Albany, NY – The Albany FireWolves (10-5) welcome the first place Toronto Rock (12-3) to MVP Arena this Saturday, April 6 at 7 pm for a showdown of top National Lacrosse League (NLL) teams. The FireWolves clinched a spot in the NLL playoffs this past weekend and with a win against Toronto will secure a home playoff game for the first time since the team has been in the Capital Region.
The game theme is Retro Night as the FireWolves will be wearing Albany Attack jerseys as an homage to the first NLL team that played in the Capital Region from 2000-2003. Former FireWolves Captain Brett Manney will also be honored before the game for his contributions to the organization and to celebrate his career.
This game will be available to watch on Saturday, April 6 on ESPN+, TSN+, and locally on MY4. Tickets are available starting at $20 and $3 Bud Lights will be available all game. Purchase tickets here: https://albanyfirewolves.com/tickets/ticket-center/
A Heavyweight Matchup
The FireWolves and the Rock have been the top teams in the NLL all season with many fans counting down the days until they finally met on the floor. Both teams have clinched playoff spots, but this game will still be a big one as it could be a potential matchup late in the playoffs. Albany has lost their last three games, but with a 4-1 record against teams that are above .500 the FireWolves are poised to get a huge win against the Rock that would guarantee them a home playoff game. There are exciting matchups all over the floor with two of the best faceoff men (Joe Nardella and TD Ierlan) and two of the top goalies (Doug Jamieson and Nick Rose) in the league going toe to toe. These teams play a similar style of lacrosse with very skilled forwards and defenders who love to fly up the floor to spark transition.
A Tale Of Two Seasons
Last season the FireWolves finished 3-15 and in last place in the NLL. Just one year later they are 10-5 and have clinched a spot in the NLL playoffs. What an incredible turnaround for the FireWolves thanks to the steady leadership of head coach Glenn Clark, the injection of their young goal scorers, and a group of players that play with a serious chip on their shoulders. Alex Simmons leads the way with 82 pts (31g, 51a) as he continues his Rookie of the Year campaign, but they have so many well rounded offensive players like Ethan Walker, Tye Kurtz, Travis Longboat, Marshall Powless, and Sam Firth who have each stepped up to help Albany reach 10 wins. The defense has worked well together as a unit with Doug Jamieson anchoring them with his consistently great play in net.
Scouting The Rock
The Rock have been the most consistent team in the NLL and boast stars on offense and defense that have brought them to a league best 12-3 record. Veteran forward Mark Matthews has led the way with 82 pts (25g, 57a) and Toronto has plenty of weapons in Tom Schreiber, and Corey Small who are scoring machines. They also have some of the best transition players in the league such as Challen Rogers, Mitch De Snoo, and rookie Justin Martin. Goalie Nick Rose has been the key to their success as he has shut down offenses game after game with his league leading save percentage. Albany and Toronto have a very similar make up with the biggest difference being that the Rock have many veteran players who have championship experience.
FireWolves Players To Watch
Ethan Walker has been putting together the best season of his young NLL career as he currently has 71 pts (27g, 44a). He is 4 assists away from reaching 100 career assists and with the way he has been leading this offense he will likely hit that mark against Toronto.
Nick Chaykowksy has been the FireWolves best defender and has sparked transition for some big goals. His ability to battle for loose balls has been crucial for the team’s success and he is 4 loose balls away from reaching 400 in his career.
Doug Jamieson is having his best season in net since he was named Goalie of the Year in 2020. He is tied with Toronto’s goalie Nick Rose for the best save percentage in the league at 80%. He has been incredible in the FireWolves last few games and will give them a great chance to beat the Rock.
Opposing Players To Watch
Nick Rose has been leading the conversation for Goalie of the Year all season as he has put up big numbers and been frustrating shooters all season. Finding ways to beat him shouldn’t be a problem for this talented FireWolves offense.
Tom Schreiber is the Rock’s most dynamic offensive player as an elite shooter and passer. He has been a FireWolves killer in their past meetings so limiting his production will be crucial for the Albany defense.
Justin Martin has been a revelation for the Rock as he is in the top 10 in points for defenders in the league with 14 pts and 8 goals in transition.
Join the FireWolves at their last regular season home game at MVP Arena for Retro Night on Saturday, April 6! $3 Beers will be back and the FireWolves will be wearing replica Albany Attack jerseys during the game, which will be auctioned off the week of the game. For more information regarding tickets, visit www.albanyfirewolves.com or call/text the FireWolves ticket hotline 518-612-4196.
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/
