Christopher Crane, NLL Correspondent
Lacrosse is Awesome©
Photos Credit: Ben Ludeman
The Buffalo Bandits (1-0) opened the 2025-26 season by unveiling their third consecutive Championship Banner before securing a 15–11 victory over the Georgia Swarm (0-1) on Saturday at KeyBank Center.
After conceding eight goals in the first half and falling behind 9–8 early in the third quarter, Buffalo responded with a strong defensive effort. The Bandits would hold Georgia to just three goals in the final 30. They’d tally their final three 45 seconds into the third, 38 seconds into the fourth and with 4:43 left in the contest.
Dhane Smith (4g, 4a) led Buffalo’s offense with four goals and a game-high 8 points, while Josh Byrne (2g, 4a) added six points. The Bandits offense would also dominate in shots on goal 60 to the Swarms’ 43. The Bandits’ defensive unit showed why the team is the NLL Champs three years in a row, by blocking 12 shots, 13 CTO and 80 LB.
Goaltender Matt Vinc played a significant role recording 11 of his 32 saves in the fourth quarter. Vinc after signing a one year agreement with the team, is returning for his seventh season in Buffalo. His stellar record of 13-5 in 2024-25; a 10.71 GAA; and .791 save percentage are just some of his accolades. He’s also got a career-high 1,080:51 minutes played putting him second-most in a single season in NLL history. Last night’s performance was particularly notable as the Bandits broke tradition and dressed eight defensemen instead of their usual nine.
Offensively, Buffalo controlled the second half, scoring seven of the final nine goals to extend a 12–9 lead after three quarters into a four-goal victory. The Swarm defense was able to stave off a five-minute major assessed to Georgia goaltender Brett Dobson late in the third, for an illegal cross-check to Bandits player Ian MacKay’s head. Although the ensuing power play opportunity expired without a goal, Tehoka Nanticoke would score moments later for his second tally of the night and the 100th of his NLL career.
Nanticoke finished with two goals, one assist, and four loose-ball recoveries. Nanticoke’s second goal came during a scramble in front of the net late in the third quarter, giving Buffalo an 11–9 advantage.
Faceoff specialist Connor Farrell had a stellar night at faceoffs winning 26 of 31 draws (.838) He went 16-18 in the first half and 10-13 in the second, while also collecting 13 loose balls. Farrell has now surpassed 400 career faceoff wins and, in the process, became only the second player in Bandits history to reach that milestone. Farrell is currently at 406. Final Score: Bandits 15—Swarm 11.
GAME STATS:
Georgia Swarm—43 SOG; 45 Saves; .750 Sv%; 5-31 FO; 1-5 PP; 9 PIM
Buffalo Bandits—60 SOG; 32 Saves; .744 Sv%; 26-31 FO; 1-3 PP; 10 PIM
NEXT UP:
The Georgia Swarm (0-1) have a bye this coming weekend and will return to action on Saturday December 13, 2025, and will host the Oshawa FireWolves (0-1) at Gas South Arena, game time 5:30 p.m. EST. The game can be seen on ESPN+ and NLL+ for fans in the USA. Fans in Canada can catch the action on TSN+.
The Buffalo Bandits (1-0) also have a bye and will play host to the Halifax Thunderbirds (0-0) also on Saturday December 13, 2025, at KeyBank Center, game time 7:00 p.m. EST. The game can be seen on ESPN+ and NLL+ for fans in the USA. Fans in Canada can catch the action on TSN+.
Christopher Crane, NLL Correspondent
Lacrosse is Awesome©