Join us for Country Night this Saturday, January 6 at MVP Arena! Buy Tickets below:
https://albanyfirewolves.com/tickets/2023-24-ticket-center/
Albany, NY – In their first game of 2024, the Albany FireWolves (4-0) will look to continue their impressive start to the 2023-24 National Lacrosse League season against the visiting Halifax Thunderbirds (2-1) at MVP Arena this Saturday, January 6 at 7 pm ET. The game can be watched on ESPN+, TSN+, and locally on MY4.
The FireWolves have a 3-1 record all-time against the Halifax Thunderbirds and will face their greatest test yet as Halifax boasts talented goal scorers and great end-to-end players. Albany has huge momentum going into this game and having their home fans behind them could give them the boost they need to stay undefeated.
Starting 2024 With A Bang
The FireWolves ended 2023 with an 11-10 overtime win in Saskatchewan on New Year’s Eve and are riding into 2024 at the top of the NLL. The goal for Albany is to keep this momentum going into the New Year and they will have a great chance to get another statement win against a very strong Halifax squad. Forwards Alex Simmons and Ethan Walker continue to be the hot hands on offense, while Doug Jamieson and the defense withstood a furious comeback by the Rush and are coming together as a unit.
Country Roads Take Me Home
It will be Country Night at MVP Arena as the FireWolves return home to play in front of their fans who will be excited their 4-0 club back. Fans were treated to a thriller in the FireWolves last home game against the Buffalo Bandits and this matchup with the Thunderbirds should provide another great atmosphere. These are two high flying teams with a knack for making exciting plays so expect another physical and fast paced game at MVP Arena.
Scouting The Thunderbirds
Halifax was dealt their first loss of the season against Philadelphia last weekend and will be looking to bounce back against the FireWolves. The Thunderbirds have veteran players like Cody Jamieson, Ryan Benesch, Tyson Bell, Graeme Hossack, and Warren Hill on their roster who have helped lead them to the playoffs the past two seasons. Their defense loves to push the ball in transition and with an elite faceoff man in Jake Withers this team isn’t afraid to take chances. The FireWolves will need to win the loose ball battles and capitalize on their chances early to keep the Thunderbirds at bay.
FireWolves Players To Watch
Ethan Walker was calm, cool, and collected as he fired home the game winner in overtime against the Rush. He makes everyone around him better with his hard working and decisive play. Look for him to add to his 27 points as he quarterbacks the offense.
Doug Jamieson has been the rock for this team so far this season and he stepped up when they needed him most against the Rush. He is getting more dialed in with each game and he will be a big key for the FireWolves to secure the win against Halifax.
Tye Kurtz has quietly been putting in a spectacular rookie campaign so far this season with 7 goals and 13 assists. He’s been overshadowed by Simmons, but Kurtz’s sharpshooting and off ball play have been crucial for the FireWolves success this season.
Opposing Players To Watch
Ryan Benesch is 7th on the all-time NLL points list and is still climbing as he has 10 goals and 6 assists in three games this season. Benesch can score from anywhere whether it’s a low bounce shot from up top or a goal off a rebound right on the crease.
Jake Withers is the engine that makes the Thunderbirds run with faceoff wins, big plays on defense, and timely goals in transition. The matchup between Withers and Joe Nardella in the faceoff circle will be one to watch all night as these two great faceoff men battle it out.
Warren Hill is back between the pipes for the Thunderbirds and has been solid to start the season. However, the game against Philadelphia showed that he can be beat with side-to-side ball movement and keeping the pressure on with in tight shots.
Single game tickets for the 2023-2024 FireWolves season are available now! Join us for Country Night on January 6 at MVP Arena and experience FireWolves lacrosse. 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.
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/
