The Bandettes at the Bandits-Swarm game...plus some Jills news!

Bandettes with Jaclyn, Erin, and Alexis (2009-10)

The Bandits have had a rough season in 2012 but after Friday night's huge comeback in Toronto, hopes were high for the Banditland faithful as the Bandits returned home for a match-up against the Minnesota Swarm on St Patrick's Day. In honor of the holiday, Bandits players were wearing special jerseys and the Bandettes, as well as a certain visiting alumnus, were decked out in green tshirts for the game as well. Prior to the game, the squad was downstairs at the entrance greeting fans when Bandettes alumnus Alexis (2009-10) made an appearance.

Lauren's line signing autographs

After a little while, the lines split up as Lauren's line kept greeting fans downstairs and Kirsten's line went up to the 100 level to meet fans up there.

pregame performance

Chelsea, Stephanie C, Stephanie O, and Lauren K greeting the team

Chelsea, Stephanie O, and Lauren K cheering on a goal

Kirsten, Danielle, and Lauren K in action

Chrissy and Stephanie O

Full squad in action

The game itself, went well as the Bandits pulled off a 13-10 win based largely on a strong 2nd quarter and are now tied for 3rd place in the East. The game also featured a milestone as the greatest player in the history of the sport, Johnny Tavares, notched his 1600th point with a 3-goal and 1 assist performance.
See all the pics at http://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/pictures/4996 
Next up for the Bandettes, they'll be helping out and performing at the 1st Annual Dance Fair and Expo on Sunday the 25th at Classics V Banquet and Conference Center at 2425 Niagara Falls Blvd in Amherst. See the details at https://www.facebook.com/1stAnnualDanceFairAndExpo The event is open to the public for a $8 ticket at the door and features not only the Buffalo Bandettes, but the Buffalo Jills as well, bringing both squads together for their 1st joint event since last year's Buffalo Men's Show.
Speaking of the Jills, in the 4th quarter of the game, I got a tap on the shoulder. The last time I saw this person was on TV when she was in the Pro Bowl representing the Buffalo Jills. In addition to taking in the game, Valerie gave me a few tidbits of news. The squad determined this week who would be serving as captains and co-captains in 2012-2013. With Keisha retiring as captain of the Ambassador squad and Natalie undecided on returning as co-captain in dance, there were some openings to be filled.
Serving as Omarlla's (in her 13th season) co-captain will be 3rd year vet Emily.
Christina will be joined by 4th year vet Loren as her co-captain, switching over from Valerie's line.
Valerie's co-captain will be her former partner for tryouts, 6th year vet Lisa.
Covering the Ambassador Squad, 6th year vet and current CW23 girl Laura will be the new captain, taking over for the retiring Keisha. As her co-captain, 4th year vet Ruby will be getting the call.
Congrats to Emily, Ruby, and Laura in their new roles!