NLL Halifax Thunderbirds

Game Preview - Halifax vs Buffalo

February 15, 2024 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Halifax Thunderbirds News Release


The Halifax Thunderbirds kick off a crucial weekend in the friendly confines of Scotiabank Centre on Friday night when they welcome the Buffalo Bandits to town for the first half of a weekend doubleheader. Opening face-off is slated for 7:30 p.m. AT.

Scouting the Thunderbirds

The Thunderbirds have won their past two games without a big gun in Randy Staats being in the lineup, but the righty trio of Clarke Petterson (19G, 23A), Austin Shanks (8G, 26A) and Aaron Woods (4G, 8A) have been fantastic to help their team during this current winning streak.

Woods has been a standout through his first pair of NLL contests. The rookie has put up 12 points in those two games, with four of them being goals.

Shanks has been strong over this recent stretch of wins, posting 13 points over the three-game run. He's had nine assists in the past two games combined, as he's helping to set up his teammates for key scoring opportunities.

Ryan Benesch (21G, 16A) continues to put up big games on a weekly basis while Cody Jamieson (11G, 22A) has come up with some timely goals over the last two games.

Defensively, it'll be up to the defensive core of Graeme Hossack, Jake Withers, Ryan Terefenko, and Tyson Bell to slow down this potent Buffalo offence.

Starter Warren Hill has also had a great last month, turning in a 45-save performance last weekend against Las Vegas. Hill has a 10.53 goals-against average and a .760 save percentage through eight appearances this season.

Scouting the Bandits

The Bandits continue to have one of the most balanced attacks in the National Lacrosse League, but the unit is led by Josh Byrne (21G, 33A) and Dhane Smith (9G, 43A).

Both individuals are a handful defensively with their unique skill sets, and they're aided by the likes of Chase Fraser (18G, 13A), Chris Cloutier (13G, 16A), and veteran Kyle Buchanan (9G, 10A).

But the Bandits will likely be without Tehoka Nanticoke, who was moved to IR a few weeks ago with an injury. Rookie Christian Watts stepped into his spot in the lineup for his debut in the Bandits' last contest, and he registered an assist.

Defensively, Buffalo has some top names, like Steve Priolo and Nick Weiss, but it's Ian MacKay who provides a spark out the back door with his strong two-way play. The transition ace likes to get out and take chances when he clears the ball over centre.

In goal, Matt Vinc has had an up-and-down season. The 41-year-old is still one of the best goaltenders of all time and can get hot quickly. Through eight games, he holds a 5-3 record with a 12.11 GAA and a .770 SV%.

Milestone Tracker

Cody Jamieson needs three assists to reach 600 for his career

Clarke Petterson needs seven goals to reach 100 for his career

Jake Withers needs 22 face-off wins to surpass Stephen Hoar for seventh all-time in NLL History (1,651)

Broadcast Info

Thunderbirds fans can catch all the action on Friday night on TSN+ in Canada and ESPN+ in the United States

Check out the Halifax Thunderbirds Statistics



National Lacrosse League Stories from February 15, 2024


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