OSHAWA, ON – From thinking he’ll never play again to reuniting with his old team, Ryan Benesch continues to make an impact in his 19th NLL season.
Benesch played for the FireWolves organization during the 2021-2022 season and he wasted no time slotting back into the offence with 2 goals and 4 assists which moved him to fourth overall in NLL all-time scoring, now with 1388 career points. It’s a milestone he credits to his teammates and coaches along the way, in his nearly two decade career that’s seen him play with 10 different teams: Toronto Rock, Edmonton Rush, Minnesota Swarm, Buffalo Bandits, Colorado Mammoth, Rochester Knighthawks, Halifax Thunderbirds, Panther City Lacrosse Club, San Diego Seals, Albany and Oshawa FireWolves.
Benesch brings a depth of knowledge and experience to a young FireWolves team, “I’m just here to offer anything that I can for this team,” Benesch said adding, “Whether that be advice, play on the floor, whatever they need, I’m here to give it and hopefully they can take something from me. I try to pass on what was taught to me by guys like Josh Sanderson and Aaron Wilson and legends of the game.”
Coach Clark has been looking for ways to navigate the developmental curve of a young team. Bringing in Benesch’s veteran leadership and presence is going to help the FireWolves now and in the future.
This FireWolves team keeps him young, bringing the excitement of the game back into his play “You just love being around them because it’s just excitement that you almost forget about when you become 40 years old or 41 years old,” Benesch said adding, “You forget how exciting it is to actually come to the arena and be with your teammates. So, it puts a little bit into perspective when you step in that locker room and everybody’s smiling and having fun. It’s incredible.”
Nineteen seasons in Ryan Benesch continues to prove that impact isn’t defined by age. As the FireWolves continue their late season push Benesch’s veteran leadership and presence just may be what the FireWolves need.
Watch Ryan Benesch and the FireWolves in action this Saturday, March 28 at 7:00 PM as the Oshawa FireWolves take on the Rochester Knighthawks in downtown Oshawa. Get tickets here!
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 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 third consecutive year during the 2024-25 season. Founded in 1986, the NLL is comprised of 14 franchises across Canada and the United States, and recently unveiled its largest brand campaign ever, “Welcome to The Next Major League™” and introduced its comprehensive grassroots initiative, NLL UnBOXed™, that 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. Games are available live and streaming on TSN, TSN+, the ESPN family of networks, ESPN+, and NLL+.
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 live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster of arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. Founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues either open or under development across four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
Close