What Is 2018 New England Black Wolves

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 New England Black Wolves were a professional indoor lacrosse team based in Uncasville, Connecticut, playing in the National Lacrosse League (NLL). They finished the 2018 season with a 5–13 record, failing to qualify for the playoffs.

Key Facts

The 2018 New England Black Wolves played in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) as a member team based in Uncasville, CT.
They played their home games at Mohegan Sun Arena, which has a seating capacity of approximately 10,000 for lacrosse.
In the 2018 NLL season, the team finished with a 5–13 win-loss record, placing 5th in the Eastern Conference.
Defensive midfielder Paul Rabil, a high-profile player, joined the team in 2018 after transitioning from outdoor to indoor lacrosse.
The Black Wolves failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2018, continuing a streak of missing postseason play since 2016.

Overview

The 2018 New England Black Wolves were a professional indoor lacrosse team competing in the National Lacrosse League (NLL), representing the New England region from their home base in Uncasville, Connecticut. As part of the league's Eastern Conference, the team played a 18-game regular season schedule from December 2017 through April 2018.

Despite efforts to strengthen their roster and improve attendance, the 2018 season was marked by inconsistent performance and defensive struggles. The team played all home games at the Mohegan Sun Arena, a venue known for its strong fan engagement and tribal ownership through the Mohegan Tribe.

Team Location: The New England Black Wolves were based in Uncasville, Connecticut, operating out of the Mohegan Sun Arena, a multi-purpose venue owned by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority.
Season Record: In the 2018 NLL season, the team posted a 5–13 win-loss record, their second consecutive losing season since relocating from Philadelphia in 2014.
Head Coach:Chris Hall, a veteran lacrosse coach with prior NLL and collegiate experience, led the team during the 2018 campaign, focusing on defensive restructuring.
Key Player Addition:Paul Rabil, a star in outdoor lacrosse, made his indoor debut with the Black Wolves in 2018, drawing national attention and boosting ticket sales.
Attendance: Average attendance hovered around 4,200 per game, roughly 42% of arena capacity, reflecting modest regional support compared to other NLL franchises.

Season Structure & Operations

The 2018 season followed the standard NLL format, featuring a blend of weekend and weekday games across a five-month schedule. Each team played 18 regular-season games, with the top teams in each conference advancing to the playoffs.

Regular Season Start: The 2018 NLL season began on December 1, 2017, with the Black Wolves opening against the Vancouver Warriors, losing 15–11.
Game Frequency: Teams played an average of 1–2 games per week, with most games scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays to maximize fan turnout.
Travel Demands: The Black Wolves traveled to cities such as Toronto, Buffalo, and Rochester, facing logistical challenges due to the geographic spread of NLL teams.
Roster Size: Each team carried a 22-man active roster, including 3 goaltenders and a mix of forwards, transition players, and defenders.
Player Salaries: NLL player compensation in 2018 averaged $30,000 per season, with top earners like Rabil receiving additional endorsement income.
Injury Management: The team dealt with multiple injuries, including a season-ending knee injury to midfielder Tom Schreiber in March 2018.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2018 New England Black Wolves with other Eastern Conference teams in terms of record, attendance, and playoff qualification.

Team	Record (W–L)	Attendance Avg.	Playoff Result	Key Player
New England Black Wolves	5–13	4,200	Did not qualify	Paul Rabil
Toronto Rock	10–8	8,900	Lost in Finals	Champion
Buffalo Bandits	10–8	13,500	Lost in Semifinals	Dhane Smith
Rochester Knighthawks	9–9	8,400	Lost in Quarterfinals	John Grant Jr.
Georgia Swarm	6–12	5,800	Did not qualify	Lyle Thompson

The table highlights the competitive gap between the Black Wolves and top Eastern Conference teams. Despite lower attendance and a losing record, the team maintained visibility through high-profile signings and community outreach programs in Connecticut.

Why It Matters

The 2018 season was pivotal for the New England Black Wolves as it tested the viability of professional indoor lacrosse in a region dominated by outdoor field lacrosse. The team's performance and business operations offered insights into the challenges of growing the NLL in non-traditional markets.

Market Expansion: The Black Wolves represented the NLL's effort to expand into the Northeast U.S., a region with strong lacrosse culture but limited indoor infrastructure.
Player Development: The season provided valuable experience for young players adapting to the faster pace and tighter confines of indoor lacrosse.
Commercial Impact: Paul Rabil's signing brought increased media coverage and sponsorship interest, helping elevate the league's national profile.
Community Engagement: The team hosted youth clinics and partnered with local schools, reaching over 2,000 students during the 2018 season.
Franchise Stability: Despite on-floor struggles, ownership maintained operations, signaling long-term commitment to the Connecticut market.
League Growth: The Black Wolves' presence contributed to the NLL's expansion, with new teams added in 2019 and 2020 to sustain momentum.

The 2018 season, while not successful in terms of wins, played a crucial role in shaping the future of indoor lacrosse in New England and the broader NLL landscape.