The Bandettes at the 2015-16 Buffalo Bandits Open Practice

It's been several months since we've  been able to share new pics and videos but I'd like to think these were worth the wait. Early December annually marks the start of the NLL season with training camp and a part of that training camp in Buffalo is the annual Open Practice which takes place at First Niagara Center. A big part of the Open Practice is the 1st full appearance of the new Buffalo Bandettes squad. 

Your 2016 Buffalo Bandettes!

This year, the Bandits held their autograph session for the fans before the practice session and near the end of the session, the Bandettes squad made their 1st appearance. I was making my way around the concourse when they came along and joined them walking towards the front of the 100 level, talking with captains Mandy and Stephanie as we went along. Joining the squad to help run things today was Kirsten, in only her 2nd year retired from the squad. As we got up front, we took a few group photos, 1st of just the squad and then with several fans that came by as we stopped.

Shortly thereafter, the girls split up, with Mandy taking her line to the top of the east bank of escalators and Stephanie taking hers to the bottom of the west bank. I joined Stephanie, now the longest-tenured girl on the squad and her line at 1st before heading back up to see Mandy's line before they all had to head in to get ready to perform. 

Stephanie's line

Kirsten and Stephanie

Mandy's line

Once they headed in, I went to grab a good vantage point to see the performance and take in some of the practice. A little while after the performance, it was back up to the concourse for me for a bit where I ran into Brittany from last year's squad. I caught up with her for a bit as some of the Bandettes came by after making rounds in the stands greeting fans and sharing info about their Jr Bandettes program. Stephanie made a point of letting me know that Chrissy and Cheri, both recently retired, were in the stands and saw me so when they headed back down to get ready for their 2nd performance, I made my way back into the stands near the alums and did some catching up with them until the Bandettes' 2nd performance. After the performance and watching some more of the practice session, I excused myself and made my way out and back home to get to work.

See all the pics at https://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/pictures/8854

Next up for the Bandettes, the Bandits open their season at First Niagara Center in January 9th when they play host to the Calgary Roughnecks.

2013-14 Bandits Open Scrimmage-revisited

We finish up this look-back series with a look at the 2013-14 Buffalo Bandits Open Scrimmage. Instead of just a normal open practice in 2013, the Bandits instead invited the public to check out a preseason matchup with the Philadelphia Wings. The Bandettes first made an appearance for a pregame performance before circulating through the crowd posing for pics and talking to fans. I caught up with Kirsten's line first and when Danielle saw me, she grabbed rookie Mandy for a quick photo together the way Stephanie O did for her the year before. After that, the rest of the line saw me, giving me big smiles while posing for a photo before they went to greet more fans.

Mandy and Danielle

Kirsten's line

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.

LB's line

You can see the pics at https://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/pictures/6476 
We start off our 2015 Buffalo Bandette of The Week series next week, leading off with Captain Lauren K, in her 4th year on the squad.

From the Buffalo Jills comes a photo from 2011. The Bills opened on the road that season and The Q Nightclub in Jamestown, NY held a season opener party complete with an appearance by the Buffalo Jills. Making the trek to the Southern Tier were Murissa and three rookies-Melissa, Jenny, and Myesha. The girls greeted fans, posed for photos, and even put on a performance at halftime.

Melissa, Jenny, Myesha, and Murissa

2012-13 Bandits Open Practice-revisited

In December of 2012, the Bandits held their open practice for the fans like they did every year but they had a little twist involving the Bandettes that season. Some years, they just get to perform and others they get interviewed by the Bandits' emcee, Swennie. In 2012-13 however, they got introduced individually. When I got there, they were just getting set to perform their first routine at the start of practice. Luckily I was in position quickly to grab video of their performance, which was followed up by the squad lining up in 2 columns and performing a bit individually while Swennie introduced them. The only negative to that was that he mispronounced Alicia's name.

squad photo minus Kirsten and Chelsea

After their performance, the Bandettes circulated through the arena meeting fans, signing autographs, and posing for photos while the Buffalo Bandits worked through the 1st portion of practice. Knowing that it can sometimes be tricky learning a bunch of new names all at once, reigning NLL Girl of The Year Stephanie O took it upon herself to help me out with one of her squadmates anyway as she introduced me to rookie Danielle while getting a photo with her.

Stephanie and Danielle

About halfway through the practice, the Bandettes were once again back on the turf performing for the fans to the tune "Love Is Strange," a song made popular again in 1987 in the movie Dirty Dancing after having 1st been released in 1956. Afterwards, it was back to the stands and concourses and even had time to pose for some line shots.

LB's line

Kirsten's line minus Kirsten and Chelsea

You can see all the pics at https://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/pictures/5643
From the Buffalo Jills comes a photo from a few years ago, in 2009. The Bills faced off against the Titans in the HOF game the day after HOF inductions and, unlike this past season, the Jills were on one set of sidelines for the game with the Titans cheerleaders on the other side. For the game, I had end zone seating but as people started leaving in the 4th quarter, I moved over to the sidelines where some of the Jills were. Posing for this photo are Loren, Gabrielle, and Kaitlin.

Loren, Gabrielle, and Kaitlin

2011-12 Bandits Open Practice and Meet-and-Greet-revisited

The 2011-12 Bandits Open Practice brought forth a number of notable changes. For one, this was the 1st one without Melissa since 2004 after she moved on to the Buffalo Jills late in the 2011 Bandits season. Beth, Jessica, Justina, and Lauren S all retired as well, with Beth having joined the Jills alongside Melissa. A mini-Ambassador Squad was formed for 2011 with 3rd year vet Ashley heading that up with rookies Ria and Amanda joining her in appearing at pregame parties and doing suite visits during the games.

ambassadors Ria and Amanda

While the Bandits went through the 1st portion of their practice, Ria and Amanda circulated through the stands selling tickets to their Meet and Greet to be held that evening. When the team took a short break, the dancers came out and put on 2 performances for the fans, including their tryout performance. After the performance, they came out to join Ashley, Ria, and Amanda in greeting fans and posing for photos around the arena. Meghan was on hand as well with her kids and posed for a few photos, including one alongside a former protege. Rookie Stephanie O had Meghan as a dance teacher just a few years before.

Lauren K, LB, Carissa, Ashley, Stephanie G, Chrissy, Amanda, Melissa, and Jessica

Ria, Chelsea, Stephanie O, Meghan and her kids, Stephanie C, Krista, and Noelle

See all the photos at https://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/pictures/4189
Something unique in 2011-12 was a Meet-and-Greet Fundraiser held at Cobblestone Bar that evening to raise funds to help with uniform costs. For me, with a Bills home game the following day, that made for a busy weekend in Buffalo so after the Open Practice, I checked into a hotel for the night before heading back downtown for the Meet-and-Greet.
Joining them were several players from the Bandits, including fan favorites like Johnny Tavares and Mark Steenhuis, and several Bandettes alumni. Showing up to support their younger sisters were former coach Erin J, Jenni (2001), Leeanne (2004), Erin H (2004-08), Kimberly (2004-08), Korinne (2003,08), Lauren S, (2009-11), and Meghan (2006-10).

 Lauren S, Erin J, Erin H, Kimberly, Jaclyn, LeeAnn, and Meghan

Stephanie C, Lauren K, Alicia, Carissa, LB, Chelsea, and Stephanie O

Jenn, Erin J, and Ashley

Amanda, Ashley, and Noelle

The 2012 Buffalo Bandettes (minus Ria, Amanda, Kirsten and Danielle)

The Bandettes sold tickets for a 50-50 raffle, Chinese Auction items, and a TV set to help support the cause. They even had a special Bandette-ini drink that was available for purchase on this special night. See all the photos at https://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/pictures/4203
From the 2013 Buffalo Jills comes a photo from last year's home finale against Miami. The Jills were dressed in their Santa outfits for the game and handling promotions for the day were these two Ambassadors. Shown posing for the camera are Ashley P and Dana.

Ashley P and Dana

The Bandettes at the 2014-15 Bandits Open Practice!

It's that time of year again as the NFL season winds down and the NLL season gets set to start up. In Buffalo, the odd feeling of football games with no cheerleaders is about to be replaced with the familiar feeling of lacrosse games accompanied by the NLL's premier dance squad but even as we get to see our beloved Bandettes in action again, there are always changes with a lot of roster turnover this season with several long-time veterans retiring and plenty of fresh-faced rookies ready to take the proverbial stage.

Stephanie, Lauren, LaToya, Abby, Cheri, and Syidah pose with L.B.

On Saturday, the NLL's Buffalo Bandits held their annual Open Practice in front of one of the largest crowds in a few years. Shortly after arriving, I took in a little bit of the practice before heading out to see the Bandettes where they were in their familiar spots near the top of the escalators greeting fans, posing for photos, and handing out information on their Jr Bandettes program. I started out on the east end where Lauren and Stephanie's line was accompanied by L.B., who obviously is already missing being on the squad. I have to say I called that one. She'd been talking about maybe retiring for a couple of years and I wasn't willing to believe she was definitely retiring until she actually did it.

Brittany, Melanie, Mandy, Chrissy, Erin, Jessica, MaKenzie, Brianna, and Jennifer

After grabbing some photos, it was off to the west end where Mandy and Chrissy's line was accompanied by Jessica and Erin. While there grabbing photos, I got to say hi to two familiar faces, one in the form of returning Bandettes alum Brianna N and the other in rookie Brittany, who I knew was a close friend of a Jills alum I used to know pretty well. After taking a few photos and talking with some of them, they were off to get ready for their 1st of 2 performances, showing off the routine they tried out with.

After their performance, which was scheduled midway through the practice to give the team a break, it was off to the stands with the Bandettes as they circulated among the fans, posing for photos, signing autographs, and handing out Jr Bandettes info. By the time they got through the crowds, it was time to get ready to perform again, their last performance before the Bandits Home Opener on January 3rd as the Buffalo Bandits play host to the Edmonton Rush at First Niagara Center at 7:30!

Putting on a show!

See all the pics at https://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/pictures/7920

2010-11 Buffalo Bandits Open Practice-revisted

Normally, the Bandits Open Practice is the 1st time that the public gets to meet the Bandettes or see them in action. In 2010 however, the Bandettes actually did perform before the Open Practice when they joined the Jills, several Jills alumnae, and dancers from Fusion Dance Studio in Toronto performing along with Hinder at the Bears-Bills game at the Rogers Centre. While I didn't get to meet any of the rookies that day, though I did get a chance to talk to some of the vets like Lauren S, Kirsten, Stephanie, and Chelsea, I did at least recognize the new faces from getting some photos and video of them in Toronto.

LB, Jessica, Danielle, and Justina

Melissa, Chrissy, Lauren S, Stephanie G, Beth, Krista, and Ashley

Squad photo!

Chrissy, Jessica M, Jessica H, Kirsten, Lauren S, and Chelsea

One of the most unique things at this open practice was a wrestling match in which players would challenge one another for bragging rights. At one point, late in the wrestling session, Jaclyn asked the girls if a pair of them would like to go out and challenge one of the players. The previous season, during the games, LB was usually right beside me and anytime that the players got into it, she got a little excited but couldn't do much to show it. Needless to say, LB was more than ready to go out to join in the wrestling match and she got rookie Jessica M to join her. When they reached the ring, they challenged Bandits enforcer Brandon Francis, who had been undefeated throughout the session. LB was the more vocal of the pair while Jessica was taking it all in. Brandon backed down from LB and Jessica, which only got LB even more fired up. Brandon conceded to the girls and I don't think LB could've smiled any bigger as she and Jessica left the turf to rejoin their squadmates.

Jessica M and LB out in the wrestling ring

triumphant!

See all the pics at https://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/pictures/2489
From the 2013 Buffalo Jills comes a photo from last year's Ravens game. This photo was taken at the end of the 1st quarter when Christina's line was changing sections. Shown as they walk past the tunnel are Christina and Taylor.

Christina and Taylor

2009-10 Bandits Open Practice and the 2010 Auto Show-revisited

To lead off the 2010 Bandits season, they held their annual Open Practice complete with a lot of changes, both on the team and on the Bandettes. Several well-known faces moved on, including head coach Erin J, making Jaclyn the new head coach with Erin Y as her assistant and head choreographer. The Bandettes also featured a familiar face, Beth, who had taken the 2009 season off. As Justina told me, Beth's return was to bring back some luck to the Bandits after a 1st round loss in the playoffs the previous spring. Since the two of them danced together in 2008 when the Bandits won it all, a reunion of the two might help it happen again in 2010.
I made it to the arena just before the start of practice and soon after grabbing a seat, the Bandettes were coming out of the tunnel to perform, giving everyone a 1st look at the 2010 Buffalo Bandettes!

Z and rookie LB

Lonna smiles for the camera with her mentor Lauren S

Out of the 6 faces that were new to the squad in 2010, in addition to Beth, one more familiar face joined the squad. All through the summer of 2009, Lonna, who had been on the 2008 Buffalo Jills, asked me about Bandettes tryouts and for info on the squad. With a lot of hard work, she became a member of the 2010 Bandettes alongside LB, Ashley, Chelsea, and Stephanie G. After their performance, they spent time in the concourses and the seating area greeting fans, signing autographs, posing for photos, and handing out info for their Jr Bandettes program.

Chelsea, Lonna, Beth, Stephanie, Alexis, and Justina

Squad photo!

See all the pics at https://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/pictures/2016

In February, the annual Buffalo Auto Show was held at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center and besides the new model cars on display, one of the draws every year is the chance to meet some local sports celebrities. On Wednesday of the Auto Show, they brought in former Bill Ruben Brown, former Sabres Rob Ray and Gilbert Perreault, and current Bandits superstar Johnny Tavares. With Johnny in attendance, it only seemed fitting for some of the Bandettes to appear as well. When I got there, Meghan, Amanda Z, Alexis, and Lauren B hadn't been there for long themselves and were checking out some of the new cars before they had to go join Johnny for his autograph session. In addition to getting pictures with some of the fans, LB and Alexis were all too happy to get some photos while in the driver's seat of some of the cars.

LB checks out one of the new cars

Alexis in a Lexus, of course!

After the girls were finished posing in some of the vehicles, like Alexis in a Lexus, it was time to go join Johnny Tavares as he signed autographs and posed for pictures with the fans. When we got up there, it seemed a pretty good portion of the Auto Show attendees were already in line getting autograph. The girls joined in, grabbing a photo with Johnny themselves and posing with fans after they got their autographs from him. 

LB, Meghan, Johnny Tavares, Alexis, and Amanda Z

Late in the session, as the lines came to an end, Lauren, a rookie on the Bandettes that season, showed a side that recent fans would never expect. She asked Mr Tavares if she could get an autograph for her boyfriend. The request wasn't all that unusual of course but she seemed so timid and shy about it. She's grown a lot since then and her confidence is immensely stronger than it used to be. That's one of the things I love about running this site and working with Buffalo's Pro Cheerleaders. Obviously getting them lots of pics and recognition for their work is key but it's pretty special when you get to see someone grow the way LB has over the years. See all the pics at https://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/pictures/2184
From the Jills we have a photo from last year's Jets game. The Bills have given notice to a Jill every home game and call it their Jill of The Week award...even though without making it an actual weekly thing, it's more accurately the Jill of The Game award.  For this game, 2nd year vet Dana, a captain of the Ambassador Squad, got the call. Shown is a photo of Dana coming back off the field after being introduced to the fans.

Dana coming off  the field as the dancers head out to perform

2008-09 Buffalo Bandits Open Practice-revisited

This week, we take a look at a very special Open Practice by the Buffalo Bandits that took place in December of 2008. Why is it so special? Coming off a big win in the NLL Finals, the NLL Champions Cup was on display in the arena. Coming into the arena, it had a different feel and I wasn't alone in feeling that from hearing the chatter around the arena. When I arrived just as practice was starting, the Bandettes were already starting to circulate around the concourse to visit with fans.
As it turned out, in addition to a pair of alums who returned to the squad in Danielle and Denise, there were 5 fresh new faces on the squad for the 2009 season, including a pair who already knew me based on what they'd heard from friends on the Jills. Lauren S's friend Holly was just finishing up her single season on the Jills while Erin M's friend Jess finished up her 2nd season in Hawaii as the Jills' rep in the Pro Bowl.

Z, Lauren, and returning alum Danielle

Sarah, Erin M, Karla, Melissa, Jessica, and Alexis

Meghan, Kirsten, and Maggie

For the 1st part of the practice, the girls spent a lot of time in the concourses greeting fans and posing for photos. The way that worked out, I was able to meet each of the 5 new faces on the squad as well as talk to Erin J and Jaclyn a bit. Eventually, it was getting close to halfway through the practice and they headed down to get ready to perform for the crowd. I was able to get a seat near the tunnel they entered the field for their performance.

rookies Kirsten and Lauren smile for the camera

After the Open Practice was over, it was autograph time and the Bandettes were set up at the top of the East bank of escalators before the practice finished up. It was a pretty popular location that day as it's also where the Champions Cup was on display. After I grabbed a few photos of the girls waiting for the fans to arrive after practice, Erin J gathered the girls around the Cup to get a few great photos with what each NLL team was playing for.

posing with the Champions Cup!

See all the pics at https://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/pictures/1371
From the 2013 Buffalo Jills comes a photo from the thrilling win over the Carolina Panthers. This photo was taken at the start of the 2nd quarter as Emily's line was traveling from one corner of the stadium to another. Shown in this photo are Emily and Hayley.

Emily and Hayley

The 2013 Bandettes at the Bandits Open Practice

After a quick exit from the playoffs last spring, the Buffalo Bandits are re-tooling for another run at the Champions Cup and to showcase the team, their new players, and their new uniforms, the Bandits held an Open Practice for the fans to come in and see the new team. The Bandits aren't the only ones who re-tooled as there are a lot of new faces joining the NLL's Premier Dance Team, the Buffalo Bandettes! Yes, there are still plenty of familiar faces returning under Jaclyn and Erin's direction including last year's captains, L.B. and Kirsten and of course the reigning NLL Girl of The Year, Stephanie O, but this squad seems to have as many new faces as I've seen
I got there just as the Bandettes were just about to perform for the 1st time, showing off some impressive flips at the start of the routine. After their performance, Swenney introduced the girls to the crowd as they performed a little extra.

Alicia (A-LEE-see-ya) and Amanda T are introduced to the crowd

The 2013 Buffalo Bandettes minus Kirsten and Chelsea

L.B., MaKenzie, and Lauren K

After their performance, the Bandettes circulated through the arena meeting fans, signing autographs, and posing for photos while the Buffalo Bandits worked through the 1st portion of practice. The Bandettes then put on a 2nd performance at the halfway mark of practice before heading back out to meet and greet more fans.

L.B. Cheri, Makenzie, Jessica, Amanda, Kelsey, and Alicia

Stephanie O, Brianna, Amanda C, Danielle, rookie (still learning names...my apologies). Chrissy, and Lauren K

See all the pics at http://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/pictures/5643


Next up for the Bandettes, they'll be back at First Niagara Center in 4 weeks when the 2013 Buffalo Bandits host the Minnesota Swarm on January 12, 2013, hopefully coming off a win in Philadelphia the night before.

Note:To the rookie Bandettes...you will have your own individual albums set up for you at http://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/bandettesindividualpics so you'll be able to find all of the photos taken of you by the Buffalo Pro Cheer Blog without having to hunt through each game album.