BUFFALO, N.Y. — After a third straight NLL championship, the Bandits are looking to continue the growth of the game of lacrosse through their Jr. Bandits program.
"Lacrosse, I see, is one big, extended family, " said Bandits defenseman and Jr. U13 coach Zack Belter. "The same faces come back, but also seeing new kids that hear about it and want to be a part of lacrosse. The numbers at these tryouts speak for themselves."
The popularity of teams like the Bandits, Rochester Knighthawks, Albany Firewolves and others is helping to get guys like Gaige Reich in the door.
"First time I actually got introduced to lacrosse was from my hockey friends," said Reich.
Reich continues to build his skills and community through four years of having the likes of Belter, Chase Fraser, Chris Cloutier and other Bandits at the helm.
"They pass on their knowledge to the kids, because I know that's how I've grown as a player. And now multiple my teammates have grown as players and it just really helps," he said.
"The ability to learn from the best of the best, you can't really beat that," said Gaige's mom Alicia Whittman, who says she sees the resurgence that the game's popularity is having.
"Each one of these guys gives it their all," she said. "They really have a love for the game, a passion for the game. And they want to see the game not only exceed their expectations for their personal interest, but they want to have somebody carry on the torch."
That torch makes its way to players like Ryan Rizzo, who plays on the U17 squad.
"It's really cool to have the guys that everybody looks up to watching the games to be teaching them how to play," said Rizzo. "The sport's growing pretty fast."
That same torch is fostered by indigenous members of the community like Rizzo's teammate Randall John.
"It's fun because you get to teach, because we're just born with the stick in our hand," said John. "These guys out here have worked for it and it's good to see that because we're all coming together as one."
He loves emulating his game after the likes of the Bandits' Ron John, Clay Scanlon and Tehoka Nanticoke. Growth of the what they call the medicine game is important for everyone from the reservations and beyond.
"Now, I play for my my whole family. The ones that are here, the ones that aren't," he added.
"Every time you have a group of people picking up their sticks, it's special," said Belter. "To share that bond and bring people together and just play the game we love."