The Buffalo Bandits traveled to Denver last weekend for a matchup against the Colorado Mammoth, arriving under sunny skies and warm temperatures. Despite feeling confident ahead of the game, the Bandits suffered a heavy 20-9 defeat.
Bandits captain Steve Priolo commented on the loss: “It’s been quite a long time (since a devastating loss like this), but it’s something we’re not unfamiliar with. We’ve sort of been through it all, and everybody has been through this at some point in their career, so we know what to do to claw our way out of it.” He added, “You don’t climb out of a hole; this is one game. You must keep grinding and do things right – play with your heart and leave everything on the floor. We must get back to keeping it simple and playing our style.”
After the game, coaching staff met privately with Priolo. Steve Dietrich, Bandits general manager and defensive coordinator, addressed concerns about the team’s direction: “We are where we are because we lost those games, but the ship is not sinking like a lot of people are thinking. We need to get back to the basics, get back to playing like we can, start scoring at the level I know we are capable of, and we will be ok.”
The loss puts the Bandits in a different position compared to last season’s strong 7-0 start.
Looking ahead, the Bandits will host the Philadelphia Wings on Saturday night at KeyBank Center for Native American Heritage Night. The event aims to honor lacrosse’s Indigenous roots and will include traditional dances as well as special halftime activities. The Iroquois Post 1587 all-female color guard will participate in pregame ceremonies before Layla Seneca sings both national anthems.
The organization will also recognize “Every Child Matters,” reflecting on past injustices faced by Native American children in boarding schools across both the United States and Canada.
Following Saturday’s game, Seneca Resorts and Casinos will sponsor a post-game party for fans over age 21 at Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino with Bandits players attending.
