What Is 2017 New England Black Wolves

Overview

The 2017 New England Black Wolves were a professional box lacrosse team competing in the National Lacrosse League (NLL), representing the northeastern United States. Based in Uncasville, Connecticut, the team played its home games at the Mohegan Sun Arena, a venue known for hosting major sports and entertainment events.

During the 2017 NLL season, the Black Wolves struggled to maintain consistency, finishing with a 6–10 win-loss record. Despite strong individual performances, the team placed fifth in the East Division and did not qualify for the playoffs, marking another challenging year in their franchise history.

• Franchise origin: The team originated as the Washington Stealth before relocating to Connecticut in 2015, rebranded as the New England Black Wolves. This move established the region’s first professional lacrosse presence in the NLL.
• 2017 season record: The Black Wolves finished the regular season with 6 wins and 10 losses, their second consecutive non-playoff season since rebranding, reflecting ongoing struggles in league competitiveness.
• Home venue: All home games were played at the Mohegan Sun Arena, which has a seating capacity of approximately 10,000 for lacrosse and is operated by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority.
• Head coach:Mike Hasen served as head coach in 2017, bringing extensive collegiate and professional lacrosse experience to lead player development and in-game strategy.
• Key players: Notable contributors included Tom Schreiber, a two-time NLL Rookie of the Year finalist, and goaltender Rich Hill, who recorded a 12.36 goals-against average during the season.

How It Works

The New England Black Wolves operated as a franchise within the National Lacrosse League, adhering to standard NLL rules, scheduling, and team management structures during the 2017 season.

• League Structure: The NLL is a professional indoor lacrosse league with a regular season running from December to April. In 2017, the league featured 9 teams divided into East and West divisions.
• Game Format: Each game consists of four 15-minute quarters with a 20-second shot clock. Teams field six players, including a goaltender, and play on a hockey-rink-sized turf surface.
• Player Roster: Rosters typically include 20–22 players, with positions split among forwards, transition players, defenders, and goaltenders, all subject to NLL salary cap regulations.
• Season Schedule: The 2017 NLL season ran from January 7 to May 13, with each team playing a 16-game regular season schedule followed by a playoff tournament for top teams.
• Scoring System: Goals are worth one point, and teams earn standings points based on wins and losses. Tie games are resolved with overtime sudden-death periods.
• Team Management: The Black Wolves were managed by the Mohegan Tribe, with operations overseen by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, integrating lacrosse into broader entertainment offerings at Mohegan Sun.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2017 New England Black Wolves with other East Division teams in terms of performance and standings.

The table highlights the competitive gap between the Black Wolves and top-tier teams. While the Georgia Swarm dominated the league with 13 wins, the Black Wolves struggled offensively and defensively, ranking near the bottom in goals scored and allowed. Their fifth-place finish in the East Division underscored the need for roster and strategic improvements.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was significant for understanding the challenges faced by expansion and relocated franchises in the NLL, particularly in building a sustainable fan base and competitive roster.

• Regional representation: The Black Wolves provided New England with a professional lacrosse presence, helping grow the sport in a region traditionally dominated by field lacrosse.
• Indigenous partnership: Ownership by the Mohegan Tribe highlighted Native American involvement in professional sports, aligning with the cultural roots of lacrosse.
• Youth engagement: The team hosted clinics and school programs, promoting lacrosse among over 2,000 local youth during the 2017 season.
• Economic impact: Home games contributed to local tourism, with average attendance of 6,200 per game at Mohegan Sun Arena.
• League diversity: The Black Wolves added geographic diversity to the NLL, expanding the league’s footprint into the Northeastern U.S.
• Legacy and rebranding: Despite poor on-field performance, the team laid groundwork for future development, eventually rebranding as the Connecticut Black Wolves in later years.

The 2017 New England Black Wolves season, while not successful in terms of wins, played a role in expanding the reach of professional lacrosse and fostering community engagement in a growing sports market.