The Buffalo Bandits faced a tough loss against the Vancouver Warriors, falling 11-9 in a game that featured significant lead changes and strong performances from both teams. The defeat came as the team immediately prepared for a cross-country trip to Toronto, reflecting the demanding schedule of the National Lacrosse League (NLL).
Reflecting on the match, Bandits defenseman Mitch de Snoo commented on the team’s struggles. “We weren’t getting it done in all areas; finding ways to make mistakes that were costing us games we had in hand,” said de Snoo, who returned from injury and contributed two assists. He added, “We need to figure out a way to execute for sixty minutes and clean up those little things, and be focused and get the job done.” De Snoo also emphasized the importance of maintaining focus throughout games: “What we have to do better is limit the runs we give up, which changes the momentum of the game. If we can be more focused and handle those situations better, it’s going to help our long-term success a lot more.”
The match was marked by key moments, including a six-goal run by Buffalo in just over three minutes during the second quarter. However, Vancouver responded strongly in the third quarter by outscoring Buffalo 4-0. The fourth quarter saw critical saves from goalies Matt Vinc and Christian Del Bianco before Curtis Dickson’s late goal secured victory for Vancouver.
Bandits General Manager and defensive coordinator Steve Dietrich addressed fans following the loss: “I am not happy at 4-6, but that was a tremendous lacrosse game, and yeah, it doesn’t feel good we lost even though their goalie was the first star,” Dietrich said on the radio Postgame Show. He praised Vancouver’s goaltender: “The kid (Christian Del Bianco) played well. I give him a lot of credit, and we got to him in the second quarter, but he came on in the second half and shut the door.”
Jake Elliott, host of Lacrosse Classified podcast and broadcaster for Vancouver and Las Vegas teams, offered his perspective during Friday night’s broadcast. “For this year, it’s been a bit of an adjustment, not only because of the players they lost but also because of the new players who have joined the lineup. It’s also a transition year for players who have played a lot of lacrosse and have gotten a year older,” Elliott said. He expressed confidence in Buffalo’s prospects: “I still think this is a very good Buffalo Bandit team, and they are going to make the playoffs. And I will tell you this: if they get in, I wouldn’t want to face the Bandits in the first round of the playoffs.”
Looking ahead, Buffalo faces consecutive games with home advantage against Saskatchewan—currently riding a nine-game winning streak—and an away game versus Toronto Rock.
Dietrich outlined his approach for upcoming challenges: “I won’t be selling the future. If we are going to get it done, it’s going to be the group here. Now, what I have seen in the last two games is that the heart of the champion is starting to come through,” he said.
On individual performances this season:
– Dhane Smith has recorded 66 points (22 goals + 44 assists), ranking third in NLL scoring while leading effective passes (934) and short-handed goals (4). Smith has played 109 consecutive games.
– Josh Byrne stands at 53 points (16+37), currently eleventh in league scoring.
– Ian MacKay holds 39 points (15+24), Kyle Buchanan has tallied 29 points (18+11), Tehoka Nanticoke sits at 22 points (13+9).
– Nick Weiss leads with 71 loose balls collected.
– Paul Dawson leads all NLL players with 23 blocked shots.
Byrne summed up his priorities after Friday’s match: “For us, it’s not about points; we’re trying to figure out what the winning recipe is.” He continued: “I’m not too worried about what kind of points or numbers I have. I worry about how many wins we can stack up. We are going to keep trying to find the right energy here.”
Buffalo will next host Saskatchewan during Rock-n-Roll night at KeyBank Center before heading back on road action.
