The Buffalo Bandits are a lacrosse team based in Buffalo, New York playing in the National Lacrosse League (NLL). The 2025 season was their 33rd season in the NLL. The Bandits entered the season as the defending champions for the second straight year.
In the regular season, Buffalo finished the regular season with a 13–5 record, allowing them to secure the number 1 seed in the playoffs. In the Quarterfinal, the Bandits survived a close contest against the San Diego Seals, winning 5–4, in the lowest scoring playoff game in league history. In the Semifinals, Buffalo swept the Vancouver Warriors in 2 games to advance to their 5th straight NLL Finals appearance, where they would face the Saskatchewan Rush.
In the Finals, Buffalo would take Game 1 over Saskatchewan, but would lose Game 2 to the Rush, forcing a deciding Game 3. In Game 3, the Bandits went on to win, 15–6, and became the first team since the original Rochester Knighthawks from 2012 to 2014 to win 3 straight NLL championships. They also became the first NLL franchise to win seven championships.
Regular season
NLL Standings
Game log The Bandits' schedule was released on September 17, 2024.
Playoffs
Roster
Dispersal Draft On August 30, 2024, the NLL announced that the Panther City Lacrosse Club would cease operations. The league held a dispersal draft on September 2. RoundOverallPlayer114 Traded to Philadelphia
Notes
Entry Draft The 2024 NLL Entry Draft was held virtually on September 15. The Bandits' selections are listed below. RoundOverallPlayerCollege/ClubNotes17Lukas NielsenNew Westminster Salmonbellies (WLA) from Ottawa18Luca AntongiovanniUniversity of North Carolina (ACC) from Rochester115Taylor DooleyEnnismore James Gang (Ontario Series Lacrosse) 219Trent RobertsonBrampton Express (Arena Lacrosse League) from Vancouver335Marquez WhitePrinceton Tigers (Ivy League) from Ottawa via Colorado457Angus McDonnellMimico Mountaineers (OLA Junior A Lacrosse League)565Bryce CordingleyMimico Mountaineers (OLA Junior A Lacrosse League)from Rochester686Vance AdamsAkwesasne Thunder (OLA Junior B Lacrosse League)
Player stats = Indicates team leader
= Indicates league leader
Reference:
Runners (Top 10) Player GP G A Pts LB PIMJosh Byrne 18 44 90 134 88 18Dhane Smith 18 32 102 134 116 6Kyle Buchanan 18 34 21 55 86 4Ian MacKay 18 37 17 54 94 16Chase Fraser 17 26 24 50 42 20Chris Cloutier 14 17 20 37 47 4Tehoka Nanticoke 16 18 15 33 38 10Nick Weiss 18 7 19 26 138 47Steve Priolo 18 4 13 17 110 34Clay Scanlan 11 9 7 16 25 4 Totals 242 374 616 1,348 301
Goaltenders Player GP MIN W L GA Sv% GAAMatt Vinc 18 1,080:51 13 5 193 .791 10.71Steven Orleman 18 12:19 0 0 2 .818 9.74 Totals 1,093:10 13 5 195 .791 10.70
Notes
References
External links