What Is 2019 New England Black Wolves season

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 New England Black Wolves season was their fourth in the National Lacrosse League (NLL), finishing with a 7-9 record and missing the playoffs. They played home games at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Key Facts

The 2019 New England Black Wolves finished the NLL season with a 7-9 record
They played home games at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut
Head coach was Mike Pressler, in his second season with the team
The team scored 178 goals, averaging 11.1 per game during the regular season
They failed to qualify for the NLL playoffs for the third consecutive year

Overview

The 2019 season marked the fourth year for the New England Black Wolves in the National Lacrosse League (NLL), continuing their presence in professional indoor lacrosse. Based in Uncasville, Connecticut, the team played its home games at Mohegan Sun Arena under the leadership of head coach Mike Pressler.

The Black Wolves struggled to find consistency in the 2019 campaign, finishing with a losing record and missing the postseason for the third straight year. Despite flashes of offensive potential, defensive lapses and inconsistency against top-tier opponents ultimately derailed playoff hopes.

Record: The team finished the regular season with a 7-9 win-loss record, placing them below .500 for the third consecutive year.
Home venue: All home games were held at Mohegan Sun Arena, a 10,000-seat venue known for its intimate lacrosse atmosphere.
Head coach: Mike Pressler entered his second season as head coach, aiming to build a more disciplined and defensively sound team.
Offensive output: The Black Wolves scored 178 goals over 16 games, averaging 11.1 goals per game, ranking mid-tier in the league.
Key player: Tom Schreiber, the team’s leading scorer, tallied 83 points (35 goals, 48 assists), finishing among the NLL’s top 10 scorers.

How It Works

The NLL operates as a professional box lacrosse league with a structured regular season, playoffs, and championship format. Each team plays a balanced schedule, and standings determine playoff eligibility.

Regular Season: The 2019 NLL season ran from December 2018 to April 2019, with each team playing 16 games. Duration: The Black Wolves' season spanned from early December to late March.
Scoring System: Goals, assists, and points determine individual and team rankings. Top performer: Schreiber’s 83 points were critical for New England’s offense.
Playoff Qualification: Only the top teams in each division qualify. Outcome: The Black Wolves finished outside the Eastern Conference playoff spots.
Division Structure: The Black Wolves competed in the Eastern Conference, facing teams like Toronto, Rochester, and Buffalo. Division record: They went 4-5 against conference rivals.
Game Format: Each game consists of four 15-minute quarters with a 20-second shot clock. Pace: The 2019 season saw faster transitions and more scoring than previous years.
Player Roster: Teams carry up to 21 active players. Key addition: Rookie Callum Crawford contributed 52 points in his debut season.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2019 New England Black Wolves with other Eastern Conference teams in key performance metrics.

Team	Record (W-L)	Goals For	Goals Against	Playoff Result
New England Black Wolves	7-9	178	195	Did not qualify
Buffalo Bandits	10-6	185	162	Lost in Finals
Toronto Rock	7-9	169	181	Did not qualify
Rochester Knighthawks	4-12	148	204	Did not qualify
Philadelphia Wings	10-6	182	168	Lost in Semifinals

The Black Wolves ranked in the middle of the pack defensively, allowing 195 goals, the third-most in the conference. While their offense was competitive, poor performances in close games—particularly a 3-7 record in one-goal contests—hurt their playoff chances. The team showed improvement over 2018 but failed to translate it into postseason success.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season was a transitional year for the franchise, highlighting both potential and persistent challenges. As the only NLL team based in New England, their performance impacts regional interest in lacrosse.

Youth Engagement: The Black Wolves hosted youth clinics, helping grow lacrosse in a region dominated by hockey and basketball.
Market Development: Sustained play in Connecticut expands the NLL’s footprint beyond traditional Canadian strongholds.
Player Development: Young stars like Callum Crawford gained valuable experience, setting the stage for future growth.
Attendance Trends: Average attendance hovered around 3,200 per game, showing modest but stable fan support.
Coaching Strategy: Pressler’s focus on fundamentals emphasized defense, though execution remained inconsistent.
Franchise Future: The 2019 season underscored the need for roster upgrades and better mid-season adjustments.

While the 2019 campaign didn’t yield playoff success, it provided valuable lessons for the organization. The Black Wolves continued to build a foundation for long-term competitiveness in the NLL.