Oshawa FireWolves 2026–27 Outlook
2025–2026 Record: 6–12, 13th place in the regular season. Did not qualify for the playoffs.
New Faces
Jeff Teat, Rob Hellyer, Holden Garlent, Ron John, Kevin Brownell, Aidan Fearn, James Barclay, Laine Hruska, Jonathan Gagliardi, Curtis Ward, Nathan Woods, Jeremi Phoenix-Lefebvre, Aaron Woods.
Entry Draft selections: Justin Lee, Andrew Bowman.
Key Losses
Jaxon Fridge, traded to Saskatchewan as part of the deal bringing Holden Garlent to Oshawa.
Offense
The FireWolves have added some serious firepower…enter Jeff Teat! Coming off a 115-point season with Ottawa, Teat gives Oshawa a player who can be equally dangerous scoring goals or setting them up. Add veteran Rob Hellyer, and opposing defenses will have plenty to think about.
Newly appointed captain Alex Simmons was superb last season, finishing with 41 goals and 68 assists for 109 points. Tye Kurtz added 39 goals of his own, while Dyson Williams, Ethan Walker and Dawson Theede give this group different ways to attack. With Teat drawing attention and Hellyer bringing his experience, there should be more room for everyone to operate.
Justin Lee is a big body with scoring ability, while Andrew Bowman brings another left-handed scoring option. Both will be looking to earn their place in what should be a competitive training camp. On paper, this offense has the makings of a very dangerous group.
Defense/Transition
With Kyle Rubisch, Nick Chaykowsky, Mike Byrne, Jackson Nishimura and Zac Masson, the FireWolves have a physical group that won’t make life easy for opposing forwards. Add Holden Garlent and James Barclay, and there is reason to expect a stronger defensive unit heading into the season.
Garlent can handle difficult defensive assignments while also getting the ball moving up the floor. Ron John brings versatility, while Kevin Brownell adds veteran experience and a steady presence. These are important additions for a team looking to turn defensive stops into offensive opportunities.
Will Johansen and Colton Watkinson give Oshawa more options in transition, with Jonathan Gagliardi joining the mix as well. The opportunity is there to push the pace and make teams work at both ends of the floor.
The faceoff situation could also receive a significant boost. Joe Nardella has re-signed after missing last season through injury, while Aidan Fearn gives the FireWolves another faceoff option. A healthy Nardella would go a long way toward giving this rebuilt offense more possessions.
Goaltending
Doug Jamieson remains the backbone of this team. A former NLL Goaltender of the Year, Jamieson has the experience and ability to keep Oshawa in games when things aren’t going their way. His outlet passing also gives the FireWolves another way to get their transition game started.
Andrew Kidd returns, while the addition of Laine Hruska brings competition and depth to the goalie position. Jamieson will be counted on to carry the load, but having options behind him is important over a long season.
Overall
Coming off a disappointing first season in Oshawa, the FireWolves have made some significant changes. The offense looks considerably more dangerous, the defense has added experience and mobility, and Jamieson gives them a proven presence in net.
The biggest question is how quickly it all comes together. Can Teat, Simmons and Hellyer find their chemistry early? Will the defensive additions help Oshawa play a more consistent game? Can Nardella return healthy and give them the advantage at the dot?
The FireWolves have to be considered a serious threat to return to the playoffs. However, talent on paper is only part of the equation. With every team looking to improve, Oshawa will need to turn these additions into results. We shall wait and see.
All Lacrosse All The Time continues to preview NLL teams as they head into the 2026–2027 season.
