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NLL Albany FireWolves

Game 5 Matchup Preview - FireWolves vs Riptide

January 18, 2023 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Albany FireWolves News Release


The Albany FireWolves (2-2) return to the Capital Region this Saturday, January 21, at 7:00 p.m. for a matchup against the New York Riptide (0-4). Albany is coming off a massive overtime victory on the road against the Halifax Thunderbirds while New York is seeking its first win of the season. This weekend's game can be watched on My4 Albany or ESPN Plus.

FireWolves Players to Watch:

John Piatelli has found his groove early on in his debut season in the NLL. In last weekend's win over the Thunderbirds, the rookie accounted for three points on one goal and two assists. His second assist of the night came with 30 seconds to go in regulation when he connected with Ethan Walker who tied the game at 10 and forced overtime. Through three games, Piatelli has logged nine points on two goals and seven assists. His nine points ranks fifth on the Wolves, while he sits tied for fourth on the team in assists. Piatelli is making a name for himself early on in the season and has quickly become another weapon in the FireWolves' offensive arsenal.

Patrick Kaschalk, another rookie playing an important role on the FireWolves, has been exactly what the team hoped for when they selected him in the first round of last year's Entry Draft. Last week, his lone point came from an assist to Jackson Nishimura in transition after he made a defensive stop. On the season, the rookie defenseman is tied for the team lead with four blocked shots, ranks third on the team with 18 loose ball recoveries, and has five points to boot. As part of a strong defensive unit, look for Kaschalk's role to continue to grow as his debut season continues.

Doug Jamieson returned to the net last weekend after missing the previous game. Despite not playing the prior weekend, Jamieson came back in top form as he allowed just 10 goals and stopped 53 Halifax shots on goal. He was spectacular all night, holding the league's top goal-scoring team in check as the FireWolves secured a huge road win. Though the Riptide have yet to win a game this season, they certainly have dangerous offensive weapons. The FireWolves will continue to lean on the former Goaltender of the Year in this one as they look to make it two wins in a row heading into a week off.

Opposing Players to Watch:

Jeff Teat took the league by storm last year as rookie, and has picked up right where he left off. The young superstar leads the Riptide in total points (25) and assists (19) and sits tied for second on the team in goals scored (6). Despite the team dropping their fourth game in a row to begin the season last weekend, Teat assisted on five of the team's eight goals in the contest. He certainly has the ability to light the scoreboard up in any given game, but so far on the season, it has been Teat's ability to set up teammates for scoring opportunities that has made him most dangerous.

Callum Crawford has been a 1B alongside Teat for the Riptide offense the past two season. The veteran forward, like Teat, is coming off a five-point outing a weekend ago after logging three goals and two assists in the loss. Though he has only played in three of the team's four games this season, he has tallied 10 total points on six goals and four assists. Crawford was a member of the New England Black Wolves prior to the team transplanting to Albany, so it's a safe assumption that this matchup is always circled on his calendar.

Steve Orleman has had a tough start to the season, as one could expect considering the team is searching for their first win. Through the first four games, the goaltender has allowed 48 goals. Orleman is coming off a decent performance in last weekend's loss, surrendering just 11 goals to the undefeated Knighthawks. You can't pin the team's winless start solely on the goaltender play, as the offense has garnered the second fewest goals scored in the league with just 40. There will be opportunities for the FireWolves to get points on the board in this one as they look for another win heading into a bye week.

This will be the first of three meetings between Albany and New York this season, with the next two matchups being on Long Island.

Fans can secure their tickets now for Albany's next home game on Saturday, February 18! For more information regarding tickets, visit www.AlbanyFireWolves.com or call/text the FireWolves front office at 518-362-4900.

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