Night One of the 25–26 Jr. Bandits BLL Delivers Thrillers Across the Board

Opening night of the 25–26 Jr. Bandits Box Lacrosse League did not disappoint, delivering last-minute dramatics, offensive outbursts, and strong statements from teams across both divisions.

Grade 5/6 Division – Rapids Edge Blizzard in a Wild Finish

The season’s first contest set the tone early, as the Rapids and Blizzard battled in a back-and-forth thriller that ended with a 10–9 Rapids victory. With just 37 seconds left, Caiden Scull buried his third of the night—what would stand as the game-winner—to cap off a four-point performance (3+1). Brantley Bachman added a hat trick of his own, helping push the Rapids over the line.

The Blizzard wouldn’t go quietly, powered by a massive five-goal effort from Evan Boorman, who kept his team in it right down to the final buzzer. The Blizzard look to bounce back next Monday against the Stampede at 5 p.m., while the Rapids get a bye week before meeting the Stampede on December 15th.

Buffaloes Start Strong, Cruise Past Stampede

Game two in the 5/6 Division saw the Buffaloes come out flying, building a 4–0 lead and never relinquishing control on their way to a convincing win. Chase Wolcott posted a three-point night (2+1), and the Herd saw scoring from Jamison Barth, Brayden Hockwater, Nash Geier, Henry Ordon, and Seamus Gleeson.

On the back end, the Buffaloes’ goaltending duo stood tall as Oliver Gross and Jeffrey George split the game, each allowing just one goal while facing 10 and 11 shots respectively. The Buffaloes now head into a scheduled bye before returning December 15th against the Blizzard, while the Stampede regroup for a matchup with the Blizzard next Sunday at 5 p.m.

Grade 7/8 Division – Pythons Surge Late to Top Thunderhawks

The lone 7/8 Division matchup packed plenty of excitement. The Thunderhawks held a 6–5 edge entering the third, but the Pythons’ surge proved too much. A dominant final frame, featuring four goals scored and only one allowed, propelled the Pythons to a comeback win.

Timothy Nanticoke led the way with a five-point performance (3+2), while Levi Kittleman added a hat trick to fuel the late push. For the Thunderhawks, Dominick Velardo shined with four goals in a strong effort.

Next up, the Thunderhawks meet the Glaciers on December 1st at 6:30 p.m., while the Pythons take on the Stealth at 8 p.m.