FireWolves Face Halifax in Opening Round of NLL Playoffs
April 28, 2024 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Albany FireWolves News Release
Patrick Kaschalk of the Albany Firewolves
(Albany FireWolves)
Albany, NY - The Albany FireWolves (11-7) welcome the Halifax Thunderbirds (10-8) to MVP Arena in a historic first home playoff game for the FireWolves. This will be the only NLL playoff game played on Sunday so all the eyes of the lacrosse world will be on Albany in this single elimination opening round game of the National Lacrosse League (NLL) playoffs.
Tickets are still available here https://albanyfirewolves.com/tickets/ticket-center/
The hunt for the NLL Cup starts this weekend at MVP Arena on Sunday, April 28 at 3 pm. Game will be nationally broadcast on ESPNU and also available on ESPN+ and TSN+.
Trial By Fire
The FireWolves are the youngest team in the NLL and have been through trial by fire that has seen them come out of the regular season ready for a playoff run. Rookies Alex Simmons and Tye Kurtz have been outstanding on offense and new additions like Travis Longboat, Sam Firth, and Nathan Grenon have provided great complimentary scoring. The defense has veterans that have provided a calming presence and Doug Jamieson will be the anchor of the team in this do or die game. Their biggest test yet starts at MVP Arena tonight.
Rise To The Occasion
No one expected Albany to be where they are now as the #3 seed in the NLL Playoffs. The FireWolves have an opportunity to keep surprising and show that they belong in the conversation as a top team in this league. The leadership of head coach Glenn Clark and the FireWolves captain Colton Watkinson will be crucial as they use their past playoff experience to guide their young stars. All eyes will be on Albany as the only playoff game of the day and it will be a breakout moment for the franchise if they can advance to the next round.
Scouting The Thunderbirds
Halifax is the opposite of Albany as they boast a group of savvy veteran players who have championship experience. They had an up and down season but will be eager to get pay back on the FireWolves who beat the Thunderbirds back in January. They play a physical style and will try to wear down the young FireWolves, but it will take all four quarters to decide this opening round matchup that both teams desperately want to win.
FireWolves Players To Watch
Doug Jamieson has had one of the best seasons of his career and if he can continue his steady play he will give Albany a very good chance to get the win.
Sam Firth was clutch against Halifax with two late goals. His great off ball play allows him to sneak by the slow Halifax defenders.
Nick Chaykowsky will log the most miles of anyone this game as he plays big shifts on defense and pushes the ball in transition.
Opposing Players To Watch
Jake Withers will be a force at the faceoff circle and limiting his transition opportunities will have to be a focus.
Cody Jamieson has won several championships and plays his best lacrosse when it matters most.
Warren Hill has struggled at times this season and the FireWolves will need to pepper him with shots early to get him off his game.
Playoff tickets are now available for the FireWolves opening round matchup against the Halifax Thunderbirds at MVP Arena on Sunday, April 28 at 3 pm.
Get your playoff tickets here https://albanyfirewolves.com/tickets/ticket-center/
Images from this story
 Patrick Kaschalk of the Albany Firewolves |
National Lacrosse League Stories from April 28, 2024
- Jamieson's 52 Saves Lead FireWolves to First Playoff Win in Team History - Albany FireWolves
- Thunderbirds Eliminated from Playoffs by FireWolves - Halifax Thunderbirds
- Toronto, San Diego, Albany, and Buffalo Advance to National Lacrosse League Semifinal Round - NLL
- FireWolves Face Halifax in Opening Round of NLL Playoffs - Albany FireWolves
- Panther City Lacrosse Club Falls in First Round OT Thriller to San Diego - Panther City Lacrosse Club
- Dane Dobbie Sends Seals to Semifinals in OT - San Diego Seals
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