Ottawa Black Bears: 2024-25 Season Preview
11/29/2024 01:06 PM
Ottawa Black Bears: 2024-25 Season Preview
The Ottawa Black Bears, coming into the first season with a lot of expectations, have moved from New York, where they were playing as the Riptide. A new beginning for this organization but one with excitement in the nation’s capital. The Black Bears would love to make some noise this year led by star Jeff Teat. Teat, who scored an incredible 131 points last season, is expected to spearhead the charge once more. Coach Dan Ladouceur has praised Teat’s drive for success, citing his will to win championships. As the team rebrands and begins a new chapter in their new home, the Ottawa Black Bears are ready to leave their mark.
The 2023-2024 season was one where, as the New York Riptide at the time, the team never really found their groove and ultimately finished outside of the playoff picture. However, with Teat having a strong year and others like Connor Kearnan and Reilly O’Connor playing good lacrosse, there was something to build on. The Black Bears took advantage of the opportunity during the off-season, and they didn’t hold anything back. Notable additions include goaltender Zach Higgins, who brings a wealth of experience between the pipes, and defenders Jacob Dunbar and Nathan Grenon, both of whom add depth to a defense that needed shoring up. These moves signal the team’s commitment to competing in their new city.
The Black Bears have a busy schedule this year, starting with an inaugural home game against the Toronto Rock on November 29th. This first game serves not only to celebrate lacrosse’s premiere in Ottawa but also as a possibility of making a statement early against a top opponent. Other highlights include the December 13 matchup against the Buffalo Bandits, where Jeff Teat will face off against reigning MVP Josh Byrne in a highly explosive game. Adding to the schedule is the February 15 matchup with the Albany FireWolves, as Coach Ladouceur will also be going head-to-head against Glenn Clark. With matchups like these, the Black Bears are well-positioned to capture the attention of lacrosse fans across the league.
The Black Bears have an extremely solid core on offense, but the questions about their defensive capabilities remain: how will they be able to keep off some of the league’s top scorers? There were simply too many breakdowns last season that left their goalies out to dry – something they definitely cannot continue doing.
These are concerns that the addition of Higgins in net and the defensive reinforcements should help, but how quickly the unit gels will be critical. Offensively, Teat is in a class of his own as a playmaker, but secondary scoring needs to step up to take some pressure off the star forward. Players like Kearnan and O’Connor will be looked to for consistent production.
The Black Bears open their inaugural season in the nation’s capital carrying with them a new fanbase starving for success. With a roster revamped to perfection, one of the most talented players in the world in Jeff Teat, and some marquee matchups, this has all the makings of a season to remember. The road won’t be easy, but the Black Bears are determined to make their mark in Ottawa and beyond.
