Albany, NY – Coming off another bye week, the Albany FireWolves (6-2) welcome the Colorado Mammoth (3-6) to MVP Arena this Saturday, February 17 at 7 pm ET for the first ever meeting between the two teams since the FireWolves relocated to the Capital Region. The game will also be celebrating the FireWolves mascot Alphie’s birthday with appearances by eleven local mascots. The first 1500 fans in the arena will receive an Alphie bobblehead. The game will be available to watch on ESPN+, TSN+, and locally on MY4.
The FireWolves still sit in first place in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) standings with their record of 6-2 and are looking to bounce back from a two-game losing skid. At the halfway mark of the regular season, it’s time for the FireWolves to make a big push for a playoff spot.
The Return Of Dougie
Doug Jamieson was sidelined with a minor injury for the Las Vegas game, but with another bye week to heal up Jamieson is ready to return to the FireWolves net. Justin Geddie did an outstanding job filling in for Jamieson, which is a huge confidence boost knowing that Albany has two very good goalies in their lineup. Jamieson’s steady presence will give the defense a big boost knowing they have Dougie back in net.
Offensive Reset
The FireWolves offense was one of the most productive in the NLL through their first six games with an average of 13 goals a game. In their last two games, the FireWolves only scored 13 goals total. The bye week after the Las Vegas loss gave them another chance to watch film and regain their confidence as a group. With six players having 20 points or more, they have the playmakers to explode for 13 goals or more a night when they are clicking. Ethan Walker and Travis Longboat have been the anchors of the offense as they have scored in every game so far this season. This game against the Mammoth is a great opportunity for the offense to get their mojo back.
Scouting The Mammoth
The Colorado Mammoth are coming off an overtime loss to Panther City last weekend and have had an up and down season so far. Despite their recent struggles, the Mammoth are two years removed from winning the NLL Championship in 2022 and most of their roster has winning experience. They have dynamic goal scorers like Eli McLaughlin and Zed Williams who have the ability to take over a game. Their transition game is among the best in the NLL with 2x NLL Transition Player of the Year Joey Cupido and faceoff man Tim Edwards leading the charge. Dillon Ward is still one of the best goalies in the world and when he is locked in he can change the tide of a game.
FireWolves Players To Watch
Doug Jamieson was very good in his first 7 games of the season and with several weeks to rest he should be ready to help the FireWolves make their playoff push.
Mike Byrne has been one of the most reliable defenders for the FireWolves all season and he finally broke onto the scoring sheet last game with his first goal of the season. If Byrne and the defense can continue to add transition goals then the FireWolves will always be in a good spot to win.
Ethan Walker continues to be the leader of the offense and his steady play is going to be needed more than ever as the FireWolves look to get back into the win column. With 40 points (16g, 24a) he is in the Top 25 of scoring in the NLL.
Opposing Players To Watch
Eli McLaughlin aka “Liger” is an incredibly dangerous goal scorer who has been the Mammoth’s key offensive star for the past few seasons. Finding ways to limit his production will be crucial for the FireWolves defense.
Connor Kelly was a member of the FireWolves just last season so he will have extra motivation to play well against his former team. He has been very good for Colorado putting up 32 points (21g, 11a).
Dillon Ward was pulled in a few games early this season, but has been finding his groove as of late. Getting shots and early goals on him will give the FireWolves offense the confidence they need to play run and gun lacrosse.
Single game tickets for the 2023-2024 FireWolves season are available now! Join us for Alphie’s Birthday Bash on February 17 as we celebrate the best mascot around. Enter our poster contest and get there early to pick up an Alphie bobblehead. 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 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/
