Albany FireWolves Extend Four More Ahead of Inaugural Season
Published on June 4, 2021 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Oshawa FireWolves News Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK - The Albany FireWolves, the Capital Region's Indoor Lacrosse team playing out of the Times Union Center beginning in December, today announce that defenseman Nick Chaykowsky and forwards Charlie Kitchen, Reilly O'Connor, and Jacob Ruest have all signed extensions with the team.
Nick Chaykowsky, Defense, 1-year Extension:
Another FireWolf to pick up a lacrosse stick at a very young age, Nick Chaykowsky's father got Nick into both lacrosse and hockey early on and Nick has not looked back since. After beginning play in minor lacrosse leagues, Chaykowsky was drafted into the Jr. A league by the Barrie Lakeshores. After four and a half years with the Lakeshores, Chaykowsky was traded to the New Westminster Salmonbellies. He then broke into the NLL and was drafted by the New England Black Wolves. Oddly enough, Chaykowsky was drafted on September 17, as the 17th overall pick, in 2017... it also happened to be his birthday.
Chaykowsky spent his first season on the Black Wolves' practice squad before working his way into the team's regular lineup. He is looking forward to being a part of something outside of the team on the field by getting into the community and cannot wait to experience the Albany fanbase that he has heard so much about!
Charlie Kitchen, Forward, 3-year extension: A New Jersey native, Charlie Kitchen comes to the FireWolves shortly after an accolade-filled collegiate career at the University of Delaware. A five-year player, Kitchen is one of two players in program history ranked inside of the top-10 in goals, assists, and points. The forward also currently holds the school record for consecutive games with a goal, scoring in 39-straight. Throughout his five seasons with the Blue Hens, Kitchen was a three-time all CAA honoree, one-time CAA Player of the Year, and was named Team MVP four times.
Kitchen got his first experience playing box lacrosse with the Toronto Beaches of the Ontario Junior A Lacrosse League under current FireWolves Coaches, Glenn Clark and Clem D'Orazio. In one season with the Beaches, Kitchen racked up 41 points in just 17 games. Kitchen has heard nothing but good things about the Capital Region and is excited to come to Albany and play at the Times Union Center!
Reilly O'Connor, Forward, 1-year extension: Another Ontario, Canada native on the FireWolves, Reilly O'Connor has been playing the game of lacrosse since he was about four years old. A true leader on the field, O'Connor was a two-time captain during his career at Georgetown University. During that time, he racked up 133 points in just 57 games for the Hoyas and was twice named to the Big East All-Conference team. O'Connor spent some time in the Jr. A Lacrosse league, leading the Whitby Warriors to two Minto Cups, one in 2011 and again in 2013. O'Connor claims the two Minto Cups as two of his biggest accomplishments of his lacrosse career.
In 2015, O'Connor was drafted by the Calgary Roughnecks in 2015. He adjusted to the professional level quickly, totaling 36 points in 18 games as a rookie. He was then traded to the New England Black Wolves where he has spent the past four seasons as a pivotal part of the team's offense. O'Connor is looking forward to coming to the Capital Region, meeting new fans, and getting actively involved in the local community.
Jacob Ruest, Forward, 1-year Extension:
Playing since the age of six years old, Jacob Ruest was introduced to lacrosse by his father who was also his coach throughout his childhood. The Cornwall, Ontario, Canada native played with current FireWolves teammate, Reilly O'Connor at the Hill Academy before attending Robert Morris University. Ruest spent four years at RMU and was named as a team captain in his senior season.
Ruest spent some time in the Jr. A league with the Burlington Chiefs where he was named Rookie of the Year. He was then drafted into the NLL by Calgary but released from the team after training camp. Him being released caused him to focus on his work ethic and he ended up getting signed by the Colorado Mammoth prior to the next season. Ruest spent four seasons with the Mammoth before transitioning to the FireWolves. He is excited to be part of and contribute to a new organization and is looking forward to being closer to home where family and friends can come watch him play.
Do not miss your opportunity to witness history! Fans can secure their season tickets for the inaugural 2021-22 FireWolves season today! For more information regarding season ticket memberships, visit https://albanyfirewolves.com/tickets/season-tickets/ or call 518-362-4900.
The Albany FireWolves 2021-22 Inaugural Season is presented by CDPHP.
National Lacrosse League Stories from June 4, 2021
- Bandits Sign Sweeting to One-Year Deal - Buffalo Bandits
- Albany FireWolves Extend Four More Ahead of Inaugural Season - Oshawa FireWolves
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