Sports stats



NLL Albany FireWolves

Albany FireWolves Square off with Philadelphia Wings on Alphie's Birthday

February 22, 2025 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Albany FireWolves News Release


Albany FireWolves pregame lineup
Albany FireWolves pregame lineup
(Albany FireWolves)

ALBANY, NY - The Albany FireWolves (2-8) will welcome the Philadelphia Wings (5-4) to MVP Arena on Saturday, February 22 at 7 pm for an action-packed night in the National Lacrosse League (NLL).

The game on the turf will be thrilling, but off the floor the FireWolves will have over a dozen mascots attending to celebrate their mascot Alphie's birthday with several exciting in game promotions. Alphie's Birthday will also include a mascots vs kids lacrosse game at halftime.

Tickets are available starting as low as $15.96 when fans call into the FireWolves office at (518) 675-8678. The game will be available to watch on ESPN+, TSN+, NLL+, and locally on MY4.

Don't Hold Anything Back

At this point in the NLL season, the FireWolves cannot hold anything back as they work to start stringing together wins to make a run for playoff contention. In previous games, they have let off the gas pedal and let their opponents dictate the tempo for key stretches of the game. When the FireWolves play lacrosse with pace, fun, and no fear they are capable of scoring in bunches and controlling a game. For this group to find success in the second half of the season, they will need to start playing with a chip on their shoulders to compete at the level that they know they can. With Captain Colton Watkinson returning to the lineup last game and offensive stars like Alex Simmons stepping up, the FireWolves still have their fate in their own hands.

Battle Of The #1 Picks

The #1 Pick in the 2023 NLL Draft was FireWolves forward Dyson Williams. The #1 Pick in the 2024 NLL Draft was Wings forward Brennan O'Neill. The last two top drafts picks will finally face each other in the NLL, but their history already runs deep. Williams and O'Neill were teammates at Duke University for four years before entering the pro ranks and are both rookies this season. So far O'Neill has the edge in rookie scoring with 37 points (16g, 21a) compared to Williams' 35 points (13g, 22a), but it will be exciting to see them go head-to-head and try to out due one another in a game.

Scouting The Wings

Philadelphia has one of the oldest rosters in the NLL with an average age of 29 compared to Albany's average age of 26. The Wings have used their veteran offensive players to come up with late wins so far this season. Their top three scorers are all 30 years old or more with players like Mitch Jones and Joe Resetarits being some of the top goal scorers in the league's history. Goalie Nick Damude is a younger goalie in the league and has been a difference maker for them so far this season. The FireWolves defeated the Wings 15-10 in their last meeting during the 2023-2024 season in dominating fashion.

FireWolves Players To Watch

Ethan Walker has been very consistent on offense for the FireWolves this season and last time he faced the Wings he put up 2 goals and 3 assists.

Mike Byrne is the hardest working player on Albany and the defenseman is a threat to score in transition with 2 goals on the season so far.

Joe Nardella leads the NLL with a 66% faceoff win percentage and his success will be crucial for a win against Philadelphia.

Opposing Players To Watch

Joe Resetarits is the leader of the Wings offense with his great passing and elite shooting.

Brennan O'Neill is a big and athletic forward who the FireWolves will need to play tough to limit his production.

Nick Damude has been solid in net for Philadelphia so Albany will need to move the ball well to find them openings on him.

Get tickets now for Alphie's Birthday tonight! 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.

Check out the Albany FireWolves Statistics




Images from this story

Albany FireWolves pregame lineup
Albany FireWolves pregame lineup
   

• Discuss this story on the National Lacrosse League message board...

National Lacrosse League Stories from February 22, 2025


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central