The Bandettes at the Bandits-Rock Game

After the Bandits started off the season in a pretty poor fashion with a loss in their opener, their fans were thinking of it as a carry-over from last season instead of the 1st game of the new, 2014 season. When the game got going though, it looked like more of the same as the visiting Toronto Rock jumped out to a 4-0 1st quarter lead with some soft goals let in by Cosmo and very little defensive help in front of him. The teams traded goals in the 2nd to go into the half with a 6-2 Rock lead and that's where the score remained until there were 4 minutes left in the 3rd. The Bandits then woke up and poured in 4 goals to tie it up and then took the lead early in a 4th quarter they never trailed in. When one considers that the Buffalo Bills are the owners of the Greatest Comeback in NFL History, the fact that the Bandits came back like they did should be no surprise to anyone. Ryan Benesch, acquired in an offseason trade with the Minnesota Swarm, was the game MVP and made sure to thank the fans in Banditland for sticking behind the team even as they struggled early in the game. After 7 seasons playing in the league and having to come into Buffalo as an opponent, he was looking forward to having the crowd in Buffalo on his side and Ryan "They Call Him Benny" Benesch has definitely been made to feel welcome so far this season.

Danielle, Chrissy, Brianna, Kirsten, Mandy, and Lauren K

After meeting up with a buddy for dinner, we hit up the arena where Ashley and Stephanie were downstairs at the gates. I'm not big on having my photo taken as I'm much more at ease behind the camera but when you can get pics with a ravishing redhead like Ashley or the super-cute Stephanie, who could say no to that? After we headed up to the 100 level, I checked in with Kirsten, the reigning Bandette of The Week and grabbed a quick shot of her line before checking in with LB and getting a few photos there, including a pic with Amanda, one of the most well-spoken young women I know, and Chelsea, owner of one of the biggest hearts around...as well as a total camera ham.

Mandy, Chrissy, and Lauren in the 1st quarter

Janelle, MaKenzie, Jessica, LB, Cheri, Chelsea, Amanda, and Kelsey

After that, we headed down to our seats for the game where, before the game, I talked with Rich Gaenzler of WEDG-FM and 1270 The Fan, who I've gotten to know over the years at Jills events and Bandits game, about the Bills and a hopefully soon-to-be HOF inductee in Andre Reed before the Bandettes came out for pregame. While the team struggled early on, the Bandettes were rock solid all night long and maybe in part to inspire the comeback, Erin had both lines performing the entire 2nd half.

Kelsey in action

Both lines performing in the 4th quarter

See all the pics at https://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/pictures/6607

Next up for the Bandettes, as the Bandits return home from games in Philly and Colorado, they'll be performing when the Thruway rivals, the Rochester Knighthawks come to town on January 25th at First Niagara Center. Prior to the game, the Bandettes will be working with the Jr Bandettes to get them ready to join them at the February 1st game against the Rock.