Albany Empire head coach Tom Menas joined Levack & Bahl this afternoon to break news about the team, the NAL and the schedule for the upcoming season.

In our exclusive interview, which you can listen to above, Coach Menas shares that the Ontario Bandits have ceased operations due to COVID-related issues, and will not play in the NAL during the 2021 season. The Bandits also happened to be the Empire's opponent for the first game of the regular season, to be played this Saturday at the Times Union Center.

As part of the chat, Coach Menas shared the revised schedule, which you can read below.

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(This Saturday) 5/29: vs. Columbus Lions

6/4: @ Jersey Flight

6/12: vs. Carolina Cobras

6/19: @ Orlando Predators

6/26: @ Jacksonville Sharks

7/3 and 7/10: Bye Weeks

7/17: vs. Jersey Flight

7/24: @ Columbus Lions

7/31: vs. Jacksonville Sharks


A few quick notes on the schedule. The Lions have been added to the schedule as the replacement for what was supposed to be the opening week game against Ontario. The Empire now have two bye weeks consecutively, which follow the team's trip to Florida for games on the 19th and 26th.

Another thing to note: keep an eye on the match-up to end the regular season against Jacksonville at the Times Union Center. Coach Menas told us that this game could very well determine the regular season champion, as both teams come into the season with a great deal of talent in the line-up.

For more information about the team and the upcoming season, visit https://www.albanyempirenal.com/ and keep it locked to 104.5 The Team.

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