January. They play a physical style and will try to wear down the young FireWolves, but it will take all four quarters to decide this opening round matchup that both teams desperately want to win.
FireWolves Players To Watch
Doug Jamieson has had one of the best seasons of his career and if he can continue his steady play he will give Albany a very good chance to get the win.
Sam Firth was clutch against Halifax with two late goals. His great off ball play allows him to sneak by the slow Halifax defenders.
Nick Chaykowsky will log the most miles of anyone this game as he plays big shifts on defense and pushes the ball in transition.
Opposing Players To Watch
Jake Withers will be a force at the faceoff circle and limiting his transition opportunities will have to be a focus.
Cody Jamieson has won several championships and plays his best lacrosse when it matters most.
Warren Hill has struggled at times this season and the FireWolves will need to pepper him with shots early to get him off his game.
Playoff tickets are now available for the FireWolves opening round matchup against the Halifax Thunderbirds at MVP Arena on Sunday, April 28 at 3 pm.
Get your playoff tickets here https://albanyfirewolves.com/tickets/ticket-center/
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 Firebirds of the Arena Football League and the Division I Men’s College Basketball Siena Saints. For more information, please visit https://www.mvparena.com/
