It will be the battle of New York as the Albany FireWolves will take on the New York Riptide in action packed National Lacrosse League Action on January 21 in MVP Arena. It is a tale of two very different teams as the Albany FireWolves have been able to gain a ton of momentum, while the Riptide have not quite gotten a successful game plan in place to help them win a game.
The FireWolves have started to gain a ton of positive momentum as they enter the game against the Riptide with an overtime victory against the Halifax Thunderbirds. Meanwhile the Riptide have not quite found the formula for success against National League Lacrosse foes.
New York had themselves a fine showing against the Rochester Knighthawks, showing grit and heart making the score 11-8. Sadly time and a ton of reversed calls by the officials hurt the chances that the Riptide had to win that tame.
Some of the FireWolves players to watch for include John Piatelli, as he has been able to find success early on in his career in the National Lacrosse League. In the game against Halifax he was able to record three points on one goal and two assists. In the three games he has played this season Piatelli has been able to have nine points on two goals and seven assists. The nine points he has thus far ranks fifth on the team, while he also sits tied for fourth on the team in assists.
Another impressive rookie for the FireWolves is Patrick Kaschalk, has he has been contributing on both offensive and defensive sides of the field for Albany. The rookie defenseman is tied for theme with four blocked shots, ranks third on the team with 18 loose ball recoveries in addition to having five points.
Doug Jamieson has been able to return to the FireWolves in top form as he was able to make 53 saves in the game against Halifax. Jamieson has been spectacular as the goalkeeper, holding Halifax to limited opportunities while having an impressive style of play.
As for the Riptide, Jeff Teat has picked up his style of play in his second season with the team. Thus far Teat has 25 total points, 19 assists, and sits tied for second on the team in goals scored (6).
Callum Crawford has brought a great veteran leadership to the Riptide in combining with Teat on several offensive opportunities.
Steve Orleman has allowed 48 goals in what has been some shaky performances in the cage for the Riptide. There have been flashes of brilliance for Orleman, but the team needs to do a better job on the face-offs and supporting their goal keeper on the defensive side of the ball in order to start to win some games.
This will be the first of three meetings between the Albany FireWolves and New York Riptide, as these teams will meet twice on Long Island.
The start of the game on the 21 is set for 7:00 p.m. with those wanting to watch the action can do so on the My4Albany or ESPN Plus networks.
For more information on the Albany FireWolves fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here
For more information on the New York Riptide fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here: