Albany, NY – The first place Albany FireWolves (8-2) will look to continue their hot streak against the always dangerous New York Riptide (5-6) on Marvel Super Hero™ Night at MVP Arena this Saturday, March 2 at 7 pm. The first 3,000 fans will receive a FireWolves themed Marvel comic book featuring FireWolves players Doug Jamieson, Marshall Powless, and Colton Watkinson on the cover. The game can be watched on ESPN+, TSN+, and locally on MY4.
The FireWolves have won two games in a row after losing two and are now eyeing a National Lacrosse League (NLL) playoff spot that is just a few wins away. The Riptide had a stretch of four wins in a row before dropping their last two contests, but they have shown they can win against anybody with some marquee wins. This should be an action-packed game with stars on both sides of the floor.
The New Kings Of New York?
With their recent sweep of New York State rivals the Buffalo Bandits, the Albany FireWolves are looking like the new top of class amongst teams based in the empire state. They still must face both the New York Riptide and Rochester Knighthawks two times each, but the FireWolves are clicking on all cylinders and are showing that they are serious contenders for the NLL Championship this season. They have turned it around completely from last season with the incredible play of goalie Doug Jamieson, faceoff man Joe Nardella, an experienced defense, and a group of talented young scorers like Alex Simmons, Tye Kurtz, and Travis Longboat who can beat teams in so many dynamic and creative ways.
The Pack Sticks Together
Being the youngest team in the league, opposing teams have tried to intimidate the rookies and young players on this roster with late hits, big slashes, and trying to lure them into retaliating. But along with being extremely skilled, this team is arguably the toughest in the NLL with a group of players who are sticking together to win tight games. They showed that against Buffalo as they responded to the Bandits physicality with a well-timed fight from Colton Watkinson and letting their scoring do the talking. They kept their cool and capitalized on 4 of 8 power plays against the Bandits. They will likely see more of the same against the Riptide and will be prepared to weather the storm as a group.
Scouting The Riptide
The Riptide have been riding the wave of NLL leading scorer Jeff Teat all season as his 73 pts (33g, 38a) gives them a chance to win every game. Their supporting cast of Connor Kearnan (54 pts), Reilly O’Connor (48 pts), and veteran scorer Stephen Keogh (21 pts) have given them scoring depth that has helped them close out their five wins this season. They have transition scoring threats in Mitch Wilde, Damon Edwards, and a group of defenders who love to push the ball. Goalie Cameron Dunkerley has had some huge games in net for the Riptide.
FireWolves Players To Watch
Tye Kurtz has been on a hot streak with 9 goals and 5 assists in his last two games. Look for Kurtz to continue to shoot the ball with confidence and be a big contributor in all facets of the offense.
Marshall Powless continues to be the smoothest passer on the FireWolves and his deceptive backhand passes allow him to create opportunities out of thin air. Powless’ creativity will keep the Riptide defense on their toes
Nick Chaykowsky will likely draw the matchup with Jeff Teat for most of the game and will be crucial to limiting his opportunities.
Opposing Players To Watch
Jeff Teat makes the Riptide offense run with his dynamic dodging, elite passing, and incredible shooting. He will get his goals and points but forcing him into bad areas and keeping track of him 100% of the time will be the goal for the FireWolves defense.
Mitch Wilde has been lethal in transition for the Riptide and is one of their defensive leaders.
Connor Kearnan has consistently been scoring big goals and making plays off ball that have been huge in the Riptide’s wins. Kearnan is a very deceptive shooter who isn’t afraid to throw his body around.
Join us for Marvel Super Hero™ Night this Saturday, March 2 as the first 3,000 fans will receive an NLL themed comic book featuring FireWolves players Doug Jamieson, Marshall Powless, and Colton Watkinson on the cover. 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/
