Professional lacrosse is officially coming to Oshawa as the Oshawa FireWolves were unveiled Tuesday as the National Lacrosse League (NLL) franchise formerly based in Albany, N.Y.
The announcement was made at a press conference held at the team’s new home, the Tribute Communities Centre in downtown Oshawa.
“Lacrosse has a rich history in the Great Lakes region, originating with the Indigenous nations, celebrated by passionate communities and storied franchises,” said team owner and CEO Oliver Marti. “In naming our team the Oshawa FireWolves, we honour this heritage and embrace the identity of the Indigenous meanings of ‘Fire’ and ‘Wolf,’ reflecting courage, strength, community, and leadership.”
Boost for Community and Economy
Andrew Nash, general manager of the Tribute Communities Centre, called the announcement a major win for the region:
“Welcoming the FireWolves and the National Lacrosse League to our venue is a significant milestone for Oshawa. Adding at least nine home games means more business for restaurants, shops, and a real economic lift to the region. Through televised games, we’ll also be showcasing our city, our fans, and our partners to a national audience.”
Team Background
- The FireWolves will begin play in Oshawa this November.
- They become the seventh Canadian NLL franchise, joining Calgary, Halifax, Ottawa, Saskatchewan, Toronto, and Vancouver.
- The team features two recent Rookie of the Year winners: Alex Simmons (2024) and Oshawa native Dyson Williams (2025).
- Led by general manager and head coach Glenn Clark, a five-time NLL champion, the FireWolves reached the playoffs in two of the last four seasons, including the 2024 NLL Finals.
- This week, the team also finalized a trade with Ottawa to acquire Taggart Clark, son of head coach Glenn Clark.
With a deep connection to lacrosse history and a roster of rising talent, the Oshawa FireWolves aim to ignite both competitive success and community pride as they launch their inaugural season in Durham Region.