BUFFALO, N.Y. — Over 17,000 fans watched the Buffalo Bandits raise their fifth championship banner to the rafters in the KeyBank Center on Saturday night.
The 2023 Bandits world championship title is the fifth in franchise history, however, it is the first one in 15 years as the organization's last championship banner dates back to 2008.
"It was pretty cool to see however many fans there were because they deserve it just as much as us," Bandits forward Dhane Smith said. "Them cheering as loud as they could because they enjoyed the moment as well and that's something that I'll never forget for the rest of my life."
After the Bandits gathered around the banner as it was lifted to the rafters for all of Banditland to enjoy, the team still had a big night and challenge ahead of them as were all set and ready to host the San Diego Seals.
The Bandits were looking to bounce back from their 0-1 start to their season in Albany last week and yet this game certainly did not start the way they had hoped either as Buffalo trailed 6-5 at the half. However, a short break later and the Bandits came out firing in the third quarter. Several different goal-scorers added to the team's quick five-goal run giving Buffalo the tight 10-8 lead heading into the final quarter.
The Bandits were able to hold on for the 12-9 victory over the Seals in the team's home opener now earning their first win of the season.
Bandits star forward Josh Byrne had a four-goal, three assists performance for Buffalo and spoke after the game regarding just how difficult it was to put aside the pre-game celebrations and outside noise to focus on the game itself.
"These games, they're a bit of a trap game," Byrne said.
"You're raising the banner, got a ring ceremony after, it's really easy to allow your mind to kind of wander. Especially to focus on what happened last year when we really need to focus on this year. So, I'm proud of our guys for staying focused throughout the game and ultimately coming out with the win."
Next up for the 1-1 Buffalo Bandits will be the Georgia Swarm who will travel up to Buffalo and Banditland on Friday, Dec. 29 with face-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
