Albany, NY (WRGB) — The Albany FireWolves returned to MVP Arena on Saturday night to face the Las Vegas Desert Dogs, but the game carried a deeper meaning beyond the scoreboard. It marked the FireWolves’ inaugural Tucker Out Lymphoma Game, honoring Tucker Williams, the youngest brother of Albany forward Dyson Williams. Tucker passed away from lymphoma in 2014.
With support from the National Lacrosse League, Dyson and his father, Shawn Williams—Las Vegas’ head coach—came together to pay tribute to Tucker’s legacy.
“Since my brother passed away, it’s been 10 years now, and I’ve been a part of a lot of Tucker Lymphoma games in Buffalo where it all started,” Dyson Williams said. “There’s going to be a lot of emotion going into it and seeing his name on all the posters. I know I got to take a step back and soak it in a bit, but once that first whistle goes off, play the game.”
During the game, fans illuminated the arena with their phone lights in a touching tribute to those who have battled or are battling cancer.
On the field, Dyson honored his brother with a first-quarter goal, blowing a kiss to the sky as the FireWolves took a 3-2 lead. In the second quarter, Callum Crawford extended Albany’s advantage to 4-2 with a determined effort through the defense.
However, despite a strong performance, Albany was outscored 11-9 in regulation. The FireWolves suffered another heartbreaking overtime loss, falling 12-11 and remaining winless at home.
The Wolves will next face the Colorado Mammoth on Saturday, January 11.
