The Buffalo Bandits secured a playoff berth on April 5 with a decisive 15-5 victory over the Vancouver Warriors at KeyBank Center. Josh Byrne led the team with 10 points, while Joe Resetarits scored a hat trick to help the Bandits earn their sixth consecutive win and lock in their sixth straight postseason appearance.
The win is significant for the Bandits as it marks another step toward defending their National Lacrosse League (NLL) Cup title. The strong performance comes after back-to-back comeback victories against the San Diego Seals and Saskatchewan Rush, showcasing the team’s resilience during a critical stretch of games.
Byrne described the atmosphere at KeyBank Center as memorable, saying, “Banditland showed out as they always do and the energy is electric. You can’t help but smile as they’re roaring. It was a moment right before the anthem goes and they start chanting, ‘Let’s go Bandits,’ and me and Dhane look at each other and start laughing, smiling. This is stuff you’re gonna tell your kids about, it’s pretty special.”
Resetarits credited both team composure and fan support for fueling their run: “When we play 5-on-5, we’re as good as anybody, we know that… It’s a game of runs, and when you get the crowd behind you it’s tough to play against.”
Dhane Smith contributed nine points in front of his daughter Kyha during her first game attendance. Smith praised newcomer Joe Resetarits’ impact: “Picking up Buffalo Joe towards the end, he’s just a threat no matter where he is… And obviously 22 (Josh Byrne) led by example tonight like he always does.”
On defense, Buffalo held Vancouver’s Keegan Bal—who entered leading the NLL in points—to just two points while limiting Curtis Dickson to no goals. Goaltender Matt Vinc made 22 saves in an effort that coach John Tavares called crucial: “We got in lanes, we blocked a lot of shots and when they got through, Matt was there to save it.”
Physicality also played a role; several post-whistle altercations energized both players and fans alike. Smith said this unity matters: “It’s team tough… yes it matters that we won but it matters that we’re standing up for each other.”
Looking ahead, Smith outlined new objectives beyond making playoffs: “Next goal is to host a playoff game because you see the atmosphere in Banditland; there’s nothing like it.” The Bandits will aim to continue building momentum into next week.
