November 28, 2025 By: Anna Taylor
Tonight, a fresh rivalry unfolds as the new Oshawa Fire Wolves take on the Toronto Rock at Tribute Communities Centre in downtown Oshawa, Ontario. This first match of the 2025-26 NLL season is set to establish the mood for what lies ahead.
You think Rock versus Bandits was intense? Saskatchewan against Calgary? Just wait and see.
Sports enthusiasts in Ontario enjoy it when their teams go head-to-head. It’s about provincial pride: whether it’s the Leafs versus Senators (NHL) or Ti-Cats against Argos and Red Blacks (CFL), it creates a shared experience among friends and rivals.
The Rock found their first provincial rival last season with the arrival of the Ottawa Black Bears. Now, with the addition of the Fire Wolves, the Battle of Ontario grows even more exciting. Only an hour and 20 minutes separate the Fire Wolves’ new arena from TD Coliseum in Hamilton, where the Rock play, making them close rivals geographically.
Excited to have lacrosse back in Oshawa 😊#Lacrosse Lives Here🔥 pic. twitter. com/cw CY5TNl Rn
– Oshawa Fire Wolves (@Fire Wolves NLL) November 16, 2025
Tribute Communities Centre (TCC) opened its doors in 2006 when it became home to the OHL’s Oshawa Generals. Now two decades old and managed by Oak View Group, plans are underway for a $50 million renovation to enhance its facilities. Starting in 2027, TCC will undergo upgrades that include a larger main entrance, improvements for fans’ experiences, interior updates, seating for at least 7,000 people, an updated concession area, and a brand-new Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame.
The arena has played a role in revitalizing downtown Oshawa; Ontario Tech University even established a satellite campus right next door. There are libraries, parks, government buildings, and even the Canadian Automotive Museum nearby alongside plenty of shopping and dining options plus several new condo developments. It’s an area that continually evolves.
The home opener is sold out as friends and family along with passionate lacrosse supporters snatched up tickets quickly. Lacrosse has deep roots in Durham Region which is home to well-known teams like Clarington Gaels, Whitby Warriors or Brooklin Lacrosse Club. Currently during winter months at Children’s Arena just five minutes away from TCC three Arena Lacrosse League teams call Oshawa home while practicing there already.
This game marks a significant opportunity for players from Durham Region to compete professionally on their turf. The Fire Wolves’ Dyson Williams and Zach Young hail from Oshawa along with Mark Matthews representing The Rock while Kyle Rubisch and Jake Darlison come from Whitby. Even Ethan Walker who is from Peterborough (45 minutes northeast) will surely have lots of fans cheering him on tonight! It’s bound to be an unforgettable evening-but who will ultimately come out victorious?
Alex Simmons (WM Photography)
The Fire Wolves made it to NLL Finals back in 2024 but had difficulties last season finishing with a record of 7 wins and 11 losses placing them at 11th place overall. Meanwhile The Rock ended up ranked lower at13th position after winning only six games while losing twelve-all these results left both teams unsatisfied aiming for improvement this year as they start off strong heading into upcoming season!
Oshawa features just one rookie on their active roster-a defender named Jaxon Fridge-while three rookies join forces on The Rock’s side including CJ Kirst being picked first overall followed closely by Owen Hiltz who got third pick along with Sam English acquiring second spot during draft held back earlier this year! Both Kirst & Hiltz showcased impressive skills throughout preseason matches putting forth solid stats: Kirst scored four goals coupled together six assists; Hiltz tallied nine goals adding eight assists making high expectations hover around both these players!
This energetic offense led by last two Rookies-of-the-Year showcases young talents like Alex Simmons paired alongside Tye Kurtz-they gel together seamlessly reminiscent of lifetime partnerships forged over time spent playing together before now ! With another year behind him expect Dyson Williams break through impressively showcasing his capabilities alongside this resilient squad guided by Glenn Clark eager showcase talents before their newly won fans. Their defense may be young yet lean athleticism makes them ready run swiftly into action captained ably by Colton Watkinson maintaining solid presence keeping everything steady behind lines!
The Rock isn’t entering rebuilding mode instead choosing retooling subtly getting younger talent onboard. Corey Small leaves team , and uncertainty looms regarding Tom Schreiber’s future status which makes contributions coming from Kirst&Hiltz essential vital support aimed enhancing offense working cohesively next veteran Mark Matthews lastly Josh Dawick leading score despite entering only fourth professional campaign! Defense balances mix experienced veterans like Latrell Harris combinedwith third-year NLLer Elijah Gash recently signing long-term contracts providing stability depth needed moving forward!
Goaltenders Doug Jamieson Nick Rose slated starters having crossed paths numerous times over careers competing often; they ranked first second respectively save percentage statistics last year -.820 (. Rose) &.796(Jamieson ) albeit Rose’s GAA standing resulted higher than Jamieson unfortunately affecting perception somewhat overshadowing performances shown previously although now marks Rose’s return playing again under same uniform post-trade swap earlier allowing prospect renewal after offseason free agency journey concluded!
If judging based past performances thus far could tip either way towards victory but whichever squad claims triumph shall certainly gain momentum bolstering confidence going further down road leading remaining matches ahead! This event shall live vividly within hearts local supporters forevermore anticipating great sportsmanship displayed across field tonight celebrating love sport passionately embraced here!
WATCH STUBHUB NLL FACEOFF WHEN OSHAWA HOSTS THE TORONTO ROCK OPEN THE SEASON ON NLL FRIDAY NIGHT ON TSN. TONIGHT AT 7:30 P. M. ET.
Alex Simmons (WM Photography)
The Fire Wolves made it to NLL Finals back in 2024 but had difficulties last season finishing with a record of 7 wins and 11 losses placing them at 11th place overall. Meanwhile The Rock ended up ranked lower at13th position after winning only six games while losing twelve-all these results left both teams unsatisfied aiming for improvement this year as they start off strong heading into upcoming season!
Oshawa features just one rookie on their active roster-a defender named Jaxon Fridge-while three rookies join forces on The Rock’s side including CJ Kirst being picked first overall followed closely by Owen Hiltz who got third pick along with Sam English acquiring second spot during draft held back earlier this year! Both Kirst & Hiltz showcased impressive skills throughout preseason matches putting forth solid stats: Kirst scored four goals coupled together six assists; Hiltz tallied nine goals adding eight assists making high expectations hover around both these players!
This energetic offense led by last two Rookies-of-the-Year showcases young talents like Alex Simmons paired alongside Tye Kurtz-they gel together seamlessly reminiscent of lifetime partnerships forged over time spent playing together before now ! With another year behind him expect Dyson Williams break through impressively showcasing his capabilities alongside this resilient squad guided by Glenn Clark eager showcase talents before their newly won fans. Their defense may be young yet lean athleticism makes them ready run swiftly into action captained ably by Colton Watkinson maintaining solid presence keeping everything steady behind lines!
The Rock isn’t entering rebuilding mode instead choosing retooling subtly getting younger talent onboard. Corey Small leaves team , and uncertainty looms regarding Tom Schreiber’s future status which makes contributions coming from Kirst&Hiltz essential vital support aimed enhancing offense working cohesively next veteran Mark Matthews lastly Josh Dawick leading score despite entering only fourth professional campaign! Defense balances mix experienced veterans like Latrell Harris combinedwith third-year NLLer Elijah Gash recently signing long-term contracts providing stability depth needed moving forward!
Goaltenders Doug Jamieson Nick Rose slated starters having crossed paths numerous times over careers competing often; they ranked first second respectively save percentage statistics last year -.820 (. Rose) &.796(Jamieson ) albeit Rose’s GAA standing resulted higher than Jamieson unfortunately affecting perception somewhat overshadowing performances shown previously although now marks Rose’s return playing again under same uniform post-trade swap earlier allowing prospect renewal after offseason free agency journey concluded!
If judging based past performances thus far could tip either way towards victory but whichever squad claims triumph shall certainly gain momentum bolstering confidence going further down road leading remaining matches ahead! This event shall live vividly within hearts local supporters forevermore anticipating great sportsmanship displayed across field tonight celebrating love sport passionately embraced here!
WATCH STUBHUB NLL FACEOFF WHEN OSHAWA HOSTS THE TORONTO ROCK OPEN THE SEASON ON NLL FRIDAY NIGHT ON TSN. TONIGHT AT 7:30 P. M. ET.
