Training Camp ’25 started last Saturday for the Bandits with a fraternity-style setting in a small hallway downstairs of the historic Brampton Memorial Arena.
30-plus players stepped slowly amongst the tight confines with palm-grasping shakes and bro-hugs, some for the first time since the championship night back in May.
Some, for the very first time, are meeting the award-winning veterans like Dhane Smith, Josh Byrne, and Ian Mackay.
“Feels good to be back with the boys. Yes, I’m excited to get after it,” said Smith.
“It’s good, obviously, we have some new faces. We’ve got to hit the ground running. There are high expectations this year, and we have to continue to work,” Byrne said.
Ian MacKay echoed the same.
“Excited! Excited to get back, see a bunch of guys from last year, and meet the new guys and the new faces. And, you know, obviously happy that CBA went through and that we’re here starting camp on time. So just a lot of excitement all around.”
Welcome to Banditland, Coltrane! 💪#LetsGoBandits | @NLL pic.twitter.com/tkwWKUUTUC
— Buffalo Bandits (@NLLBandits) September 6, 2025
Sticking out of the ongoing reception was 6’6” rookie Coltrane Tyson, the Bandits’ second-round choice this past September.
“Embrace it all, soak it in from the older guys. I’m young, so I have a lot to learn. It’s a pretty special organization to be drafted to, and I’m excited to soak it all in.”
And around players who just went back-to-back-to-back with NLL Championships.
“One’s cool. Two is amazing. Three in a row is kind of unheard of, especially at this level with these elite guys,” noted the forward who likes to move guys around and finish the ball inside.”
6’8” Mike Triolo is another new face, having been traded a couple of weeks ago from the Rush. He was a member of the Bandits’ 2015 draft class. He recently earned a lot of respect around the league from his two seasons with Saskatchewan.
“This year, being with the bandits is a great transition for me after seeing them in the finals. This is a winning organization, and I’m happy to have the opportunity to do my part,” said Triolo.
Another popular jersey number, 17, in Western New York, returns to the Bandits. Ryan Benesch, entering his 19th season with 1,454 overall points, comes back to the club he was a member of from 2014 to 2018, bringing his solid scoring abilities with him.
“I mean, it’s been a while, but it’s kind of like I never left, right? Everybody who was here before is still around. So, so far, it’s been great, you know, catching up with some of the boys and looking forward to getting on the floor,” Benesch said.
Bandits GM and defensive coordinator Steve Dietrich has always admired Benesch’s scoring ability.
“Benny’s one of the purest goal scorers I’ve ever seen. And then, when Chris (Cloutier) left, his name was the first one that came to mind because he can score.
Benny back in Buffalo! 🙌
We have signed Ryan Benesch to a one-year deal!#LetsGoBuffalo | https://t.co/du8PVAa0sl pic.twitter.com/7EvnpqXcMa
— Buffalo Bandits (@NLLBandits) October 28, 2025
“He’s adapted his game to where he’s a pick and roll guy now, instead of just a set foot shooter. But, you know, nothing’s guaranteed. There will be other individuals who are eager to take their place. I’m pulling for Benny. I’ve said that since the day he left. He’s one of my all-time favorite guys.”
Will I…Won’t I…
It’s no secret that a few players were thinking about retiring. But when Matt Vinc decided to come back for another season, second thoughts followed.
“When 48 started to talk about him coming back, it was amazing how everybody else started to drift along as well, and Paulie and Bucky and Spanger and Moose- all those guys wanted to come back,” Dietrich said.
But it was a long and challenging review process for the greatest goaltender of all time.
“Definitely was a decision. You look at the pros and cons of both, and ultimately, it’s a family decision,” said Vinc. “And now you’re looking forward to competing and trying to win a championship again, obviously.”
Vinc said Saturday before their first session that he hadn’t taken a shot since the last game championship in May. He has adhered to his rigorous workout regimen and remains in top physical shape.
He looked solid to me, stopping initial shots in various drills, and then taking shots from Eric Vinc and Anthony Cosmo from a stand-alone session. At the same time, the rest of the team worked at the other end.
Bucky up!
Kyle Buchanan, the most versatile player in the NLL and master of his craft, too, thought about it.
“It was a tough decision to make. I didn’t know. This is the first year that I was unsure about coming back. Obviously, the body is just getting older, and my daughter’s getting into more stuff as they gets older, said Buchanan.
“It’s been a great run, so, but this, this is the stuff that you can’t replace.”
Sweets!
Bryce Sweeting, too, faces the stark reality of his career being over. Hampered by an injury that has kept him out of action since the 2023 season, Sweeting’s aggressive approach to the game was just as tough off the floor and into the Bandit room with his vocal barbs, some serious and some comedic – all for the good of the team.
Once a Bandit, always a Bandit.
OK, game on
Once the players’ union and owners agreed on a five-year contract on October 20th, every club in the NLL had to scramble to establish its training camps, secure working visa applications, identify practice sites, hotels, flights for the season, confirm arena agreements, finalize staffing, and negotiate player contracts, which included free agent signings.
In a matter of 11 days, Dietrich handled 20-plus player contracts, all on his annual family vacation.
“I was genuinely in Florida trying to enjoy my vacation, and all of a sudden, my wife and daughter were going to the park, so I was sitting in my hotel room working on contracts,” said Dietrich
“It was tough, but there was really not a lot of negotiation. The players knew there would be no messing around. I knew there wasn’t messing around. It was actually relatively quick to complete most of these contracts.”
The players are happy to be back together and welcome the new faces as well – a tight-knit fraternity.
Road Trip
Camp continues in Brampton with a Friday night and Saturday session, which includes a preseason game against Calgary, 1 pm, inside the historic venue, home to many exciting Minto and Mann Cups.