A picture is worth a thousand words. Hundreds of photos from Bandits games chronicled the highs and lows of their 2023-24 season, which would be volumes in a bestseller.

Most importantly, the Bandits never lost sight of making the playoffs and targeting the prize of back-to-back championships.

They did it through dedication to their craft and passion for each other to succeed, and…

Banditland

Wow, what can I type further? You, the citizens of Banditland, are the most loyal and dedicated group I have ever been around. Through it all, your support this season meant so much to the players and staff. The Bandits averaged over 17,000 fans per game this season!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Never give up, never!

The Bandits never gave up fighting through injuries and undisciplined play, and each opponent’s quest to beat the champions with hell-bent-for-leather tactics proved successful.

But following their 5-6 fumbling record, the team followed a game plan that would vault them into the playoffs and never let go of this “we can do this attitude.”

While taken to the edge of overtime against Georgia, Josh Byrne’s goal represented good things yet to come in their quest for the cup.

If you freeze to the frame of his expression and teammates around him after that goal, the framing of the still photo translates more than a thousand words. It’s representative of the first edition of a remarkable turnaround.

The subsequent four games were masterpieces in goaltending, defense, transition, and offense. The Bandits didn’t find a way to win. They found their game and played it perfectly, including scoring spectacular goals.

There never was an ugly goal scored, which made the photos and the words described in them even more special.

The Bandits were the stronger team, with undeniable talent, commitment, and love – not only within but the fans of Banditland.

Four straight trips to the finals and two championships back-to-back to cherish is fantastic.

Pick your favorite Bandit photo and derive the words that accompany it.

The logistics of the Laxathon

So many people, including the training and medical staff, are behind the scenes supporting the Bandits throughout the season. Equipment manager Ted Cordingley and his assistant Casey Deuser made sure all was ready for the back-to-back games.

Most notably, care for the players during the recent back-to-back championship games played in 24 hours was extraordinary.

Head athletic trainer Ryan Rajk and assistants Nicole Rakoski and Mike Maisano assembled a recovery tactic to prepare the players for the two games. The tactics included hydration, BioSteel water, protein shakes for muscle recovery, fruit for the picking, iced towels, and comfort in the confines of an over-the-road bus.

In addition to the medical care overseen by Dr. Michael Raugh and Dr. Michael Jordan, the team had the services of deep tissue therapist Matt Meyer, Chiropractor John Beck, and mental skills coach Dr. Chris Siuta.

All of the faculties were available to the players between the hours of the two games.

The entire Bandits staff should be commended for their dedication to maximizing the Bandit players’ performance, which paid off with their second NLL championship.

Also, the game-day staff, along with Scott Loffler and Dan Ristine, arranging the postgame celebrations—all on a standby basis, pending the outcome of game two.

The personnel on the ready could have been told to “stand down” had the series gone back to Albany.

Fortunately, everything went swimmingly and without a hitch, from the confetti and NLL Cup presentation to the celebration and jubilant remarks by the players.

Sunday’s Rally in the plaza was a sight to behold, and you, the citizens of Banditland, made it special.

For a point of interest, below is a timeline for the Laxathon finals.

Thursday, May 17

1 p.m. Two buses departed Buffalo en route to Albany, a 300-plus mile trip

7 p.m. Players and support staff arrive at MVP Arena for load-in and practice

9 p.m. Food made available to the players at the arena

10 p.m. Check into the hotel and get immediate shut-eye.

Friday, May 18

7:00 a.m. Breakfast available

7:45 a.m. Bus to MVP Arena for meetings, video, and shoot around

11:00 a.m. Bus back to hotel headquarters

11:30 a.m. Luncheon for the players

4:00 p.m. Bus to MVP Arena for game preparation, treatments, and two warm-ups

7:00 p.m. Game #1 of the NLL finals

9:30 p.m. Equipment breakdown and transfer to busses, players meal available, treatments, hydration, 10:30 p.m. Busses embark on a 300-plus trip back to Buffalo

Saturday, May 19

4:00 a.m. Player and personnel check-in at Buffalo hotel

10:00 a.m. Optional shoot around at Key Bank Center  (every player went to shoot around)

11:30 a.m. Luncheon prepared by the excellent Bandits culinary staff

Noon Treatment available for bruises, strains, muscle and tissue recovery

4:00 p.m. Players begin to arrive at Key Bank Center for game preparations, treatments, and two warm-ups

7:30 p.m. Game #2 NLL Finals

10:00 p.m. Post-game celebration in full swing on the field with players, personnel, and family

Midnight Post-game celebration moves to Cobblestone, and then other locations

Sunday, May 19  

10:00 a.m. Players and personnel begin to arrive for the championship rally in Alumni Plaza of Key Bank Center

Noon Championship Rally

2:00 p.m. Rally ends, and the celebration continues with players & personnel going to other locations

Have a great summer!