TAKEAWAYS FROM FIREWOLVES TRAINING CAMP WEEK 1: PRESENTED BY VANGUARD ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE

Oshawa, ON – This past weekend the Oshawa FireWolves of the National Lacrosse League (NLL) completed their first week of training camp presented by Vanguard Athletic Performance.

“We saw what we had hoped to see,” said Glenn Clark, General Manager and Head Coach of the Oshawa FireWolves, on day one of training camp. “We added a lot of guys we thought could compete at this level and we definitely saw that.”

Week 1 of training camp for the Oshawa FireWolves was held at the Tribute Communities Centre to kick off the 2026-2027 NLL season. The FireWolves hosted 38 passionate players with hope of joining the final roster. On the first day of training camp players participated in a practice, using it as a chance to get warmed up and build chemistry as a team. Players then took part in media day activities which gave them a chance to get used to the arena and further get to know each other.

After media day, the players did an intersquad scrimmage, where offensive returning players like Alex Simmons and Taggart Clark showed up scoring in the first two quarters with Simmons putting up 2 and Clark putting up 3. Newcomers such as Rob Hellyer (acquired in free agency) and Aaron Woods (acquired in free agency) showed off their skills with Hellyer scoring 4 goals and Woods scoring 3. Other players like Ethan Walker put up 3 goals, with Brady Kearnan (acquired in free agency) and Andrew Bowman (2026 NLL entry draft) following suit putting up 2 goals each. Dawson Theede and Carson Moyer also showed their offensive skills scoring 1 goal each.

Defensive returning players, Nick Chaykowsky and Jackson Nishimura locked down opposing offenses by pushing the ball in transition both scoring a goal in the second quarter. Newcomer defensive players, Holden Garlent (acquired through a trade with the Saskatchewan Rush) and James Barclay (acquired in free agency) both performed to a high level providing a steady presence on defence for their teams. Doug Jamieson, FireWolves goalie jumped right back into action playing the first half against an aggressive offence making many impressive saves.

“It’s not easy to cover Rob Hellyer,” said defenceman Jackson Nishimura about Hellyer’s impressive first weekend. “He was a tough one on the other side so it’s nice to have him on our team.”

On day 2, the FireWolves travelled to Iroquois Lacrosse Arena in Hagersville, ON where they participated in another intersquad scrimmage. Players like Alex Simmons, Taggart Clark, and Rob Hellyer showed continued great play on day two with Simmons putting up 3 goals, Clark putting up 4, and Hellyer putting up 2. Other players that showed their offensive skills on day two include Dyson Williams and Tye Kurtz scoring 2 goals followed by Dante Kulas, Ethan Walker, and Brady Kearnan scoring 1 goal each. Jackson Nishimura stood out on defence being a force in transition. Doug Jamieson was a brick wall in net playing the first half with Andrew Kidd and Laine Hruska (acquired in free agency) splitting time playing 3 quarters each against a tough offence.

“The intensity and energy of day two was great,” said Clark when discussing day two of training camp. “After a long day yesterday, they [FireWolves players] were still able to compete to a high level.”

With week 1 of camp complete, Clark is concentrated on week two of camp which will include the teams first exhibition game at Iroquois Lacrosse Arena in Hagersville, ON against the Georgia Swarm on November 8^th.

“It’s always nice to play somebody with a different jersey,” said Rob Hellyer, newcomer to the FireWolves offence regarding excitement for the upcoming exhibition games. “Playing with your team, there is intensity, but it another level against another team.”]

Following this past weekend FireWolves released Curtis Ward, Nathan Woods, Eddy Ferrede, and Ben Baker from the training camp roster.

The Oshawa FireWolves will continue training camp throughout the month of November playing an exhibition game at the Tribute Communities Centre against the Rochester Knighthawks on November 14^th.

Training camp will prepare the FireWolves for their home opener which will take place on Friday November 27^th at the Tribute Communities Centre against the Saskatchewan Rush.

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.