Kyle Buchanan, a three-time NLL champion with the Buffalo Bandits, has released the following letter announcing his retirement from lacrosse:

Today is a day I have dreaded for quite a while.

The day when you finally step away from playing the game you fell in love with as a kid. The day you realize you’ll never run out of the tunnel in Banditland again to 18,000 fans screaming. The day you know you won’t get to sit in the locker room after a game and just spend time with the boys.

But as I sit here and think about everything this game has given me, I’m reminded of just how lucky I’ve been and how much I owe to lacrosse.

This game has given me lifelong friendships, an education, the chance to travel across North America, the opportunity to meet my wife, and the privilege of playing in front of my family and my kids. Every meaningful chapter of my life has been connected to lacrosse in one way or another.

There are a few people who deserve the most credit for making these experiences possible.

My brothers, Tyler and Connor: I’ve told you since day one that I would not be the player, competitor, or person I am today without you. From the basement mini stick battles to the driveway shootouts, you pushed me to be better, gave me confidence when I needed it most, and supported me every step of the way.

Mom and Dad: Every athlete understands the sacrifices parents make to help their children pursue their dreams, but you did so much more than that. You kept me humble when I needed it, supported me when I struggled, and believed in me more than I ever did. You guys can rest now too because I know you played every shift with me out there.

Adley and Austyn: As I got older, you gave me whole a new reason to play. Taking pictures in warm up by the glass, getting to stand with you during an anthem in Banditland, and sharing championships with both of you will always be among my most treasured memories.

And Nat: This life is all you’ve ever known with me. We met after my rookie season at a time when I was facing one of the toughest challenges of my career. From the very beginning, you supported my goals and encouraged me to keep chasing them. You’ve spent many nights on your own and carried the load as a solo parent more times than I can count, all so I could continue living my dream. I’m not sure I will ever be able to properly thank you for it all.

Of course, I would like to extend my gratitude to all of my teammates over the years. Right to the very end, I loved coming to the rink. I’ll always cherish the laughs, the road trips, the post-game cold ones, and everything in between.

There are so many others who helped me along the way. Family, Coaches, Trainers, Staff, Fans (Banditland!) and more. You know who you are, and I look forward to thanking many of you personally in the days and weeks ahead.

Lacrosse teaches lessons that extend far beyond the floor. It teaches resilience, toughness, leadership, honesty, accountability, and the value of being a great teammate. I am incredibly grateful to have competed alongside and against some of the best players in the world while playing one of the greatest games there is.

While my playing career in the NLL may be coming to an end, the impact this game has had on my life never will.

Bucky

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