Message in a Bottle
Something about the sunset in San Diego as it dips into the warm Pacific Ocean creates diamond twinkles in the water with strong reflections all the way onshore, giving those seeking an extra boost of energy.
As the Bandits stepped off their chartered bus Saturday afternoon in the backlot of the “Electric Factory,” also known as the Pechanga Arena, they were greeted by some of those diamond light phenomena, which proved helpful later in the evening.
Under the fury of what was called “Seals Mania,” featuring a 20-man royal rumble post-game wrestling event, the Bandits managed to fight their way, possibly aided by that diamond light energy boost, to a 9-8 comeback victory in overtime over the Seals.
One-goal games and overtime with San Diego have been the norm for a few years.
“We are playing well right now, getting back to where we are capable of playing,” said Bandits GM and defensive coordinator Steve Dietrich.
“I thought early in the season we played well in spurts, but we also made some mistakes that cost us. Still, all these games have given us a chance to play meaningful lacrosse down the stretch.”
Ladies and Gentlemen, Let’s Get Ready to…
After what seemed like a prelude to the wrestling man event, the Bandits faced penalty problems against a very aggressive Seals team, led by Ben McIntosh, Wes Berg, Zach Currier, and supported by solid goaltending from Christopher Origlieri.
A solid take-down of the Bandits was underway, with leads starting to form at 3:41 of the second quarter and eventually reaching an 8-4 advantage with seven minutes remaining in the fourth.
I was attempting to be complimentary during the radio broadcast on WGR by mentioning it was OK to go to bed as the clock neared midnight back home with the score 8-4, Seals.
I mean, the Bandits only led for 43 seconds in the game compared to San Diego’s 45 minutes, but I was still keeping a positive tone, sprinkled with “it ain’t over till it’s over.”
But championship teams do championship things, led by a talented group of players who know what and how to do it, with Dhane Smith capping it off with the game-winning goal in overtime.
Great Win!
A dramatic comeback victory for the Bandits. And this was not scripted, unlike what we’ve seen in the matted ring of pro wrestling, where the villain nearly takes down the champ but always comes back at the end with some twisted move to prove he’s the chosen one.
To everyone on the Bandits roster, including practice players, this is a team capable of winning a championship, again.
“Nothing has changed for us. It was a tiebreaker game for us here in San Diego, two games up with the tiebreaker,” Dietrich said.
“This week is another big game (at Saskatchewan) because of the way we played earlier in the year; it’s made all these games meaningful down the stretch.”
The Great Dhane
Dhane Smith leads this group of players, now six points away from his ninth 100+ point season. The assistant captain represents a solid core of players who have all contributed to the recent success that has put this team on a four-game winning streak.
29 players have participated in a game this season. Some have yet to see live action, but all are crucial to this franchise’s success.
“Every time these guys get a chance to play with each other, we are going to get better, especially bringing in a guy like Joe (Resetarits) so late in the season,” noted Dietrich.
PS – I captured some of those diamond reflections in a bottle, ready to sprinkle when needed.
Casey Powell
Saturday morning at the team’s hotel, I ran into Casey Powell, the all-American great from Syracuse, and later the first American-born player to be selected first overall in the NLL, the first to be named MVP of the National Lacrosse League, and eventually a member of the NLL Hall of Fame.
Powell joined me on the Bandits radio pregame show on WGR as well.
What a marvelous career Powell had, not only in boxing but also on the field. A three-time All-American with the Orange, winning the 1995 NCAA Championship, Powell is the only player to earn All-American honors at two different positions.
Besides his outstanding performance in MLL field lacrosse and international team play with the USA, Powell was traded to the Bandits in 2001 but never played for them. He eventually earned recognition with the NY Titans as their top scorer and an all-star.
Powell founded Speed Lacrosse, a backyard-style pick-up game that helps young people from all walks of life across the United States get a feel for the game and eventually start playing.
“It’s the way I grew up playing. That success is why my brothers and I did what we did. It was nothing fancy about it. Just going out there, and we played with joy, and each night was a new national championship,” said Powell, who was in San Diego coaching a high school team from Colorado competing in games – and also playing Speed lacrosse on the beach.
“It’s really fun to be a part of it and believe in it, and lacrosse needs it. It gives kids an opportunity to play for the joy and love of the game. That’s what I am trying to protect and spread.”
I asked Casey about the 2028 Olympics, where lacrosse returns with a formation called “Sixes.”
“It’s box without walls, a new style of lacrosse; it looks like a lot of fun to play. It suits the way I played perfectly. It’s going to be a huge international boost for lacrosse,” said Powell.
Continuing to run Powell Lacrosse and his foundation, Powell holds clinics and events, spreads the love of the game, and coaches at all levels, maybe the Olympics, too.
“I am currently coaching the world championships for the Haudenosaunee. I am on a path to try to become the best lacrosse coach I can be. Obviously, seek new opportunities to help me on that path; I’m open to different ideas and hope to be a part of the Olympics for sure.”
Powell took part in the ceremonial faceoff Saturday night with the Bandits and Seals. Yes, for the love of the game.
Left to right: Kyle Buchanan, Casey Powell, and Joe Resetarits
Broadcast Information
Saturday’s game on the radio will be on 1520 AM The Bet with the pregame show beginning at 8:30 pm Eastern. Game time is 9 pm.
Television coverage will be on CW23, ESPN+, TSN2, and NLL+. Broadcast time is 9 pm Eastern.
If you want to sync radio audio with TV, download 1520 The Bet from Audacy.com, click “Listen Live” and freeze your TV just before the faceoff so the radio can catch up with the “faceoff” announcement.