What Is 2016 New England Black Wolves

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 New England Black Wolves were a professional indoor lacrosse team based in Uncasville, Connecticut, competing in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) during the 2016 season. They finished the regular season with a 7–9 record and lost in the first round of the playoffs.

Key Facts

The 2016 New England Black Wolves played in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) and had a 7–9 regular season record.
They played home games at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
The team was led by head coach Mike Hasen during the 2016 season.
They scored 168 goals and allowed 185, ranking near the bottom defensively.
The Black Wolves lost 13–11 to the Toronto Rock in the first round of the 2016 playoffs.

Overview

The 2016 New England Black Wolves were a member of the National Lacrosse League (NLL), representing Connecticut in the indoor professional lacrosse circuit. This season marked their second year in the league after relocating from Philadelphia, where they were previously known as the Philadelphia Wings.

Based at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, the team aimed to build a regional fanbase while competing in the Eastern Conference. Despite improvements from their inaugural 2015 campaign, they struggled with consistency and defensive performance throughout the 2016 season.

Founded in 2014 as a rebrand of the Philadelphia Wings, the franchise relocated to Connecticut and debuted as the Black Wolves in 2015, making 2016 their second season.
The 2016 regular season consisted of 18 games, in which the Black Wolves finished with a 7–9 record, placing third in the Eastern Conference.
Head coach Mike Hasen, a former collegiate standout and experienced NLL coach, led the team with an emphasis on youth development and aggressive offense.
Goaltender Nick Damore emerged as a key player, posting a 13.56 goals-against average and a .738 save percentage across 10 appearances.
Attendance averaged around 4,500 fans per game at Mohegan Sun Arena, benefiting from the venue’s integrated entertainment complex and tribal ownership.

How It Works

The New England Black Wolves operated under standard NLL team structure, combining player acquisition, coaching strategy, and arena logistics to compete in the indoor lacrosse season.

Team Structure: The roster included 20 active players, with specialized roles in offense, defense, and goaltending, adhering to NLL regulations on player eligibility and salary caps.
Season Format: The 2016 NLL season ran from January to April, with each team playing 18 games; the top four teams in each conference qualified for playoffs.
Player Acquisition: The team used the NLL Entry Draft, trades, and free agency, selecting Callum Crawford in the first round of the 2015 draft as a key offensive addition.
Gameplay Rules: Indoor lacrosse features six-on-six play, 15-minute quarters, and a 30-second shot clock, emphasizing speed, physical contact, and high-scoring action.
Home Arena: Mohegan Sun Arena, with a capacity of over 10,000, provided state-of-the-art facilities and strong marketing integration through the Mohegan Tribal ownership.
Defensive Challenges: The 2016 Black Wolves allowed 185 goals, the second-highest in the league, highlighting struggles despite offensive improvements.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2016 New England Black Wolves with other Eastern Conference teams in key performance metrics:

Team	Record (W-L)	Goals For	Goals Against	Playoff Result
Toronto Rock	10–8	184	168	Champions
Buffalo Bandits	10–8	191	174	Lost Final
New England Black Wolves	7–9	168	185	Lost in First Round
Georgia Swarm	6–10	189	206	Did Not Qualify
Philadelphia Wings	4–12	158	202	Did Not Qualify

The Black Wolves ranked third in their conference but were eliminated in the first round after a 13–11 loss to the Toronto Rock. Their offense showed promise with 168 total goals, but defensive lapses limited playoff success.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was pivotal in shaping the Black Wolves' identity and future in the NLL, highlighting both potential and areas needing improvement. As one of the few teams based in the Northeast, they played a role in expanding lacrosse’s footprint beyond traditional markets.

Regional Representation: The team brought professional indoor lacrosse to New England, a region with strong collegiate lacrosse traditions but limited pro presence.
Youth Engagement: The Black Wolves hosted clinics and school visits, aiming to grow the sport among over 15,000 local youth through outreach programs.
Franchise Stability: Despite modest records, the 2016 season helped solidify operations under Mohegan Sun management, ensuring continued participation through 2020.
Player Development: Rookie Callum Crawford recorded 43 points, showing the team’s ability to develop young talent for future success.
League Growth: The NLL expanded from 9 to 13 teams between 2014 and 2018, with the Black Wolves contributing to broader league visibility.
Legacy: The franchise ceased operations in 2020 when the NLL contracted, but the 2016 season remains a benchmark for regional sports development efforts.

The 2016 New England Black Wolves may not have won a championship, but their season provided valuable insights into building a sustainable professional lacrosse team in a non-traditional market.