Colorado Completes Comeback, Defeat FireWolves in First of Home-and-Home

Photo Credit: Albany FireWolves via Twitter/X

Caden Balint – Albany Correspondent, Stream Punk Sports / All Lacrosse All The Time

The “Second Half of Horrors” continues for the FireWolves. On Saturday night, January 11th, the Albany FireWolves (1-5) traveled to Ball Arena to face the Colorado Mammoth (4-2) in Week 7 action of the National Lacrosse League (NLL), marking the first game of a home-and-home series between the two teams. 

An Explosive Start

The Mammoth struck first, courtesy of Connor Robinson, who tallied the first of his four goals on the night. However, the FireWolves quickly took over. Tye Kurtz not only got Albany on the board but also ignited an eight-goal run that stretched from the middle of the first quarter to the middle of the second. Kurtz capped off the first quarter with a hat trick and led the FireWolves in scoring for the night, finishing with seven goals and two assists and recording his 100th career point. He also topped the team in shots on goal with 19 and loose balls with nine.

Photo Credit: Albany FireWolves via Twitter/X

While Kurtz sparked the offensive surge, Alex Simmons kept it alive, contributing a hat trick during the run and totaling seven points on the night in an impressive effort. Ethan Walker also played a pivotal role, recording a career-high seven assists to aid Albany’s attack.

Second Half of Horrors

Despite the strong start, the FireWolves couldn’t replicate their early dominance in the second half. This allowed the Mammoth to steadily claw their way back into the game. As Connor Kelly noted in a postgame interview, “It’s not how you start; it’s how you finish in this league.” His words proved prophetic as Colorado began trading goals with Albany to close out the first half, narrowing the gap to 10-7. Then, just before halftime, the Mammoth rattled off three quick goals, seizing all the momentum.

Photo Credit: Colorado Mammoth via Twitter/X

The third quarter saw both teams trade blows, with each side scoring three goals, leaving the FireWolves with a 13-10 lead heading into the pivotal fourth quarter. However, the final frame belonged entirely to Colorado. The Mammoth launched a five-goal run to complete the comeback, shutting down Albany’s offense at every attempt in the process and leaving them scoreless. It was goaltender Dillon Ward who proved instrumental, making crucial saves to deny every FireWolves scoring chance and backstopping Colorado’s impressive victory.

Key Performances

  • FireWolves

Despite another tough loss, the FireWolves showed a lot of positives in the game, and they started with Tye Kurtz. Kurtz ended the game with seven goals and two assists for a total of nine points. Alex Simmons (3g, 4a) and Ethan Walker (0g, 7a) both added seven points of their own in the loss. Dyson Williams, Patrick Kaschalk, and Eric Fannell contributed a goal and an assist apiece, while Sam Firth, Zachary Young, Ben MacDonnell, John Piatelli, and Will Johansen each recorded an assist.

  • Mammoth

The Mammoth were powered by impressive efforts from Connor Kelly (5g, 2a) and Connor Robinson (4g, 2a) who took charge of the offense at critical moments. Zed Williams (1g, 4a) and Ryan Lee (0g, 5a) both added five points of their own and both made big plays un-route to the victory. While Eli McLaughlin (3g, 1a) added four points and a hat trick. Will Malcom also contributed three assists to the Mammoth’s victory.

Photo Credit: Colorado Mammoth via Twitter/X

Looking Ahead

Next week it’s time to go to a Galaxy Far, Far Away. The FireWolves and Mammoth will face off again next week, this time at MVP Arena in Albany. The FireWolves will have the home-field advantage for “Star Wars Night” on Saturday, January 18th, as they look to bounce back and return to the win column.

Full Game Highlights Curiosity of NLL on YouTube