ALBANY, NY – In a rematch of the 2024 NLL Finals, there was no shortage of action as the Albany FireWolves fought to the very end against the Buffalo Bandits with several players stepping up to keep it close throughout the game. The 2024-2025 National Lacrosse League (NLL) season has been tough so far for Albany, but the FireWolves players are leaving it all out on the floor with their passionate play.
Let’s go By The Numbers Presented By StoredTech and look at some of the key numbers from this past weekend’s game. View game stats here: ALBANY VS BUFFALO
31 Saves By Andrew Kidd
The loudest and most hostile crowd in the entire lacrosse world is at a Buffalo Bandits game. Rookie goalie Andrew Kidd stepped in net and didn’t let the moment get the best of him as he made 31 saves on 41 shots on goal. The 22-year-old from Toronto, ON made key saves as the FireWolves went on a run to make the game close against the Bandits. Kidd did well as he faced down the defending NLL Champions.
12 Loose Balls By Will Johansen
In a game that featured intense battles all over the floor, it was rookie Will Johansen who led all players in the game with 12 loose balls. That number ties his career high as he also scooped up 12 loose balls in Albany’s win against Colorado. Not only does Johansen vacuum up every loose ball in sight, but he’s been one of the best transition players in the league with four goals on the season including two of them being shorthanded markers. He is quietly making a case for a Rookie of the Year nomination.
3 Power Play Goals By Ethan Walker
Against the Bandits, Walker was deadly on the power play with all three of his goals coming on extra man opportunities. The FireWolves’ alternate captain has been a steady presence for the Albany offense in his third season with the team with his tactical passing and shooting. On his first two goals he found a soft spot in the defense and inched his way to the crease and buried his shots after several fakes. His third goal was a rocket from up top that he blasted by the Bandits goalie after great movement from the power play unit. Walker’s efficiency on the power play will be key for Albany as they head into the second half of their season.
The second half of the NLL season starts now for the FireWolves and they will look to get back on track as they face the Ottawa Black Bears at MVP Arena on Saturday, February 15 at 7 pm on Indigenous Celebration Night.
Get tickets now for Indigenous Celebration Night on February 15! Fans can take advantage of the best ticket prices around starting at $15.96! For more information regarding tickets, visit www.albanyfirewolves.com or call/text the FireWolves front office at 518-675-8678 to avoid fees.
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) 675-8678 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 14 franchises across the United States and Canada: Albany FireWolves, Buffalo Bandits, Calgary Roughnecks, Colorado Mammoth, Georgia Swarm, Halifax Thunderbirds, Las Vegas Desert Dogs, Ottawa Black Bears, 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 AFL 1 Arena Football League and the Division I Men’s College Basketball Siena Saints. For more information, please visit https://www.mvparena.com/