Game Preview - Halifax vs. Buffalo
Dec 28, 2022
The Halifax Thunderbirds are back in action on Friday night, as the team travels to Buffalo for an East Division showdown with the rival Bandits at KeyBank Center. Opening face-off is slated for 8:30 p.m. AT.
History on Long Island
The Thunderbirds went into the holiday break on a high note, taking down the New York Riptide 20-11 at Nassau Coliseum on Dec. 17.
After going down 2-0 early, the team exploded for 13 goals in the first half to take a commanding lead after 30 minutes. From there, the team was able to weather runs from the hosts and put things away with a six-goal fourth quarter to seal the win.
Rookie netminder Drew Hutchison got the start, securing his first career victory with a 32-save performance on the road. Jake Withers also had one of the best nights of his career from the stripe, going 28-for-35 (80 percent) on draws while nabbing 22 loose balls.
The night was highlighted by another standout performance from the Thunderbirds’ offence. Ryan Benesch led the way with nine points, which helped him leap Shawn Williams for eighth all-time. Chris Boushy and Austin Shanks also set milestones, hitting the 100- and 200-point milestones, respectively.
Following an 18-goal explosion in their home opener, the Thunderbirds topped that against the Riptide, setting a Halifax record with 20 goals on the night.
Scouting the Thunderbirds
The Halifax offensive output has been widespread through the first two contests this season. New additions Ryan Benesch and Randy Staats have led the way so far. Benesch has an even eight goals and eight assists for 16 points, while Staats has five markers of his own and 15 points. Captain Cody Jamieson has also started strong with 14 points.
In total, five Thunderbirds sit in double digits for points heading into the team’s third game of the campaign.
The team also got another offensive boost in Austin Shanks ahead of their last game. The righty came off the Hold Out List and pitched in four assists in his season debut.
The Thunderbirds have flexed their offensive muscles to open the year, and the transition game has chipped in, and the defence looks strong. The Bandits are going to be the toughest test to date for Halifax.
Scouting the Bandits
The Bandits retained a majority of their offensive talent from last year’s NLL Cup Final squad. However, Connor Fields was taken through expansion and traded to Rochester, while Chase Fraser opened the year on the Protected Player List. The latest hit to the Bandits comes with Chris Cloutier, who was placed on Injured Reserve earlier this week.
Buffalo still has the dynamic offensive duo of 2022 NLL MVP Dhane Smith and Josh Byrne. The pair swing the ball extremely well and are tough individual matchups. Smith has opened the year with one goal and 11 points through two games, while Byrne has nine points. Veteran righty Kyle Buchanan has also started strong with nine points of his own, while power forward Tehoka Nanticoke has posted six goals through his first two outings.
With Cloutier and second-year man Brad McCulley both on IR, Halifax should see a healthy dose of rookie Thomas Vaesen along with former Thunderbird Brandon Robinson on the lefty side alongside Byrne. Ian MacKay will also likely factor in at times as a forward after he transitions the ball up the floor.
Head-to-Head
The Thunderbirds hold a 41-32 all-time record against the Bandits. However, the team has a 17-18 record on the road in Buffalo. Last season, the teams met on two occasions, with the Bandits taking both by a 16-11 score.
Broadcast Info
Fans can catch the Thunderbirds in action on TSN Direct and on ESPN+ in the United States.