Before starting their quest for a third consecutive National Lacrosse League title earlier this month, the Buffalo Bandits’ players, coaches and support staff gathered at a local hotel for a dinner and ring ceremony.
Coach John Tavares called it a “team bonding,” night and it basically closed the book on the 2023-24 season. But a final event awaits Saturday night at KeyBank Center when the Bandits’ championship banner will be raised to the rafters before their home opener against the Rochester Knighthawks.
Bandits goaltender Matt Vinc celebrates a repeat National Lacrosse League title in May. The Bandits will raise their 2023-24 championship banner on Saturday.
“I’m emotional even thinking about that night coming up,” Bandits captain Steve Priolo said earlier this month. “You want to put last season in the past, but (banner-raising) night forces it back and you’re also thinking, ‘What we did last year is going to be up there forever and be remembered forever.’ That’s what sticks with you.”
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Fans will receive a mini replica banner and are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:10 p.m. for a ceremony preceding the 6:30 p.m. game.
“It’s all about moments, and that’s a moment we worked hard for,” forward Josh Byrne said. “To be able to stand there and watch the banner go up and understand what it means for our team and what it means for the city, it’s definitely a special thing.
“Over the last few years, it’s been cool to have people come up and truly thank us for winning one for the city, and to do it twice, I’ve seen tears in the eyes of fans thanking us.”
Said Tavares: “There is always a lot of energy for banner-raising night. I’m sure there will be a lot of excitement in the building and that plays in our favor.”
The Bandits are striving for their seventh NLL title, joining the teams in 1992-93, 1996, 2008 and 2023-24, and they’re off to a good start at 2-0.
Last year, the Bandits didn’t get two games above .500 until Feb. 3, and didn’t get above .500 for good until March 30.
The Bandits stressed a faster start this season and have delivered; they are first in the NLL in goal differential (plus-19) after a 15-7 win over Rochester on Dec. 7 and an 18-7 win over Ottawa on Dec. 13. Georgia and Saskatchewan lead the NLL at 3-0, followed by the Bandits and Calgary at 2-0.
Eight Bandits players have at least five points, led by – who else? – Dhane Smith (20 points) and Byrne (15 points). Goalie Matt Vinc has stopped 85 of 99 shots.
Saturday starts a four-game homestand for the Bandits, who were 9-3 on their home floor last season.
“We wouldn’t be able to do it without Banditland,” Byrne said. “They’re basically an extra player out there and we ride that momentum.”
The Buffalo Bandits are off to a fast start this season, and they are showing no signs of slowing down. After coming off a successful season where they made it to the finals, the Bandits are hungry for more success.
With a talented roster and a strong coaching staff, the Bandits are proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the National Lacrosse League. They have started the season with a perfect record and are currently sitting at the top of the standings.
As the Bandits prepare to raise their championship banner, they are looking to continue their winning ways and defend their title. Fans are excited to see what this team can accomplish this season and are hopeful for another successful run.
With their high-powered offense and stingy defense, the Bandits are poised to make a deep playoff run once again. Keep an eye on this team as they look to build on their early success and bring home another championship to Buffalo. Go Bandits!
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