Jr. Bandits Introduce the Kilgour Cup Ahead of Championship Night

The Jr. Bandits are proud to introduce the Kilgour Cup, a new championship trophy that will be awarded annually to the playoff champions in each division.

Named in honor of Western New York lacrosse icons Darris and Rich Kilgour, the trophy represents far more than a title — it symbolizes the standard of excellence, leadership, and championship culture that helped define professional lacrosse in Buffalo.

Both Kilgour brothers grew up locally and went on to become cornerstones of the Buffalo Bandits franchise. As NLL champions, longtime leaders, and Hall of Fame inductees, they helped build the foundation of the game in this region while inspiring generations of players who followed. Their journey from local rinks and high school lacrosse to professional greatness embodies the very pathway the Jr. Bandits strive to create for young athletes today.

By competing for a trophy bearing the Kilgour name, Jr. Bandits players are not only battling for a championship — they are chasing a legacy rooted right here in Western New York. The Kilgour Cup serves as a reminder that the dream of playing at the highest level is attainable, and that greatness can start at home.

The first champions to lift the Kilgour Cup will cement their place in a tradition that connects the next generation of players to two of Buffalo lacrosse’s most influential figures.

And fittingly, the inaugural Kilgour Cup Finals are set.

Grade 5/6 Kilgour Cup Final

Blizzard vs. Rapids

🕡 6:30pm | Epic Center | February 23

The Rapids enter championship night after sweeping the season series 2–0, outscoring the Blizzard 20–13. They’ve averaged 9 goals per game this season, compared to 6.7 for the Blizzard.

The Blizzard offense is led by Evan Boorman (15+4), with support from Anderson Ruff, Elijah Nowak, Nickolas Mattoon Jr., and Luke Ganley. In net, Weston Stewart has posted a 5.91 GAA and .773 save percentage.

For the Rapids, scoring depth has fueled their run. Gavin Mazur (14+6) and Easton Carpenter (13+2) lead the way, while Caiden Scull, Brantley Bachman, and Keegan Rajk add balance. Between the pipes, Gavin Snyder and Xander Ferguson give the Rapids solid options heading into the final.

The Rapids may hold the regular season edge — but championship games can be a different story.

Grade 7/8 Kilgour Cup Final

Pythons vs. Thunderhawks

🕗 8:00pm | Epic Center | February 23

The Pythons swept the regular season series, but the combined score across both meetings was just 18–16 — proof that this matchup is razor thin.

The Thunderhawks bring elite offensive firepower, led by Dominick Velardo (21+5), Snyder Pragle, and Logan Stubley, with depth from Alex Kordylewski and Jaxen Guziejka. In goal, Daniel Farnham (5-0-1) and Cameron Crowe have anchored one of the division’s most consistent defensive units.

The Pythons counter with balance and efficiency. Kyle Madden (23+4), Gavin Gajkowski, and Evin Sweeney headline an offense averaging 10.8 goals per game, with Tim Nanticoke and Levi Kittleman providing secondary scoring.

The two highest-scoring teams in the division will meet with history on the line.

Two divisions. Four teams. The first-ever Kilgour Cup champions.

Championship night at the Epic Center will not just crown winners — it will begin a tradition.