DULUTH, GA. (JANUARY 11, 2024) – The Georgia Swarm (4-1) are building momentum as they prepare to face the undefeated Albany FireWolves (5-0) in a crucial matchup that will determine the top position in the NLL rankings. The game is set to take place on Saturday, January 13th at 7:30 p.m. at Gas South Arena in Duluth, Georgia. In addition to the high-stakes contest, the Swarm will proudly host Native Heritage Night, an annual tradition dedicated to celebrating the cultural heritage and to honor the game of lacrosse.
“Native Heritage Night holds a significant place in the Swarm’s calendar,” according to Head Coach Ed Comeau. He expressed, “It’s a special night for the Swarm, not only because of the significant number of indigenous players on our team but also because it allows us to pay homage to the origin of the game of lacrosse and educate others about it.”
This marks the 25th encounter between the Georgia Swarm and the Albany FireWolves. The Swarm currently maintains a 17-8 advantage over the FireWolves.
“Facing any team is a challenge and an opportunity to make strides in improvement. Albany is performing exceptionally well this season. We look forward to competing against a team that currently holds a higher ranking, and we will bring out our best to achieve success,” stated Coach Comeau.
Shayne Jackson, after recording a remarkable sock trick with 10 points (6G, 4A) against Panther City last weekend, is now the team leader in individual goals and ranks second in the league, just behind Albany’s forward Alex Simmons. Jackson’s season totals include 31 points (15G, 16A) and four power-play goals.
The Swarm’s defense, led by goalie Brett Dobson, has been formidable, recording three consecutive games with 40+ saves. Dobson ranks second in the NLL in both goals-against average (10.34) and save percentage (.804). Defensively, John Ranagan and Adam Wiedemann have showcased their prowess, blocking a total of 12 shots this season and picking up 30-plus loose balls.
The top offensive threats for the Swarm this week are FireWolves’ Alex Simmons, the NLL points leader (32; 15G, 17A), and Ethan Walker, the quarterback for the Albany offense, with 30 points (11G, 19A).
As part of the Native Heritage Night festivities, the Swarm will pay tribute to Native culture with performances by the Cherokee Warrior Dancers, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Youth Stickball players, and Storytellers during halftime. The theme night will also feature exhibitions, an educational series led by Swarm Native players and Miss Cherokees, as well as Art and Craft Vendors—all leading up to the highly anticipated face-off against the Albany FireWolves.
Following the matchup with the Albany FireWolves, the Swarm will embark on a two-weekend road trip to Toronto and New York before returning to Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos Field at Gas South Arena in Duluth, GA, on February 2, 2024.
- Forward Brendan Bomberry needs 3 assists to reach 100 in his career
- Forward Andrew Kew needs 2 goals to reach 100 in his career
- Defenseman/Transition, Bryan Cole, needs 2 games played to reach 100 in his career
- Defenseman/Transition, Bryan Cole, needs 3 balls recovered to reach 400 in his career
- Lyle Thompson needs 5 goals to reach 300 in his career
- Shayne Jackson needs 2 points to reach 800 in his career
Where to Watch:
- Gas South Arena – Get tickets for as low as $15 to the Georgia Swarm vs. Albany FireWolves game
- ESPN+ – Use your ESPN+ account (or create a new one) to watch the game live.
- Peachtree Sports Network- Streamed locally in Georgia, US.
- TSN+ – If located in Canada, you can log into your TSN account to watch the game live
