Dear Banditland,
It’s hard to put into words what it means to represent this team and this fan base.
I get choked up just thinking about all the great players who have worn the Bandits jersey and the unique opportunity I have had to be a part of something that transcends time.
For the past 14 seasons – and for the last six as captain – I’ve always tried to lead by example. To steer the ship in the right direction and do things right for this team and this city.
When I held up the Cup last season, it felt like I was finally able to repay the city that has been so supportive of me for over a decade. I was finally able to give you something to hold onto that’ll last forever. And now, all I want is to do it again.
We faced a lot of adversity this season. We dealt with injuries, new faces, and missed opportunities to win one-goal games. We had to have players step into important roles – people like Cam Wyers, who is in his first year in the league, and Paul Dawson, who was acquired at the deadline and brings another veteran presence to a young team.
Repetitions were everything this season. The more we played together, the better we were. It took time to get on the same page, but we stayed the course and kept a clear sense of direction with one goal in mind: raising the Cup once again.
As we navigated these obstacles together, our group began to realize that what sets us apart is how close we are in the locker room. There was never a moment of panic. We just continued to support each other and play for each other, which only made us stronger.
And through it all – Banditland, you were there.
Everybody talks about Banditland at home, but the one thing I’ve noticed is that Banditland is everywhere. On the road, you can hear the Bandits chants in other teams’ arenas almost overpower those of the home squad. It makes traveling to away games more comforting knowing you will be there.
But when we saw the opportunity to clinch a home playoff game – we knew we couldn’t pass it up.
The game comes easier to us at KeyBank Center. Hearing your cheers and feeling your passion brings us to life. We can focus more on our game knowing you will be there in your orange cowboy hats supporting us every step of the way.
Banditland, your energy is everything.
It makes me feel like I’m never tired, like I’m never going to get winded. I can just keep going. And when we’re going as a team, we’re really going.
Since our last win over Toronto, we’ve been playing really good lacrosse. The kind of lacrosse that will make a difference in those one-goal games. We’re doing the little things right – the little things that nobody is recording stats on.
We have those repetitions under our belt, and now we’re ready to go.
Moving forward, we need to keep our minds on the goal. Keep our minds on what’s been working, and not let anything else creep in.
Nobody cares if you just make the playoffs. Nobody cares if you’re in the Finals. Nobody cares about any of that stuff until you raise the Cup.
Last season’s banner is up in the rafters forever now. For a moment in time, the Buffalo Bandits were the best lacrosse team in the entire world.
And now it’s time to prove that we still are.
Banditland, it’s both an honor and a privilege to lead this squad.
We’re trying to do something special here as a group. Something that’s bigger than ourselves.
Now let’s get to it. See you Saturday.
Your captain,