The Bandettes at the Bandits Open Scrimmage

Customarily, the Buffalo Bandits have held an Open Practice each year to give fans a chance to see the team and the Bandettes before the season starts. This year, they did a little more by making it a preseason game against the Philadelphia Wings, the same team they'll be playing host to at the season opener on December 28th. They started it out, after warm-ups, with a performance by the Bandettes. The game then got going rather slowly and by halftime, the Wings had a 12-7 lead. Thankfully the game wasn't over and the Bandits, missing a few of their big-name players, roared back to take a 16-15 win in front of 1,989 devoted fans.
After their pregame performance, the Bandettes that were in attendance split off into two groups and circulated through the crowd. Kirsten's line was closest so I made my way over to greet them and grab a few pics, including rookie Mandy, who Danielle grabbed off to the side for a quick pic of just the two of them, much the same way that Stephanie O grabbed a pic with Danielle last season.

Mandy and Danielle

After that, the rest of the line saw me, giving me big smiles, and posing for a photo before they went to greet more fans.

Mandy, Danielle, Chrissy, Kirsten, Brianna V, and Stephanie O

After they went on their way, I watched some more of the game before spotting L.B.'s line. I went over to greet them, with rookie Janelle the new face in the group. I got some big smiles from the group, including Ashley, back with the squad after a season off.

Ashley, Brianna M, Janelle, MaKenzie, L.B., and Jessica

See all the pics at https://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/pictures/6476 For those wondering about the size of the squad, several of the girls were unable to attend but the majority of last year's squad did return. We should see the entire squad 3 weeks from tonight when the Bandits face off against the Philadelphia Wings at First Niagara Center.

They'll also be getting set to start working with the Jr Bandettes pretty soon as well. The Buffalo Bandettes will once again be holding their Junior Bandette Dance Camp on January 25 (2-5:00 PM), February 1 (3:30-5:00 PM) & a pre-game performance on February 1 when the Bandits take on  the Toronto Rock at First Niagara Center. This camp is geared for girls aged 7 through 17 years old and costs $80 per girl and includes a Junior Bandette t-shirt. To register, please fill out the form at http://www.formstack.com/forms/?1629262-tFaMsq5Ztk