NLL Week 1: Expect the Unexpected

The story of the National Lacrosse League after one week? Expect the unexpected.

There’s no better example of that than what transpired in Ottawa, where the Black Bears ousted Toronto, 11-5, in their first-ever game. Give credit where it’s due: a defense backboned by newcomer Zach Higgins in goal was the key.

Higgins’ five goals allowed held the Rock to their fewest goals in a regular season game since March 22, 2019, against the Georgia Swarm, per IL Indoor’s Adam Levi. Higgins made 38 saves.

Jeff Teat’s four assists paced an offense that saw Jacob Dunbar and Connor Kearnan go for hat tricks. That trio provided much of the offensive punch, combining for 16 points (7G, 9A).

Formerly the New York Riptide, the Black Bears could prove to be a sneaky playoff pick. They were 8-10 last year and on the cusp of a playoff berth after a strong second half of the season.

Elsewhere, last year’s NLL runner-up lost a heartbreaker to open the 2024-25 season. The FireWolves, who welcomed 2023 No. 1 pick Dyson Williams to the lineup for the first time, again have high aspirations — but they’ll have to wait another game to get the party started.

Saskatchewan Rush newcomer Austin Shanks buried an overtime winner to lift his new team to a 10-9 win. Frank Scigliano made 49 stops, including seven in overtime, for the Rush.

WEEK 1 SCORES

Friday, Nov. 29

Ottawa Black Bears 11, Toronto Rock 5
Colorado Mammoth 11, Vancouver Warriors 7

Saturday, Nov. 30

Rochester Knighthawks 14, Las Vegas Desert Dogs 12
Saskatchewan Rush 10, Albany FireWolves 9

Sunday, Dec. 1

San Diego Seals 18, Philadelphia Wings 15

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK

Goal No. 1 for Albany rookie Dyson Williams, following in the footsteps of his father, Shawn.

Nothing like an OT winner in a team debut, right?

MILESTONE WATCH

Callum Crawford had one goal and four assists in his Wings debut, putting him at 497 career goals. When he scores his 500th goal, Crawford will be the ninth player in league history to reach the mark. John Tavares is the all-time leader with 815. Crawford’s 795 assists rank sixth all-time, and with five more, he’ll be the sixth player to reach 800. Dan Dawson is the all-time leader with 954.

FIRST OF ITS KIND

Owen Grant of the Vancouver Warriors posted a unique stat line in his team’s 11-7 loss to the Mammoth. Grant became the first player in NLL history with three-plus goals, three-plus blocked shots and at least one caused turnover in a game, per Levi.

WEEK 2 SCHEDULE

Friday, Dec. 6

Colorado at Las Vegas, 10:30 p.m. Eastern

Saturday, Dec. 7

Calgary at Halifax, 5 p.m. Eastern  
Buffalo at Rochester, 7 p.m. Eastern  
Albany at Toronto, 7 p.m. Eastern  
San Diego at Georgia, 8 p.m.