Chris Vale, Correspondent Buffalo Bandits
Lacrosse is Awesome©
It was alumni night in Buffalo Saturday January 19 and the crowd and players were ready to put on a show. The Bandits were looking for their fourth win on the season and second versus a hungry Philadelphia Wings squad but the Bandits just seemed too much for the Wings to handle. Final Score: Bandits 14—Wings 10.
Buffalo shot out to 4-0 lead after rookie Ian MacKay scored an unassisted goal to get the night going. Thomas Hoggarth got the second goal and ended the night with four points and continuing to show why the coaching staff moved him up to forward this season. Jordan Durston also scored in the first and had two goals on the night. Jordan’s second goal was just like his nickname Durty! After looking like he was going to take an outside shot he came in took on the triple team and scored behind the back far side. Dhane Smith was moving the ball great finding open teammates and finished with six assists and eight points altogether. Corey Small was (3G, 3A) and Shawn Evans did not have crazy numbers on the score sheet and stilled finished (2G, 2A). The Bandits have threats offensively and a revamped defense. Matt Vinc had forty-nine saves. MacKay was the teams Heavyweight player of the game after two points and six loose ball pickups.
The Wings did not get off to a good start being down 8-4 at halftime but after two of Kiel Matisz four goals on the night; and one from newly acquired Kevin Crowley, they cut the lead to 8-7. Philadelphia also played both goalies but Dave DiRuscio would come away with the loss after making 30 saves and letting in six goals. Doug Buchan made 21 saves letting in eight goals. Trevor Baptiste dominated the face offs winning 20 of 28.
The Wings will get a win very soon. They are young, talented and knocking on the door. For the Bandits they look to keep the good times rolling and hope to make it to the playoffs for the first time since 2016 when they were runners up for the Championship.
NEXT UP:
Buffalo (4-1) has a double header road trip weekend as they head out to Rochester (1-3) to play their I-90 rivals on Friday January 26, game time 8:00 p.m. EST; and then head down to New England to face the Black Wolves (3-1) on Saturday January 27, game time 6:00 p.m. EST.
Philadelphia (0-5) will host the Toronto Rock (4-1) on Friday January 26, game time 7:00 p.m. EST.
Chris Vale, Correspondent Buffalo Bandits
Lacrosse is Awesome©