PLAYERS TO WATCH AT FIREWOLVES TRAINING CAMP PRESENTED BY VANGUARD ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE

OSHAWA, ON – The Oshawa FireWolves of the National Lacrosse League (NLL) will begin Training Camp presented by Vanguard Athletic Performance this Saturday, October 31st as they prepare for their second season in Oshawa.  

“Nobody’s getting a pass.” said Glenn Clark, General Manager and Head Coach of the Oshawa FireWolves when talking about open roster spots. “Everybody understands that not only jobs are going to be earned, but the time is going to be earned.”  

With 38 players vying for a spot on the roster, let’s take a look at a few players to watch out for at each position.  

Offence: 

In his 3 seasons with the FireWolves, Tye Kurtz is an elite forward scoring 39 goals in the 2025-2026 season. Kurtz scored 7 goals last year in a game against the Halifax Thunderbirds which is the most a player scored in one game on the FireWolves in 2025-2026. Dawson Theede joined the team mid-season last year and made a big impact in his 11 games played with the FireWolves. Clark says they are excited to get him, “rolling with the group early,” now that he will have a chance to be a part of the team’s training camp this season. New captain, Alex Simmons, had an outstanding 2025-2026 year with a career high of 109 points (41g, 68a). Simmons’ fiery energy and excitable play is expected to be a big part of the FireWolves success in the 2026-2027 season.  

“He [Alex] kinda sets the tone for his compete level,” said Clark when referring to new captain, Alex Simmons, “he has the potential to be a ten-year captain and have a long run in the league.”  

Justin Lee, 19th overall pick in the 2026 NLL draft, was a standout righty having 35 points (17g, 18a) in the Oakville Rock of Major Series Lacrosse this summer alongside Alex Simmons. First pick in the dispersal draft, Oshawa FireWolves selected star forward Jeff Teat. With an impressive 115 points (44g, 71a) in his 2025-2026 season, Teat is expected to be a high performer when he heals from his injury.  

“We know what Jeff is,” said Clark “I mean we have a sample size going all the way back to probably when he was ten years old of excellence, so we know that will continue.” 

Defence: 

Kyle Rubisch is an explosive player with 15 years of experience leading the defence and directing teammates. Rubisch is a crucial element to FireWolves success. Jackson Nishimura had an impressive 103 loose balls and caused 13 turnovers in his 2025-2026 season. Nishimura seamlessly transitions the ball from defence to offence and scored a career high of 6 goals last season. Defender Joe Nardella missed all last season with a knee injury and will be hungry to return to the lineup. He played his last season with the FireWolves in 2024-2025 winning 298 face offs and 154 loose balls. Nardella led the league in face off percentage in 2024-2025 with an outstanding 65.1%. “Getting him [Joe] healthy is going to make a big difference for our group as well,” said Clark.  

James Barclay, picked up from the Las Vegas Desert Dogs, is an experienced defenceman able to pressure opposing offences. Barclay is expected to perform to a high level in training camp and be a leader. Holden Garlent, acquired through a trade with the Saskatchewan Rush, is a dynamic defender who locks down offensive players and push’s the ball in transition. Garlent is expected to deliver exceptional results as coach Clark noted Garlent is “obviously an elite defender.”  

Goalies: 

With 3 years of NLL experience, Laine Hruska, is a passionate goaltender from the Saskatchewan Rush, pushing to be back-up to Doug Jamieson. Hruska has faced a career total of 140 shots on goal with a 75.0% save percentage. Doug Jamieson has been the starting goaltender for the FireWolves for 5 seasons and faced 4280 shots on goal with a 78.9% save percentage. Jamieson continued his impressive run with the Six Nations Chiefs of Major Series Lacrosse as he locked down the net leading the team to winning their fourth Mann Cup in a row.  

The FireWolves will continue training camp during the month of November with practices and exhibition games against NLL opponents. On November 14th the FireWolves will face the Rochester Knighthawks for an exhibition game at the Tribute Communities Centre. This will prepare them for their home opener against the Saskatchewan Rush on November 27th.  

Tickets for the Nov. 14 Exhibition Game can be purchased at this link: FIREWOLVES VS KNIGHTHAWKS EXHIBITION GAME – NOVEMBER 14 AT 7 PM 

Single Game Tickets for the 2026-2027 can be purchased at this link: FIREWOLVES 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.