Bandits return for second straight NLL title

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bandits defeated the Albany Firewolves 15-13 on Sunday to win a second straight National Lacrosse League Cup.

“We struggled early,” Buffalo forward Dhane Smith said. “We figured it out as time went on, and you know what? All that matters is the playoffs. Once we got in, we knew we were going to have a good chance.”

“I never had any doubts on this team,” added teammate Ian MacKay. “I was that locker room that believed. We got here and took care of business.”

At one point, the Bandits were 5-6 this season, with injuries and an uphill climb awaiting them. Chase Fraser helped them in this climb, and with five goals in play.

“(It’s) amazing,” Fraser said. “Coming back to it, it’s awesome. To win with this group of guys in front of these fans, we’re happy to do it at home. (I’m) just elated right now.”

Connor Farrell fell in love with the team he worked for. A mid-season addition, some call him “The Milkman”.

“I was doing everything I could to help the team,” Farrell said. “I’m at a loss for words right now. I can’t explain how happy I am right now,” Farrell said.

All of Banditland is excited to hold up another NLL Cup. The stalwarts of recent years, Matt Vinc and Tehoka Nanticoke, might be among the best to ever play and they look to the stands for fuel.

“You know, that’s why I came to Buffalo,” Vinc said.

“This arena, the fans, there are no words, are there?” said Nanticoke. “We wouldn’t be here without them. Every away game (and) every home game, they show up and play for us and I love it. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but here.”

Every member of the team gives their all on the field, which is about 20 minutes south of where defenseman Zack Belter grew up in Niagara County, as well as about 90 minutes north of his alma mater of Saint-Bonaventure.

“It’s so cool,” he said. “This whole year has been surreal. I have the best teammates in the world, the best coaches in the world (and the) best organization in the world. I’m just grateful to be a part of it.”

The Bandits faced diversity this season and defeated a young, hungry challenger to retain the title.

The win still goes to offensive player of the year, season and league final, Josh Byrne.

“You would think it would be different,” Byrnes said. “It just doesn’t seem real. Knowing it’s back-to-back (and) knowing how the season went and ending it like that in front of 19,000 fans? You can’t make that up.”