**LAS VEGAS (Feb. 23, 2026) — ** The Las Vegas Desert Dogs (4–5) take on the Vancouver Warriors (7-3) for the second time this season, this time inside Lee’s Family Forum on PENTA Field. Faceoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PST on Friday, Feb. 27.
The two teams first met in Week 3 of the NLL season, which marked the Desert Dogs’ first game of the 2025–26 campaign. Vancouver came out fast in the opening matchup, earning a 15–9 win on Dec. 13, 2025. Despite the loss, new Desert Dogs additions Mitch Jones and Chris Cloutier each scored in the contest.
DESERT DOGS GET A WEEK OFF
The Las Vegas Desert Dogs are coming off a midseason bye week after falling just short in a thriller against the Colorado Mammoth (7–2), dropping a 13–12 decision on Rock the Box night Feb. 13.
Jonathan Donville hit a major milestone with his 300th career NLL point, while Chris Cloutier led the Dogs offensively with four goals, including a key power-play tally in the fourth quarter. Mitch Jones bounced back in a big way, opening the scoring and later completing a hat trick, while Jackson Webster and Adam Poitras also found the back of the net. Despite multiple momentum swings and a late push that cut the deficit to one, Colorado’s four-goal fourth-quarter surge proved to be the difference.
WARRIORS CARVING A WARPATH TO PLAYOFFS
The Warriors are a top‑3 team in the NLL currently, and their play backs this up tremendously. Vancouver sits at 7–3 with one of the league’s most efficient offenses, scoring 113 goals while holding opponents to just 93 through 10 games. Keegan Bal has been the driving force, ranking second in the NLL in points with 69 (22 G, 47 A), while Curtis Dickson leads the team with 28 goals and Jesse King has added 22. Dickson and King are tied at 47 points each. Bal also ranks among the league’s top assist leaders, showcasing his elite playmaking ability.
On the defensive end, goaltender Christian Del Bianco has been a steady presence between the pipes, and the Warriors’ balanced attack has helped them notch key wins over contenders like the Buffalo Bandits. With strong scoring depth and stingy defense, Vancouver continues to prove it belongs among the league’s elite this season.
It’s another tough opponent for the Desert Dogs, but a great opportunity. After a close loss two weeks ago, ferocious effort and strong play from the opening faceoff might be enough to knock off the Warriors.
MILESTONES
Sheldon Burns is 9 points away from 100 career NLL points.
Chris Cloutier is 3 goals away from 150 career NLL goals.
Kyle Killen is 2 goals away from 150 career NLL goals AND is one game away from 100 NLL games played.
Mitch Jones is 2 goals away from 300 career NLL goals AND 9 assists from 500 career NLL assists.
Tony Malcom is 4 goals away from 100 career NLL goals AND 4 assists from 150 career NLL assists.
Connor Kirst recovered 500 career NLL loose balls in his career during the game against Colorado.
Jonathan Donville hit 300 career NLL points in the game against Colorado.
LVDD POINT LEADERS
#16 Mitch Jones – 58 points (21G, 37A)
#3 Jonathan Donville – 51 points (12G, 39A)
#25 Chris Cloutier – 43 points (19G, 24A)
#8 Chase Fraser – 22 points (10G, 12A)
#91 Adam Poitras – 21 points (13G, 8A)
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE GAME
Our sixth home game is Neon Night, bringing the full Vegas vibe we all know and love. The first 2,500 fans through the doors will receive glow sticks to light up the night, but we want everyone involved. Rock your brightest neon gear and help us make Lee’s Family Forum glow. We’re bringing the club to the arena without the hassle and at cheaper prices!
The Dogs are also partnering with the National Rugby League, and legendary players will sign autographs at the Big Dog’s Tailgate Party. NRL players will also perform a special competition at halftime.
Big Dog’s Tiltyard Tailgate will be back to help fans get the party started before the doors open to the Den. Enjoy $2 Big Dog’s Good Boy Lagers and Twisted Tail Seltzers, Decker’s Kids Zone, outdoor games, food trucks, and live DJ entertainment beginning at 4:30 p.m. PST.
Once inside the arena, the value continues with $5 Good Boy Lagers and Twisted Tail Seltzers all night long, along with Den Deals on fan-favorite food items including nachos, boxed popcorn, hot dogs, french fries, and pretzels — all for just $5. Doors open at 6 p.m. PST.
Fans 21 and older can continue the night at the Official After Party at the Rio Hotel & Casino’s VooDoo Lounge from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
🎟️ General tickets can be purchased at lasvegasdesertdogs.com/tickets 🎟️
ABOUT LAS VEGAS DESERT DOGS
The Las Vegas Desert Dogs are a professional box lacrosse team and a member of the National Lacrosse League (NLL). Known for their dedication to excellence and their passionate fanbase, the Desert Dogs have become a symbol of local pride for the city of Las Vegas and one of the most entertaining nights out. The Desert Dogs play 18 games in the regular season, 9 home games + 9 away games. All home games are played at Lee’s Family Forum located in Henderson, NV, minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip. Games can be viewed locally on FOX 5, SSSEN, YouTube TV, ESPN+ and select games on ESPN2 and ESPNU. To stay updated on all things Las Vegas Desert Dogs, visit our official website lasvegasdesertdogs.com and follow us on social media @VegasDesertDogs on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
ABOUT NATIONAL LACROSSE LEAGUE
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is North America’s largest professional lacrosse league and welcomed more than 1 million fans for the third consecutive year during the 2024-25 season. Founded in 1986, the NLL is comprised of 14 franchises across Canada and the United States, and recently unveiled its largest brand campaign ever, “Welcome to The Next Major League™” and introduced its comprehensive grassroots initiative, NLL UnBOXed™, that will expand the League’s footprint to 60 communities across North America by 2028. For the latest scores and developments in the National Lacrosse League, please visit: NLL.com and find the NLL on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and TikTok. Games are available live and streaming on TSN, TSN+, ESPN, and NLL+.
For all media inquiries please contact, Dana Mariotti, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, [email protected].
To request media credentials to the Las Vegas Desert Dogs Home Opener, please click HERE.
