The Albany Firewolves have been on a roll all season. Several new players like forward Tye Kurtz have helped push Albany up the National Lacrosse League standings this year.
"It’s been great. The guys have been awesome. We’re a really tight-knit group," said Kurtz, who has nine goals and 19 assists so far on the season.
While most players in the NLL live out of market amd work regular jobs in their hometown during the week, Kurtz is among a handful of Firewolves players living in the Capital Region full-time this season.
"For my first year, I thought it would be a good idea to come in and figure out where I fit in, what the commitment level is like, what I can and can’t do," he said.
For Kurtz and his teammates, most days begin at a local school teaching students the game of lacrosse. They share their experience, journey and what it’s like to play in the NLL.
Defenseman Will Johansen is also in his first season with the Firewolves after moving from British Columbia.
"It’s great meeting the kids whether they’ve played lacrosse before or never heard of it at all. It’s really fun just kind of sharing our knowledge of the game," he said.
Johansen, Kurtz, forward Sam Firth and goalie Justin Geddie will do these programs several times a week, up to 15 visits a month. From there, the group will work out, get their shots in and watch film.
"You’re on your own for your workout schedule. You practice once a week and playing every weekend," Kurtz said. "But it’s up to you to work on your diet, maintain your weight, maintain your strength, and maintain your speed."
Without the whole team there, preparation requires a lot of self-discipline. By Friday night, the majority of the Firewolves are in the Capital Region for their lone practice together. It’s a chance to add the final touches ahead of Saturday’s shootaround and game.
"Individually, I just want to keep doing whatever I can do to help the team win," Kurtz said. "Whether that’s scoring a goal, making a play, setting a hard pick, clearing through the middle, getting a loose ball, subbing at the right time, everything really counts."
The Firewolves are back in action February 17 at the MVP Arena against the Colorado Mammoth.