What a marvelous night for a moon dance it was, not to mention the raising of the 2023 National Lacrosse League Championship banner!
Oh, and the Bandits prevailed with a fabulous 12-9 come-from-behind victory over the San Diego Seals. A five-goal run in the third quarter, which included two by Josh Byrne, and one by Kyle Buchanan, Ian MacKay, and Matt Spanger, was indeed the storyline.
But there is more.
Eight Bandits players in all netted goals (Byrne with four), and three players added apples, highlighted by Dhane Smith’s seven, Nick Weiss’s three, and Matt Vinc’s dish.
The Bandits took 10 soakers in front of Vinc, including four by Steve Priolo, and relied on the 41-year-old tender to turn aside 39 San Diego shots for a .810 save percentage.
Brandon Robinson was all over the game sheet with a goal, a blocked shot, five loose balls, and one caused turnover.
Before the game, Robinson came forward to the coaching staff and pronounced himself ready to help on defense, what with his brother Justin joining Byrce Sweeting and Adam Bomberry on injured reserve.
“He texted me to say that he has played defense in this league in the past and that if we needed him, he is willing to do whatever is asked,” said Steve Dietrich, Bandits GM and defensive coordinator.
“That speaks to his character. He is playing on offense, scoring goals, and getting instant gratification, and he is willing to give that up to come and play defense to help the team win. You win with players like Brandon Robinson.”
Hence, Robinson was Saturday’s winner of the Bandits Game Belt.
To do all of the above – as a team – after a very emotional and beautifully done banner-raising ceremony in front of 17,200 fans of Banditland.
“Obviously, we closed the chapter on last year. It was cool, and to see that banner up there from now on will be inspiring. But we need to start focusing on wins now,” said Ian MacKay, who went 1+1 and scooped up 12 loose balls.
Saturday’s postgame party, which included dinner and drinks in the Lexus Club and the surprise unveiling of the championship rings, was unique and breathtaking.
It was very emotional to see all the players and staff open their encased black, shiny finished box, glassed on top with an etching of the Bandits logo and 2023 NLL Champions.
And to top it off, once opened, two little spotlights went on, highlighting the large ring, personalized with name, position, score of the final championship game, Tucker’s logo, cute inscription on the inside, and loaded with jewels.
Wow!
Scott Loffler and his staff did a fantastic job!
Here is another look at the 2023 championship banner going up with Bandits PA legend Chris Swenson, who has witnessed all five Bandit championships.
It was a classic back-and-forth game with four separate ties. Still, three Bandits goals in a matter of 41 seconds ignited both offense and defense to keep San Diego at bay, outscoring the other 14-4 team from last year by a seven to three margin and backstopped by Vinc’s 20 saves in the last two frames.
Here is a perfect signature of closing out the scoring with Vinc, Wiess, and Chase Fraser netting his second goal of the season.
But first, watch the defensive play by Matt Spanger taking Dane Dobbie out and then Vinc making a fine save, scooping the ball.
It’s off for another break in the schedule, but it’s perfect timing to celebrate Christmas with family and friends.
The homestand continues on December 29, with the Bandits hosting the Georgia Swarm. The theme for the evening will be “Winter Wonderland in Banditland.”
Enjoy the Holidays!