ALBANY, NY – The National Lacrosse League (NLL) held its 2022 Expansion Draft to prepare for the addition of its fifteenth team, the Las Vegas Desert Dogs. As part of the Expansion Draft process, Las Vegas got to select one unprotected player from each of the established teams in the league. From Albany, the Desert Dogs selected defenseman Jackson Nishimura.
In the FireWolves’ inaugural season, Nishimura played in all 18 regular season games and the lone playoff game. Nishimura was an integral piece of Albany’s defense and transition unit. On the season, he tallied 11 total points on five goals and six assists, and scooped up 123 loose balls, just 12 shy of the team lead. Nishimura also caused eight turnovers on the year.
Prior to the draft, each team had to submit their respective list of protected players by Jun 23. Each team was able to protect a combination of five offensive players, five defensive players, and one goalie, OR four offensive players, seven defensive players, and one goalie. If a team elected to not protect a goalie, they would be able to protect and extra defensive player. If an unprotected player is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent, Las Vegas may select them, however, would have to come to an agreement with that player prior to the start of free agency on August 1. Players who will turn 34 prior to the end of 2022 can reject a franchise tag and may enter free agency to sign with the team of their choosing.
Season tickets for the 2022-23 Albany FireWolves season are available now! Reserve your tickets in the Wolves den today for just $25! For more information, 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. For more information visit NLL.com.
About ASM Global
ASM Global is the world’s leading venue management and services company. The company was formed by the combination of AEG Facilities and SMG, global leaders in venue and event strategy and management. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 325 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention, and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. From Aberdeen to Anchorage, and Sydney to Stockholm, its venues connect people through the unique power of live experiences. ASM Global’s diverse portfolio of clients benefit from the company’s depth of resources and unparalleled experience, expertise and creative problem solving. Each day, the company’s 61,000 passionate employees around the world deliver locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to deliver maximum results for venue owners and amazing experiences for guests. By consistently looking for new ways to envision, innovate and empower the spaces and places that bring people together, ASM Global elevates the human spirit while delivering the highest value for all stakeholders. For more information, please visit www.asmglobal.com.
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/.
