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NLL Albany FireWolves

Game 12 Matchup Preview - FireWolves at Riptide

March 15, 2023 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Albany FireWolves News Release


The Albany FireWolves (2-9) are back on the road this weekend to face the New York Riptide (3-9) on Saturday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m. This will be the third time the two teams matchup this season, with the Riptide winning the first two contests. The last time the FireWolves traveled to Long Island, Albany was down by eight goals before going on a six-goal run to nearly complete a second half comeback. This weekend's game can be watched on My4 Albany or ESPN Plus.

FireWolves Players to Watch:

Corson Kealey was activated to the 21-man roster ahead of last weekend's matchup against the Toronto Rock and scored the first goal of his young career. The forward also added an assist in his debut. Simply put, this man is a scoring machine. During his five years in college at Robert Morris University, Kealey produced 178 total points in just 63 games. He has experience playing indoors as well, proven by his 198 total points in 74 career games with the Toronto Beaches of the Ontario Jr. A Lacrosse League. The FireWolves offense is continuing to find its identity and Kealey could play a major role in that from here on out.

Kieran McArdle played well in both games against the Riptide despite the FireWolves being on the losing end. Combined, the forward tallied 12 total points on five goals and seven assists. He has led the FireWolves offense all season and ranks at the top of the club with 49 total points and 34 assists. McArdle seems to always come up with a timely goal or assist, something the team will need lots of to keep pace with the Riptide's offense this weekend. Albany will hope he can stay hot against his former team as the FireWolves look to snap a seven-game skid.

John LaFontaine must have acquired new dad strength prior to last weekend's game. From the hospital to the arena, LaFontaine had one of his best games of the season. He was a menace on defense, causing two turnovers and recovering a team-high eight loose balls. On top of his solid defensive play, he scored a transition goal that gave Albany an early lead. The assistant captain has been a crucial part of the FireWolves defense and transition game all season long, and the team hopes he can ride the momentum of last week's performance.

Opposing Players to Watch:

Connor Kearnan has quietly had himself a nice season for the Riptide, including two strong games against Albany. Combined, Kearnan racked up 12 total points on three goals and nine assists against the FireWolves this year. Four of those assists came on passes to Jeff Teat, the league's leading scorer with 96 total points and 42 goals. Kearnan ranks second on the Riptide across the board with 51 total points, 19 goals, and 32 assists. He has been a solid compliment to Teat all season, and the FireWolves must keep him on their radar and not solely focus on Teat in this one.

Reilly O'Connor was scratched in the second matchup against his former team, but he enjoyed a nice return to the Capital Region when the clubs first met this season. He contributed a goal and four assists in the road victory and ranks third on the team with 47 total points on the year. Albany of all teams knows just how dangerous O'Connor can be and must find a way to bottle him up on defense in this one. It's fair to say that O'Connor will be itching to get out on the floor for another game against his former team.

Though the Riptide have given up the most goals so far this season, Steve Orleman was relatively stout in net both times against the FireWolves. In the two games, he racked up 78 saves and allowed just 22 goals, playing a large part in aiding his team to wins. Albany's offense has stalled of late, having scored less than double digit goals three games in a row entering this weekend. Despite the struggles, the FireWolves have numerous offensive weapons who have the ability to find the back of the net. As mentioned, the Riptide have given up a ton of goals this season - 174 to be exact. If there was ever a time for the floodgates to open for the Albany offense, it's this weekend as they seek to take the final game of the three-game season series.

Fans can secure their tickets now for Albany's next home game on Saturday, March 25 against the Rock! For more information regarding tickets and Star Wars night, visit www.AlbanyFireWolves.com or call/text the FireWolves front office at 518-362-4900.

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