NLL Albany FireWolves

6-0 Albany FireWolves Look to Continue Unbeaten Start against San Diego

January 19, 2024 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Albany FireWolves News Release


Albany Firewolves Head Coach Glenn Clark addresses the team
Albany Firewolves Head Coach Glenn Clark addresses the team
(Albany FireWolves)

Albany, NY - The Albany FireWolves (6-0) are the hottest team in the National Lacrosse League and will be seeking a 7-0 start as they return home to MVP Arena this Saturday, January 20 at 7 pm ET to play the San Diego Seals (3-2). The game is available to watch on ESPN+, TSN+, and locally on MY4.

Last weekend, the FireWolves had their most dominant performance yet with a 12-8 win over the Georgia Swarm. They face another big challenge as they welcome a very skilled San Diego team that loves to play run and gun lacrosse. Fans will be treated to a Saturday showcase of two of the NLL's most exciting teams.

Chasing History

Albany is the 13th team in NLL history to start 6-0 and with a win over San Diego they would be only the 4th team to start 7-0. This impressive start has been fueled by a revamped offense featuring NLL leading scorer Alex Simmons (37 points -16g & 21a) and six players with 20 points or more. Not only are they putting up big numbers, but they battle for repossessions and have frustrated opposing defenses with their creative style. The defense has held up their end as well and have improved with each game to become one of the best units in the league. Head coach Glenn Clark and his staff have put in the systems that allow the players to go out on the floor and let their play do the talking. The FireWolves are chasing a special season with a special group of players.

The Rise Of The Defense

The FireWolves defense played its best game of the season last weekend only allowing 8 goals against Georgia's high-powered offense. The back end has been solid through the beginning of the season, but they are starting to come into their own as an elite group. With rookies Zachary Young and Nicholas Volkov logging a lot of minutes they have learned on the fly thanks to veteran defenders like captain Colton Watkinson, Nick Chaykowksy, and Jackson Nishimura. The defense has made some of the NLL's best scorers look average with great pressure, timely slides, and pure hard work. Goalie Doug Jamieson is racking up saves and his steady presence has the Albany defense in a great position to shut down the Seals' top scorers.

Scouting The Seals

The FireWolves haven't played the Seals since a 13-12 win on Feb. 26, 2022 and the rosters of both teams look very different heading into this matchup. The Seals feature future hall of famers Dane Dobbie and Curtis Dickson as well as the always dangerous Austin Staats and Wes Berg. Their defense is lead by 4x Defensive Player of the Year Kyle Rubisch who has other veterans like Cam Holding and Jesse Gamble holding down a unit that loves to push the ball in transition. Faceoff man Trevor Baptiste is third in the NLL with a 73% faceoff win percentage and his matchup with Albany's faceoff man Joe Nardella could decide the game in crunch time.

FireWolves Players To Watch

Colton Watkinson has been the leader the FireWolves have needed all season long with his reliable defensive play, but against Georgia he showed his scoring touch with 2 goals. Watkinson was voted a top 5 transition player in the preseason, and he is starting to return to that level of play, which will be crucial for the grind of the middle of the season.

Doug Jamieson has gotten better with each game played and put in his best performance of the season against Georgia with 36 saves on 44 shots. His 10.14 GAA is second in the NLL.

Ethan Walker has continued to be the quiet, but effective leader of the FireWolves offense and he finds ways to score momentum shifting goals.

Opposing Players To Watch

Chris Origlieri has 40 career games played at only 21 years old and he has established himself as the Seals starter in net with his ball stopping ability and athletic style.

Austin Staats can explode for a 6 goal game on any given night with his physical and crafty dodging. He will battle his way through three defenders to get to the goal. Staats has played with and against Doug Jamieson his entire life which will make for a great showdown of shooter vs goalie.

Wes Berg has taken over as captain of the Seals and has started his tenure as the team's leading scorer with 40 points. His precise shooting and passing allow him to make an impact on every possession.

Single game tickets for the 2023-2024 FireWolves season are available now! Join us for Margaritaville Night on January 20th 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.

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Albany Firewolves Head Coach Glenn Clark addresses the team
Albany Firewolves Head Coach Glenn Clark addresses the team
   



National Lacrosse League Stories from January 19, 2024


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