Moon Dance
It was a glorious evening inside KeyBank Center last Saturday as the Bandits raised their 2024 NLL Championship banner and continued their dominant early-season play.
The 13-6 home opener victory over the Rochester Knighthawks was another rung in achieving a dynasty in this fantastic game.
“It was a great night. I was a little nervous that the guys would lose focus, but they did a great job for 60 minutes. Everybody was on all cylinders from Matt to the defense and offense, and it was a complete game,” said Bandits head coach John Tavares.
Thank you to the 19,070 fans in attendance and hundreds of thousands who watched and listened to the ceremony and game.
This Team!
To play the way they did after a 14-day layoff between games goes beyond the dedication of each player to remain in shape, sharp, and ready to play. It’s the pure fact that this team has a fabulous batch of chemistry.
There is a bond between every player, on and off the turf. I witnessed it again during the post-game gathering at Cobblestone Bar & Grill, where the players, wives, girlfriends, brothers, sisters, moms and dads, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends enjoyed the camaraderie and passion. Grin to grin smiles and hugs wafting like butterflies into the evening.
“It’s very special to do it in front of the fans, the players family and friends; it’s nice to share. We want to share as much as possible,” said Tavares.
The Bandits have always been a close group. However, the 2024-25 roster is extraordinary. This team has God-gifted talent and a true passion for each other’s success.
Introduce Myself
I had the pleasure of meeting several family members and friends Saturday night who, like you, are so proud of this Bandits team. Sam La Roue also formally introduced me to new Bandits, Lucas Nielson, and Trent Robertson.
These players, along with Taylor Dooley, Evan Constantopoulos, and Clay Scanlan, represent the future, and many more are in the wings. Along with La Roue and Emerson Clark, their continued commitment to the club in practicing and helping their teammates prepare goes beyond the norm.
Postgame events, too, are an excellent experience for younger players, who realize how important it is to mingle and meet the members of Banditland.
About Last Saturday
Like the previous two Bandit victories, the game featured five and four-goal runs, including three goals in one minute and twenty-eight seconds.
Dhane Smith and Josh Byrne combined for 19 points, Kyle Buchanan had a beauty behind the back, and Ian MacKay continued his scoring prowess.
Tehoka Nanticoke scored three Nanticoke-style goals, shooting 50 percent from the floor. And congratulations to Clay Scanlan for netting his first NLL goal and ending the evening 2+1.
“Tehoka has more of an impact than you think. He knows that Josh, Dhane, Chase, Bucky, and Cloutier are there, but he’s constantly willing to put his body on the line for other people,” noted Tavares.
“He would tell us that if we run a play for him, he thinks it’s better for somebody else. He’s always willing to change the play to get somebody else open. He is so sneaky and creative around the net. He scored some incredible goals and is fun to watch.”
The defense remains the stingiest group in the NLL, now only allowing six goals a game, blocking 27 shots (Paul Dawson soaked five Saturday night), and creating 30 turnovers (Dhane had two in the game).
“I have to give credit to all the guys on the team. We have pretty much the same team back and a great leadership group. They do a great job of keeping the guys focused,” Tavares said.
It’s evident in the first three games that Matt is playing well, the defense is playing well, and the offense is playing well. I think we can get even better.”
The undeniable reason for the Bandit’s 3-0 success is goaltender Matt Vinc. Making a career and franchise-high 62 saves pushed his overall save percentage to .880 and a 6.85 goals-against average.
“Matt is playing like he’s 25 and at the peak of his career,” Tavares said.
Vinc knows every team is looking to beat them. Now that the banner ceremony is over, they are like every other team in the league.
“We are now trying to get a good playoff position to make another run. We can’t be satisfied with what we’ve done. We are all playing for the moment. The only reason I’m back is to try and win another championship, and that’s the mindset moving forward,” said Vinc.
Vinc’s overall record with the Bandits is 63-23!
Bandits Lights!
The overall banner-raising ceremony wasn’t contained to KeyBank Center as the City Hall lights were illuminated in Bandits colors and, too, a call to order!
Acting Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon proclaimed Saturday, December 28, Buffalo Bandits Day, honoring the legacy of the team and their six NLL Championships.
“The Bandits have brought immense pride, excitement, and joy to our city,” said Mayor Scanlon.
“Buffalo is Banditland, and the proclamation is a tribute to a team that has made an indelible impact on our city, community, and region.”
Bye, Bye, American Pie
Welp, it’s another bye week for the Bandits. The next game will be on Friday, January 10, inside KeyBank Center. It will be the Bandits’ annual Native American Night, a celebration of the Creator’s game and the presentation of the club’s Native American Scholarship.
Cutting Room Floor
A couple of Bandits “Wow” facts from Budd Bailey, writer for the Buffalo Sports Page.
- When Bandits are leading by seven goals, their record is 20-0 (since 2005)
- The Bandits played 180 minutes and trailed for six minutes
Happy New Year!