Oshawa FireWolves host Toronto Rock in NLL season opener

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Southern Ontario has long been known as a lacrosse hotbed. And now there are two National Lacrosse League teams in the area to keep up with.

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East of Toronto, the Oshawa FireWolves have generated a lot of buzz since moving from Albany, New York, in August. Meanwhile, in Toronto's west, Rock are looking forward to returning to their newly renovated home in Hamilton.

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Both teams will face each other in the NLL season opener at the Tribute Communities Center on Friday, and FireWolves staff with Oshawa ties are excited to play in front of a nearly sold-out crowd.

“I grew up in this area,” head coach Glenn Clark said. “Most of our players are from the GTA and are familiar with this area.”
“The kids are excited. Family and friends can come and see them. It's a homecoming for the most part.”

“Ultimately, this is where my dream of becoming an NLL player began,” forward Dyson Williams said. “Now to come back and be part of the first professional team here is incredible.”

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“The last couple of months have been a whirlwind of emotions. It's something special.”

Given the rich history of lacrosse in Oshawa and surrounding areas, there should be enough fans here to support a nearly full 5,100-seat arena where the OHL's Oshawa Generals play.

Meanwhile, The Rock returns to Hamilton, to a completely renovated home, now known as the TD Coliseum. total remake of the arena which is called “Rock City” as of 2021, forced the team to play out of Mississauga last season. The Rock averaged about 8,000 fans in 2024 with a home game starting Dec. 13 against the Calgary Roughnecks.

The Fire Wolves and Rock will look to improve on their 7-11 and 6-12 records, respectively, from last season. Both teams were hampered by injuries and unpleasant situations with close losses.

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Players to watch

Probably the Firewolves' most popular player early on will be goalie Doug Jamieson, a former NLL Goalkeeper of the Year. He played an important role in the team's journey to the 2024 finals.

Offensively, Alex Simmons has scored 96 points in each of the last two seasons and scored 37 goals last season. Ty Kurtz scored 35 goals and 87 points. Will Johansen is expected to once again lead the transition, with Nick Czajkowski and Mike Byrne providing the assistance Jamieson needs.

Much of the hype around “The Rock” comes from newcomers. 2025 draft pick C.J. Kirst, US College Player of the Year and national champion at Cornell, has a background in boxing. Third overall pick Owen Hiltz played at Syracuse and spent time in youth lacrosse with the Peterborough Lakers. Both have been very impressive in pre-season. Sam English, the Rock's first-round draft pick in 2024, spent last season at Syracuse. And defenseman Hugh Kelleher, Kirst's college teammate, also looked good in exhibition games.

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Nick Rose is back. The veteran goaltender was traded to the Calgary Roughnecks last season but was always expected to return to Toronto as a free agent. Brad Cree and Josh Jubenville lead a stellar defense. Josh Davik is expected to continue scoring after his outstanding season, Chris Bushey is also expected to make a significant contribution and captain Challen Rogers is also among the forwards to start the season.

“They're athletic. They're big,” assistant coach Dan Dawson said of his offense. “There are so many great players here and we firmly believe the outcome will be determined by committee.”

“There will be a new guy every night.”

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