NLL Buffalo Bandits

Bandits Open 2023-24 Season in Albany on Saturday

Published on December 8, 2023 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Buffalo Bandits News Release


The defending NLL champion Buffalo Bandits will kick off their 2023-24 campaign when the team visits the Albany FireWolves at MVP Arena on Saturday.

The contest marks the first of two meetings between the two teams this season. The Bandits hold a 39-30 advantage in the all-time series.

Faceoff is set for 7 p.m. on CW23 and ESPN+. Radio coverage can be found on 1520 WWKB.

Saturday's game will also serve as a rematch of last year's season opener, which saw the Bandits fall to the FireWolves at home by a score of 11-10 on Dec. 3, 2022. From there, Buffalo went on to win 14 regular season games en route to its 2023 NLL championship.

Here's everything you need to know ahead of the Bandits' season opener.

Home opener: Saturday, Dec. 16 vs. San Diego (Banner Raising Night)

Familiar faces

Fans will see some familiar faces this season as the Bandits return 19 players on the active roster from last year's championship squad, including captain Steve Priolo, alternate captain Dhane Smith, forwards Tehoka Nanticoke and Chase Fraser, and goaltender Matt Vinc, all of whom signed new contracts this offseason.

New kid on the block

The Bandits welcome Cam Wyers to the team after signing the defenseman to a two-year deal in September. Buffalo selected Wyers with the 13th-overall pick in the 2022 NLL Draft.

The Ottawa, Ontario native played five seasons with the Loyola University Greyhounds from 2019 to 2023, recording 10 points (3+7), 157 ground balls and 79 caused turnovers in 69 career games. Wyers earned All-American honors three times from USILA and represented Team Canada at the 2023 FIL World Championships, winning a silver medal.

The Great Dhane

Smith signed a five-year contract last month after being named the 2023 NLL Finals Most Valuable Player this past June.

The two-time NLL MVP returns for his 11th season in Banditland, amassing 950 points (346+604) and 777 loose-ball recoveries in 161 career games in that span.

Last season, Smith tallied a team-high 132 points (36+96) in 18 regular-season games and added 49 points (15+34) during the Bandits' playoff run.

Robinson's shot at mental health

Forward Brandon Robinson is teaming up with Morgan's Message to bring support and awareness to mental health in sports.

Robinson plans to donate $1 for every goal scored in the NLL this season to support the cause. Bandits fans can also show their support by donating to his fundraiser here.

After Week 1, Robinson donated $119 to the fundraiser to match the 119 goals scored throughout the league.

For more information on Robinson's mission, click here.

Scouting the FireWolves

Albany enters the weekend 1-0 after defeating the Las Vegas Desert Dogs 12-10 last Friday.

Tye Kurtz led the team with five points on two goals and three assists while Marshall Powless tallied four assists.

Goaltender Doug Jamieson made 31 saves in 60 minutes of play.

Check out the Buffalo Bandits Statistics

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National Lacrosse League Stories from December 8, 2023


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