ALEX SIMMONS ANNOUNCED AS TEAM CAPTAIN FOR 2026-2027 FIREWOLVES SEASON

OSHAWA, ON – The Oshawa FireWolves today announced that forward Alex Simmons has been named captain for the 2026-2027 National Lacrosse League (NLL) season. Simmons will take over the role from defenceman Colton Watkinson, who has served as the captain of the FireWolves organization for the past three seasons.  

Watkinson is going into his ninth NLL season and has been one of the best transition players in the league with 101 points on 40 goals and 61 assists while also collecting 488 loose balls and causing 95 turnovers in his career. The 33-year-old from Burlington, ON helped lead the FireWolves to the 2024 NLL Finals in his first season as captain (when the team was located in Albany, NY) and was instrumental during the move of the team to Oshawa.  

“Wearing the C for this franchise has been one of the greatest honours of my life,” said Watkinson. “From day one, I’ve tried to lead with one rule: the team comes first. As my life away from the floor continues to grow and my playing career gets closer to its final chapter, living by that rule means knowing when it’s time to pass the torch.” 

Watkinson will still be a crucial part of the FireWolves as he joins them for the 2026-2027 season and will help lead their veteran defensive group.  

“Colton has been a great leader and has set the tone for excellence and character within our organization,” said Glenn Clark, General Manager and Head Coach of the Oshawa FireWolves. “He has supported and acknowledge the timing and importance of this transition and will help Alex develop into the role of captain.” 

The FireWolves will have a new captain this season as the franchise enters its second year playing in Durham Region.  

“Since being drafted, Alex Simmons has led by example every single day,” said Watkinson. “He’s the first one in and the last one out; he holds the standard, and he brings guys along with him.  

Simmons was the 2024 NLL Rookie of the Year and has led the FireWolves in scoring all three of his NLL seasons. Last season, he produced 109 points on 41 goals and 68 assists, which was sixth in the NLL in points. A vocal leader on the floor and in the locker room, he is ready to take the next step in his career as a captain of an NLL franchise.  

“Alex has demonstrated the ability to play at a high level, as well as model the intensity that our group wants to display to get us to the next level,” said Clark. “The players understand his commitment to winning and respect how he prepares for every game.”

As one of the brightest offensive stars in the NLL, Simmons will be relied on to produce points for the FireWolves, but also provide the leadership they need to return to the playoffs.  

“It is a tremendous honour and privilege to be named captain,” said Simmons. “I don’t take an opportunity like this lightly and I understand the responsibility that comes with wearing the letter. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and will continue to give this team everything I have night in, and night out.”

Along with Simmons being named captain, alternate captains will be chosen and announced during Training Camp presented by Vanguard Athletic Performance.  

The FireWolves begin training camp for the 2026-2027 season this weekend on October 31 as they start their journey to bring an NLL Championship to Oshawa.  

Get tickets now for the FireWolves Exhibition Game on Saturday, November 14 that can be purchased at this link: FIREWOLVES VS KNIGHTHAWKS EXHIBITION GAME – NOVEMBER 14 AT 7 PM

Single Game Tickets for the 2026-2027 regular season are on sale now! Get your tickets here: Single Game Tickets

Fans can guarantee their spot for all FireWolves home games by getting their season tickets now. Click here to get started: Season Tickets

About Oshawa FireWolves

The Oshawa FireWolves are Durham Region’s professional box lacrosse team, competing in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) out of the Tribute Communities Centre in downtown Oshawa, ON. For more information, visit OshawaFireWolves.com. Follow the team on Facebook at facebook.com/FireWolvesNLL, Twitter @FireWolvesNLL, and Instagram @FireWolvesNLL.

About Vanguard Athletic Performance

At Vanguard, we’re more than a training facility—we’re a community driven by innovation, evidence-based practice, and a passion for unlocking every athlete’s potential. Whether you’re an aspiring youth athlete, a seasoned pro, or an active adult, our cutting-edge programs are designed to optimize performance, prevent injuries, and build lifelong resilience. At Vanguard, you’re not just training—you’re elevating your game with a smarter, science-backed approach.

About National Lacrosse League

The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is North America’s largest professional lacrosse league and welcomed more than 1 million fans for the fourth consecutive year during the 2025-26 season. Founded in 1986, the NLL has 12 active member clubs across Canada and the United States. Its comprehensive youth participation development grassroots initiative, NLL UnBOXed™, will expand the League’s footprint to 60 communities across North America by 2028. For the latest scores and developments in the National Lacrosse League, please visit NLL.com and find the NLL on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and TikTok.

About Tribute Communities Centre

The Tribute Communities Centre is Durham Region’s premier sports and live entertainment facility and is managed by Oak View Group. The Tribute Communities Centre is home to the Oshawa FireWolves of the National Lacrosse League, Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League, and hosts a myriad of events including concerts, circuses, ice skating and family shows. Visit TributeCommunitiesCentre.com, and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

About Oak View Group

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.