Room with a view

Amidst falling leaves turning into gutter soup and the recent black walnut harvest from the bounty of trees around me, my proscenium expanded with memories of a great lacrosse summer, including celebrations of the Bandits’ third consecutive championship and, since then, the NLL Players Association and NLL Owners agreeing to a new collective bargaining agreement last week.

Bandits are preparing for another kick at the can.

But it comes at a cost, and the winds of change will most likely impact this 33-year-old franchise, which will soon add its seventh championship banner to the rafters of the KeyBank Center.

“The parameters of the new CBA will definitely have a more negative effect on the Bandits than any team in the NLL, especially in the short term, and we are already seeing that with the recent departures of a couple of players,” noted Bandits senior director of lacrosse operations, Scott Loffler.

“However, for league sustainability, we needed to fix a few things. And quite frankly, we probably need to fix more. But at the end of the day, we need other teams to play against, and if we continued on the trajectory we were on, the pool of franchises would shrink to a point where we would not have a viable, sustainable league.”

Yes, that’s a lot to consume and consider, but in reality, that means the road for the Bandits will be rough and loaded with pot-holes in what will be an extremely competitive league.

You wouldn’t want to have it any other way. Digging deep in the mantra box: “We are the Bandits, the mighty, mighty Bandits.”

“I feel this CBA was focused on slowing the big monetary jumps players have seen over the last couple of years. And trying to slow Buffalo down as one of, if not the highest, money-makers in the league, from keeping our team together,” said Bandits captain Steve Priolo.

“Fortunately, we have a great front office and a lot of players that live in the market that will give the Bandits many different options to keep our team together.”

Months of intense negotiations passed, and through it all, a 13-page outline covering many issues was agreed upon.

Period. New paragraph. Let’s get started.

Approximately 30-plus Bandit veterans, rookies, and hopefuls arrived in the City of Good Neighbors this past weekend for physicals and testing, which included a thorough medical review and initial athletic shape assessment.

This is more than a brake and light certificate.

Follow me, if you will, on a Jacques Cousteau-type journey through this comprehensive process.

The morning session of the physicals includes orthopedic exams conducted by the doctors, which involve checking all joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, said Ryan Rajk, the Bandits’ head athletic trainer, who monitors the players year-round.

“Then, they undergo a general health screening with a completed EKG to monitor heart rhythm, blood pressure, eye test, and overall health, similar to an annual checkup with a primary care physician.”

Not finished yet…

“Next, we conduct a series of concussion tests to establish a baseline in case of a head injury during the season. This includes the SCAT 6, Impact computer test, and King Devick, all required by the league,” noted Rajk.

Once the medical team approves the player and deems them ready, they can join practices and games. However, some players are still held back by lingering issues.

“The orthopedic, general health, and concussion tests serve as baseline assessments, documenting any past injuries. X-rays are taken if necessary, and additional imaging, such as MRI, may be required depending on the situation. This data helps establish a baseline for the regular season, aiding in injury management during practices or games.”

Wait, there’s more as I’m finishing my shake, burger, and fries.

The afternoon session shifts to Impact Harbor Center, where the strength and conditioning coaches meet the Bandit players and lead them through a series of challenging tests, which include:

Testing Protocol (1 hour):

• Conditioning: 3 × 300-yard shuttles, 3 × 150-yard shuttles
• Force Plate Testing
• Push-Ups
• Countermovement Jump
• Squat Jump (Non-Countermovement Jump)
• Mobility Screening
• Strength Testing
• Box Single-Leg Step Down Test (12″ box for 30 seconds)

“The athletes are timed during running tests and undergo mobility assessments to identify potential weaknesses in joints or muscles, enabling targeted stretching or strengthening to help prevent future injuries.

“This physical testing evaluates each athlete’s condition and measures their training progress throughout summer and early fall.”

Year-round ball.

Many NLL players participated in summer leagues, either box or field, and many, like Priolo, are coming off a long season with the Six Nations Chiefs, who won their third straight Mann Cup.

“Post-Mann Cup, I was focused on recovery. This Mann (playoff run) was physically difficult, but the last two weeks have been back to my regular routine, getting ready for camp,” said Priolo.

Are you ready for Bandits Lacrosse?

Camp starts November 1 in Brampton, Ontario, with several sessions planned, including a preseason game vs. Calgary on November 8 (1 pm).

The club will play a preseason game against Georgia at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena (8 pm) on Saturday, November 22.

Opening night is Saturday, November 29, inside KeyBank Center with the banner-raising ceremony before the Bandits meet the Swarm.