Home playoff game is icing on the cake for Albany FireWolves’ historic, bounceback season

ALBANY, N.Y. ( NEWS10 ) — The Albany FireWolves season has been nothing short of a massive success. The club drew headlines early, starting the year 6-0. And sure, they’ve had low points, like losing five straight heading into the final week of the regular season. But at the end of the day, the youngest team in the National League League will be hosting a playoff game this weekend, with a chance to add to a season that’s already given fans hope for a bright future.

Albany put a stamp on a franchise-best 11-win regular season with a 16-10 victory over the New York Riptide Saturday, snapping that five-game skid. The win also clinched the FireWolves the No. 3-seed in the playoffs, as well as home-field advantage for a single-elimination game with the Halifax Thunderbirds Sunday.

A January 6th meeting with Halifax went Albany’s way, 12-10. And head coach Glenn Clark is encouraged that his guys got back into the win column before this matchup.

“It was nice, and I think it was important to them,” said Clark. “They wanted to rebound. They wanted to be going into the playoffs on a positive note, and they wanted this; to be playing here [at MVP Arena]. So, it was a real testament to their professionalism, their fortitude. It’s a tough league and they found a way to win.”

Following a 3-15 season in 2022-’23, earning a home playoff game puts the FireWolves ahead of their long-term schedule, and was important for the franchise’s mission.

“We are trying to embed ourselves in the community, and trying to get more eyes on [us],” said Clark. “So, when you can give everyone an extra game and specifically a playoff game to generate some excitement, it’s big; it’s huge. We want to be successful in the community. And having a home playoff game I think is a big step in that direction.”

Opening faceoff from MVP Arena Sunday is set for 3:00 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NEWS10 ABC.