[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 90 (Thursday, May 23, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               BUFFALO BANDITS BACK-TO-BACK NLL CHAMPIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2024

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, today we celebrate the National Lacrosse 
League's Buffalo Bandits who just won their second league championship 
in a row over the weekend in a 15-13 win over the Albany Fire Wolves--
completing a sweep of the playoffs and winning their 9th game in a row.
  They were led by their Head Coach, Bandits legend John Tavares, who 
was among the greatest players to ever take the field in the NLL.
  And on the field, Josh Byrne, the league MVP, led the way with 9 
points in the championship game and 135 points throughout the season.
  Other standouts this season include Dhane (pronounced Dane) Smith, 
with 134 points, Chris Cloutier (Clue-teeyay) with 68 points, and Chase 
Fraser with 57 points.
  The rest of the roster pushed the team across the finish line, in 
games and in practice: Zach Belter, Adam Bomberry, Kyle Buchanan, 
Emerson Clark, Evan Constantopoulos, Paul Dawson, Connor Farrell, Chase 
Fraser, Cory Highfield, Sam La Roue, Ian MacKay, Justin Martin, Tehoka 
Nanticoke, Steve Orleman, Steve Priolo, Brandon Robinson, Dylan 
Robinson, Justin Robinson, Matt Spanger, Dalton Sulver, Matt Vinc, Nick 
Weiss, Cam Wyers.
  And this championship would not have been possible without the 
contributions of staff: Terry Pegula, Scott Loffler, Steve Dietrich, 
John Tavares, Anthony Cosmo, Eric Vinc, Rob Buchan, Dan Teat, Dan 
Ristine, Ryan Rajk, Nicole Rakoski, Mike Maisano, Dr. Michael Rauh, Dr. 
Michael Jordan, Dr. Heidi Suffoletto, Dr. Jon Beck, Dr. Chris Siuta, 
Matt Meyer, Ted Cordingley, Casey Deuser, John Gurtler, Dave Buchanan, 
Steve Bermel, Kurt Haumesser, Ryan Slabowski, Chris Swenson, Brett 
Swenson.
  This back-to-back championship is the Bandits 6th in franchise 
history, putting them in a first-place league-wide tie for the most 
titles, and hopefully setting an example for our other beloved teams, 
the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres.
  Congratulations to the Bandits, and I thank them for once again 
making Western New York proud.

                          ____________________