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Buffalo Bandits
Buffalo Bandits logo.svg
Sport Box lacrosse
Founded 1992
League National Lacrosse League
Location Buffalo, New York
Arena KeyBank Center
Colors Orange, Purple, Black, White
                   
Owner Terry Pegula
Head coach John Tavares
General manager Steve Dietrich
League titles 7 (1992, 1993, 1996, 2008, 2023, 2024, 2025)
Conference titles 2 (2022, 2023)
Division titles 8 (1993, 1994, 1996, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2016, 2019)
Local media WNLO, WWKB, WGR
Retired numbers 4 (11, 16, 34, 43)
Current sports event Current season

The Buffalo Bandits are a professional box lacrosse team from Buffalo, New York. They play in the National Lacrosse League (NLL). Their home games are held at KeyBank Center.

The Bandits started playing in 1992 in a league called the Major Indoor Lacrosse League (MILL). In 1998, the league changed its name to the NLL. The Bandits are one of the oldest teams in the NLL. They are also the oldest team still playing in their original city. With 7 league titles, they hold the record for the most championships in the NLL.

The team is owned by Hockey Western New York LLC, led by Terry Pegula. He also owns other sports teams like the Rochester Americans, Buffalo Sabres, and the Buffalo Bills.

Team History

NLL Cups 2023, 2024, 2025
The three NLL Cups won by the Bandits in the 2020s. The cup on the left was awarded in 2024, the cup in the center was awarded in 2025, and the cup on the right was awarded in 2023.

The Buffalo Bandits played their first season in 1992. They shared their home arena, Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, with the Buffalo Sabres until 1996.

The Bandits made history by winning a championship in their very first season. They won again in their second season, completing the league's only perfect season ever. After losing the championship game in their third season, they won their third title in 1996. It wasn't until 1999 that the Bandits missed the playoffs for the first time.

After their 1996 championship, the Bandits reached the NLL Championship game three more times (1997, 2004, 2006) but lost each time. In 2008, they finally won their fourth championship, beating Portland 14–13. The Bandits lost in the finals three more times before winning their fifth championship in 2023. They defeated the Colorado Mammoth 13–4 in the final game of the series.

The next year, in 2024, the Bandits won their sixth title by sweeping the Albany FireWolves. In 2025, they secured their third championship in a row, making it their seventh overall title. This "three-peat" is a rare achievement in professional sports.

As of 2025, the Buffalo Bandits have been in their home city for 33 continuous seasons. This makes them the longest-tenured team in the NLL. They also have the highest attendance in the league, with over 18,000 fans per game in 2025.

Awards and Honors

MarkSteenhuis
During the 2009 season, Mark Steenhuis set two league records for most assists (13) and points (17) in a single game. He was also selected to his fifth all-star game, second consecutive as a starter.

Many Bandits players and staff have received special awards. Here are some of them:

Year Player Award
1992 Derek Keenan Rookie of the Year
John Tavares Championship Game MVP
1993 John Tavares Championship Game MVP
1994 John Tavares Most Valuable Player
1996 Pat O'Toole Championship Game MVP
2000 John Tavares Most Valuable Player
2001 John Tavares Most Valuable Player
2003 Darris Kilgour Coach of the Year
Kurt Silcott GM of the Year
2005 Steve Dietrich Goaltender of the Year
2006 Steve Dietrich Goaltender of the Year
Most Valuable Player
2007 Dave Zygaj Executive of the Year
2008 Mark Steenhuis Transition Player of the Year
Champion's Cup MVP
2009 Billy Dee Smith Defensive Player of the Year
Ken Montour Goaltender of the Year
2016 Steve Dietrich GM of the Year
Dhane Smith Most Valuable Player
2018 Craig England Teammate of the Year
2019 Matt Vinc Goaltender of the Year
John Tavares/Rich Kilgour Coach of the Year
Steve Dietrich GM of the Year
2022 Matt Vinc Goaltender of the Year
Steve Dietrich GM of the Year
Dhane Smith Most Valuable Player
2023 Dhane Smith NLL Finals MVP
2024 Josh Byrne Offensive Player of the Year
Most Valuable Player
NLL Finals MVP
2025 John Gurtler Media Person of the Year
Kyle Buchanan Sportsmanship Award
Dhane Smith Offensive Player of the Year
Ian MacKay NLL Finals MVP

NLL Hall of Fame Members

Several Bandits players and staff have been inducted into the NLL Hall of Fame:

  • Les Bartley, Head Coach, 2006
  • Darris Kilgour, Forward, 2007
  • John Mouradian, General Manager, 2008
  • Jim Veltman, Defense, 2009
  • Rich Kilgour, Transition, 2010
  • Steve Dietrich, Goaltender, 2012
  • Pat O'Toole, Goaltender, 2013
  • Tracey Kelusky, Forward, 2016
  • John Tavares, Forward, 2016
  • Pat McCready, Defense, 2021
  • Shawn Williams, Forward, 2021

NLL Records Held by Bandits Players

Single-Game Records

  • Most assists in one game – Mark Steenhuis (13 assists, February 14, 2009)
  • Most points in one game – Mark Steenhuis (17 points, February 14, 2009)

Season Records

  • Most points in one season – Dhane Smith (137 points, 2016)
  • Most goals in one season – Dhane Smith (72 goals, 2016)
  • Most assists in one season – Dhane Smith (103 assists, 2025)

All-Time Career Records

  • Most goals in a career – John Tavares (724 goals, 1991–2015)
  • Most assists in a career – John Tavares (823 assists, 1991–2015)
  • Most points in a career – John Tavares (1,547 points, 1991–2015)
  • Most saves in a career – Matt Vinc (8,299 saves 2005–Present)
  • Most wins in a career – Matt Vinc (119 wins 2005–present)
  • Most minutes played – Matt Vinc (12,627:54 2005–present)

NLL All-Star Game Appearances

Many Bandits players have been chosen to play in the NLL All-Star Game:

  • 2005: Kyle Couling, Mark Steenhuis, John Tavares*, Dan Teat
  • 2006: Steve Dietrich, Mark Steenhuis, John Tavares*
  • 2007: Pat McCready, Mark Steenhuis, John Tavares*
  • 2008: Mark Steenhuis*, John Tavares*, Chris White
  • 2009: Ken Montour*, Mark Steenhuis*, John Tavares, Roger Vyse, Chris White*
  • 2011: Chris White, Mark Steenhuis, John Tavares, Brett Bucktooth
  • 2012: Billy Dee Smith, Scott Self, Chris White, John Tavares, Mike Thompson

* – voted as starter

Current Team Roster

Buffalo Bandits roster
Active (21-man) roster Inactive roster Coaches
Goaltenders

44 Canada Steve Orleman 48 Canada Matt Vinc

Defensemen

5 Canada Cam Wyers 6 Canada Paul Dawson 8 Canada Dylan Robinson 21 Canada Justin Martin 23 Canada Steve Priolo 77 United States Zack Belter

Forwards

1 Iroquois Tehoka Nanticoke 2 Canada Chris Cloutier 18 Canada Lukas Nielsen 22 Canada Josh Byrne 81 Iroquois Clay Scanlan 91 Canada Kyle Buchanan 92 Canada Dhane Smith 95 Canada Chase Fraser

Transition

3 Canada Thomas Whitty 4 Canada Ian MacKay 20 Canada Nick Weiss 24 Canada Kiel Matisz 33 Iroquois Ron John 41 United States Connor Farrell

Practice Squad

17 Canada Taylor Dooley 42 Canada Trent Robertson 46 Canada Evan Constantopoulos

Injured Reserve

7 Canada Emerson Clark 25 Canada Matt Spanger

Unable to play

94 Canada Bryce Sweeting

Head Coach

John Tavares


Legend
  • * Suspended list
  • (C) Captain
  • (A) Alternate captain

Roster updated 2025-3-23
NLL Transactions

Team Records and Playoff History

The Buffalo Bandits have a long history of games. Here's a summary of their regular season and playoff results.

Season Division/Conference Wins–Losses Finish Home Record Road Record Goals For Goals Against Coach Playoff Results
1992 National 5–3 2nd 2–2 3–1 161 125 Bob McCready / Les Bartley Champions
1993 National 8–0 1st 4–0 4–0 143 108 Les Bartley Champions
1994 National 6–2 1st 3–1 3–1 121 99 Les Bartley Lost final
1995 3–5 4th 2–2 1–3 109 108 Les Bartley Lost semi-final
1996 8–2 1st 3–2 5–0 173 127 Les Bartley Champions
1997 6–4 3rd 3–2 3–2 158 153 Les Bartley Lost final
1998 6–6 4th 4–2 2–4 166 171 Les Wakeling Lost semi-final
1999 4–8 6th 1–5 3–3 158 177 Les Wakeling Did not qualify
2000 8–4 2nd 5–1 3–3 202 194 Ted Sawicki Lost semi-final
2001 8–6 5th 4–3 4–3 248 218 Ted Sawicki Did not qualify
2002 Central 8–8 4th 4–4 4–4 210 215 Ted Sawicki / Frank Neilson Did not qualify
2003 Central 12–4 2nd 8–0 4–4 231 188 Darris Kilgour Lost division final
2004 Eastern 8–8 3rd 4–4 4–4 205 198 Darris Kilgour Lost final
2005 Eastern 11–5 2nd 5–3 6–2 217 183 Darris Kilgour Lost division semi-final
2006 Eastern 11–5 1st 6–2 5–3 193 167 Darris Kilgour Lost final
2007 Eastern 10–6 2nd 6–2 4–4 207 188 Darris Kilgour Lost division final
2008 Eastern 10–6 1st 7–2 3–4 203 174 Darris Kilgour Champions
2009 Eastern 10–6 2nd 5–3 5–3 223 170 Darris Kilgour Lost division final
2010 Eastern 8–8 3rd 4–4 4–4 169 170 Darris Kilgour Lost division semi-final
2011 Eastern 10–6 1st 4–4 6–2 169 159 Darris Kilgour Lost division final
2012 Eastern 7–9 4th 4–4 3–5 198 204 Darris Kilgour Lost division semi-final
2013 Eastern 6–10 4th 2–6 4–4 171 211 Darris Kilgour Did not qualify
2014 Eastern 8–10 3rd 6–3 2–7 190 200 Troy Cordingley Lost division final
2015 Eastern 11–7 3rd 7–2 4–5 236 208 Troy Cordingley Lost division semi-final
2016 Eastern 13–5 1st 8–1 5–4 251 214 Troy Cordingley Lost Finals
2017 Eastern 6–12 5th 3–6 3–6 226 251 Troy Cordingley Did not qualify
2018 Eastern 8–10 5th 4–5 4–5 232 240 Troy Cordingley Did not qualify
2019 Eastern 14–4 1st 7–2 7–2 244 186 John Tavares, Rich Kilgour Lost Finals
2020 North 7–4 T-2nd 4–2 3–2 130 118 John Tavares No playoffs held
2021 Eastern Season cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
2022 Eastern 14–4 1st 7–2 7–2 247 185 John Tavares Lost Finals
2023 Eastern 14–4 1st 7–2 7–2 215 191 John Tavares Champions
2024 Unified 11–7 4th 6–3 5–4 237 212 John Tavares Champions
2025 Unified 13–5 1st 6–3 7–2 242 195 John Tavares Champions
Total 33 seasons 292–193 155–89 137–104 6,482 5,908
Playoff Totals 26 Appearances 45–25 34–10 11–15 882 766 7 Championships

Playoff Game Results

The Bandits have played many exciting playoff games. Here are their results:

Season Game Visiting Team Home Team
1992 Division Semifinal Boston Blazers 16 Buffalo Bandits 22
Division Final Buffalo Bandits 19 Detroit Turbos 16
Championship Buffalo Bandits 11 Philadelphia Wings 10 (OT)
1993 Division Final Boston Blazers 10 Buffalo Bandits 12
Championship Philadelphia Wings 12 Buffalo Bandits 13
1994 Division Final Detroit Turbos 10 Buffalo Bandits 16
Championship Philadelphia Wings 26 Buffalo Bandits 15
1995 Semifinals Philadelphia Wings 19 Buffalo Bandits 16
1996 Semifinals Rochester Knighthawks 10 Buffalo Bandits 18
Championship Philadelphia Wings 10 Buffalo Bandits 15
1997 Semifinals New York Saints 10 Buffalo Bandits 19
Championship Rochester Knighthawks 15 Buffalo Bandits 12
1998 Semifinals Buffalo Bandits 12 Philadelphia Wings 17
2000 Semifinals Rochester Knighthawks 15 Buffalo Bandits 11
2003 Quarterfinals Calgary Roughnecks 9 Buffalo Bandits 16
Semifinals Buffalo Bandits 13 Rochester Knighthawks 16
2004 Division Semifinal Buffalo Bandits 13 Rochester Knighthawks 9
Division Final Buffalo Bandits 19 Toronto Rock 10
Championship Buffalo Bandits 11 Calgary Roughnecks 14
2005 Division Semifinal Rochester Knighthawks 17 Buffalo Bandits 16
2006 Division Semifinal Buffalo Bandits 11 Minnesota Swarm 10
Division Final Buffalo Bandits 15 Rochester Knighthawks 10
Championship Colorado Mammoth 16 Buffalo Bandits 9
2007 Division Semifinal Minnesota Swarm 8 Buffalo Bandits 14
Division Final Buffalo Bandits 13 Rochester Knighthawks 14 (OT)
2008 Division Semifinal Philadelphia Wings 12 Buffalo Bandits 14
Division Final New York Titans 12 Buffalo Bandits 19
Championship Portland LumberJax 13 Buffalo Bandits 14
2009 Division Semifinal Boston Blazers 8 Buffalo Bandits 11
Division Final Buffalo Bandits 3 New York Titans 9
2010 Division Semifinal Buffalo Bandits 11 Toronto Rock 13
2011 Division Semifinal Boston Blazers 10 Buffalo Bandits 11
Division Final Buffalo Bandits 11 Toronto Rock 12
2012 Division Semifinal Buffalo Bandits 6 Toronto Rock 7
2014 Division Semifinal Buffalo Bandits 15 Toronto Rock 13
Division Final 1 Rochester Knighthawks 8 Buffalo Bandits 12
Division Final 2 Buffalo Bandits 8 Rochester Knighthawks 13
Division Final 3 Buffalo Bandits 1 Rochester Knighthawks 2
2015 Division Semifinal Buffalo Bandits 11 Rochester Knighthawks 14
2016 Division Final 1 Buffalo Bandits 15 New England Black Wolves 10
Division Final 2 New England Black Wolves 15 Buffalo Bandits 20
Championship 1 Saskatchewan Rush 11 Buffalo Bandits 9
Championship 2 Buffalo Bandits 10 Saskatchewan Rush 11
2019 Division Semifinal New England Black Wolves 6 Buffalo Bandits 13
Division Final Toronto Rock 8 Buffalo Bandits 12
Championship 1 Calgary Roughnecks 10 Buffalo Bandits 7
Championship 2 Buffalo Bandits 13 Calgary Roughnecks 14 (OT)
2022 Conference Semifinal Albany Firewolves 5 Buffalo Bandits 10
Conference Final 1 Toronto Rock 17 Buffalo Bandits 18
Conference Final 2 Buffalo Bandits 10 Toronto Rock 9
Championship 1 Colorado Mammoth 14 Buffalo Bandits 15
Championship 2 Buffalo Bandits 8 Colorado Mammoth 11
Championship 3 Colorado Mammoth 10 Buffalo Bandits 8
2023 Conference Semifinal Rochester Knighthawks 8 Buffalo Bandits 20
Conference Final 1 Toronto Rock 5 Buffalo Bandits 14
Conference Final 2 Buffalo Bandits 17 Toronto Rock 8
Championship 1 Colorado Mammoth 12 Buffalo Bandits 13
Championship 2 Buffalo Bandits 10 Colorado Mammoth 16
Championship 3 Colorado Mammoth 4 Buffalo Bandits 13
2024 Quarterfinals Georgia Swarm 9 Buffalo Bandits 10 (OT)
Semi Final 1 Buffalo Bandits 12 Toronto Rock 4
Semi Final 2 Toronto Rock 8 Buffalo Bandits 12
Championship 1 Buffalo Bandits 12 Albany FireWolves 8
Championship 2 Albany FireWolves 13 Buffalo Bandits 15
2025 Quarterfinals San Diego Seals 4 Buffalo Bandits 5
Semi Final 1 Vancouver Warriors 3 Buffalo Bandits 9
Semi Final 2 Buffalo Bandits 11 Vancouver Warriors 9
Championship 1 Saskatchewan Rush 10 Buffalo Bandits 12
Championship 2 Buffalo Bandits 10 Saskatchewan Rush 11
Championship 3 Saskatchewan Rush 6 Buffalo Bandits 15

Head Coaching History

2022 National Lacrosse League Cup Game 3 Colorado at Buffalo
The Colorado Mammoth visit the Buffalo Bandits in Game 3 of the 2022 NLL Cup Finals

Here are the head coaches who have led the Buffalo Bandits:

# Name Term Regular Season Playoffs
Games Coached Wins Losses Win % Games Coached Wins Losses Win %
1 Bob McCready 1992 3 0 3 .000
2 Les Bartley 1992–1997 49 36 13 .735 12 9 3 .750
3 Les Wakeling 1998–1999 24 10 14 .417 1 0 1 .000
4 Ted Sawicki 2000–2002 35 21 14 .600 1 0 1 .000
5 Frank Neilson 2002 7 3 4 .429
6 Darris Kilgour 2003–2013 176 103 73 .585 20 11 9 .550
7 Troy Cordingley 2014–2018 90 46 44 .511 9 4 5 .444
8 John Tavares,
Rich Kilgour
2019 18 14 4 .778 3 2 1 .666
9 John Tavares 2020– 83 59 24 .711 23 19 4 .827

Retired Numbers

The Bandits have honored four players by retiring their jersey numbers. These numbers are displayed at the arena alongside the championship banners.

  • 34 Thomas Gardner, honored March 20, 1999
  • 43 Darris Kilgour, F, honored March 25, 2001
  • 16 Rich Kilgour, D, honored April 16, 2011
  • 11 John Tavares, F, honored March 11, 2016

Game Broadcasts

You can listen to Buffalo Bandits games on Buffalo's Audacy radio stations, either WGR 550 AM or WWKB 1520 AM. John Gurtler, who used to announce for the Buffalo Sabres, does the play-by-play. Former Bandit Randy Mearns provides color commentary.

All games are also available to watch on ESPN+. Some games are shown nationally on ESPN Linear Networks. Locally in Buffalo, you can watch select games on WNLO CW23. The Bandits games are very popular on WNLO, often getting higher ratings than other shows on that network.

See Also

  • Buffalo Bandits seasons
  • Buffalo Bandits all-time roster
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