It is his first teleconference heading into a brand new season in a brand new city. The New England Black Wolves of the National Lacrosse League, coached by the engaging Blane Harrison, open their schedule Jan. 2 against Buffalo at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Harrison is asked for his team's highlights from the preseason.

He picks a skirmish from the second day of practice between defenders Craig England and Bill O'Brien, both in their first year with the franchise and each looking to make the team at the time.

"The squeamish among us might not appreciate it," Harrison said Friday morning of the fight between teammates. "It did really show the kind of team we might have.

"Very rarely do you see that happen. Guys don't want their teammates upset with them. But it's not personal. We're all trying to make a squad. It was done for a reason. Two guys who are battling for a position. They wrestled to the ground and it was over. It's good to see that kind of passion, that sense of urgency."

The outcome?

In a recent scrimmage against Buffalo - a team with which O'Brien, a free agent signee and former football player at Sacred Heart, also tangled - England asked to be in the lineup to provide some backup for his fellow defender.

Said Harrison: "Guys are starting to look after each other's back."

It is a sport, box lacrosse, which still could use some exposure in the New England region. The franchise moved from Philadelphia, where it finished 6-12 last season, in August.

Harrison compares indoor lacrosse in the NLL, played six-on-six, to a mix between lacrosse, basketball, football and hockey. He said, in any case, he doesn't expect the fans to be bored.

"Connecticut has a fan base kind of used to lacrosse but this is a different kind of lacrosse," Harrison said. "In the opinion of one, it's a completely different sport. It should have a different name.

"You bring in the athleticism and the hitting of football, the strategy of basketball, the up and down of hockey, the hand-eye coordination of outdoor lacrosse. It's a different level. It's a pretty good product."

The Black Wolves finalized their roster Thursday, with a mix of veterans and newcomers. The team will practice this weekend in Oakvile, Ontario, near Toronto, where it will also fit in one final exhibition game with the Toronto Rock on Saturday night, allowing the team to build a measure of chemistry.

The returnees include former No. 1 draft pick Kevin Crowley, a 6-foot-4 forward who had career-highs in assists (42) and points (75) in 2014. In addition, Mike Manley was the 2014 Defensive Player of the Year in the outdoor Major League Lacrosse season and Black Wolves defender Joel White had a career-high 17 forced turnovers last season.

There are five rookies which made the squad (no draft picks made last year's team), four veterans acquired by trade and three free agents.

Harrison said that while a handful of players elected not to play after the team moved from Philadelphia, such as veteran forward Ryan Ward, who retired on Nov. 10 after 11 successful seasons, it was an opportunity to take a completely different approach headed into the Black Wolves' new venue.

"It really does feel like a new team," said Harrison, in his second season as head coach.

"The venue is nothing short of spectacular; playing in that venue is different than anything else going on out there right now. Our player makeup, we have a little more Canadian content; that ups our IQ a little bit (box lacrosse originated in Canada). It does feel kind of like a new venture. It has a very refreshing feel."

Following this weekend's practice time, the Black Wolves will reconvene on New Year's Day at Mohegan Sun. The Wolves and Bandits, with their game the following night, will open the 29th season for the NLL.

"If we perform and compete and leave our best effort on the floor, I don't see how we wouldn't be embraced," Harrison said of the impression he hopes to leave on New England fans. "The guys seem genuinely excited and ready to compete, ready to earn that fan base."

v.fulkerson@theday.com

Twitter: @vickieattheday