OSHAWA – History was made on Friday night as professional lacrosse returned to Oshawa in spectacular fashion. The Oshawa FireWolves edged out the Toronto Rock 8-7 in a thrilling National Lacrosse League season opener that came down to the final minute.
Dramatic Finish Seals Victory
With just 52 seconds remaining on the clock, Ethan Walker scored his second goal of the game on a mid-range shot, breaking the tie and securing the FireWolves' first-ever NLL victory. The dramatic finish capped an evening that marked the city's long-awaited return to big-time lacrosse after a century of history with the sport.
The Tribute Communities Centre erupted as 5,100 fans witnessed Oshawa's professional lacrosse renaissance. FireWolves head coach Glenn Clark praised both the game and the atmosphere, noting that close contests are typical of the NLL.
Slow Start Leads to Scoring Frenzy
The game began as a defensive battle, with scoring taking nearly 13 minutes to materialize. C.J. Kirst, the first overall pick in the 2025 draft, finally broke the ice for Toronto. Nick Chaykowski responded for the FireWolves, tying the game in the final minute of the opening quarter and giving the home crowd their first reason to cheer.
Scoring opened up significantly in the second period despite outstanding goaltending from both teams. Oshawa's Doug Jamieson and Toronto's Nick Rose, two of the NLL's elite netminders, traded spectacular saves throughout the quarter.
The action saw goals from Taggert Clark, Alex Simmons, and a special moment for local product Dyson Williams, who scored in front of his hometown crowd. Toronto answered with Chris Boushy benefiting from a fortunate bounce off the boards and Challen Rogers converting on the Rock's first power-play opportunity.
Fourth Quarter Heroics
Toronto appeared to take control in the third period, scoring twice to establish a 5-4 lead. Kirst notched his second goal of the game with impressive moves near the net, while Rogers added his second shortly after off a Kirst rebound.
Walker began the final quarter with his first goal, tying the game and setting the stage for the dramatic finish. Owen Hiltz responded for Toronto with his first career NLL goal, but Simmons and Tye Kurtz quickly restored Oshawa's lead.
Hiltz, another high draft pick for Toronto, scored his second goal to tie the game once more before Walker's heroics secured the victory for the FireWolves.
Looking Ahead
The FireWolves now prepare to travel to Halifax to face the Thunderbirds next Friday. Meanwhile, the Rock will host their home opener at TD Coliseum on December 13 against the Calgary Roughnecks.
Toronto fans are eagerly anticipating more action from Kirst, who is adjusting to the indoor game after his recent draft selection. "My teammates and coaches have been great helping with the transition," Kirst said. "I'm just trying to get as many reps as possible and get my feet underneath me."
Coach Clark emphasized the importance of the successful debut for building the team's fanbase. "We were always going to get lacrosse fans. The key is to get new fans," Clark noted. "When we expose that type of product, they go away wanting to come back to the next game."
