This week, Josh Byrne was nominated for Athlete of the Year in the 2022 World Games awards. In the first Sixes tournament on the world stage, Byrne’s team went undefeated on the way to a gold medal, with the New Westminster native scoring 21 goals and adding 7 assists to lead the tournament. It was the punctuation on a very successful 2022 calendar year for the 28-year-old, and in his final game of said calendar year, he saved some of his best for last.

The Buffalo Bandits defeated the Halifax Thunderbirds 18-13 with Byrne contributing 7 goals and 5 assists to lead the defending East Division Champions.

The offenses were the story coming in, but both teams took a little while to get acclimated, with the score being tied at 2 after the first quarter, but that was only the appetizer to a 12-goal second quarter with each team scoring six times. Byrne scored 5 of his 7 goals in that first half (2 Q1, 3 Q2). The deadlock didn’t last too much longer, however, as the Bandits would score 5 straight to open the third quarter, chasing starter Warren Hill after the 12th goal. Buffalo scored 5 goals in each of the final two quarters while the Thunderbirds scored 5 goals total in the same timeframe.

While Byrne took the headlines, Dhane Smith was once again on the top of his game as well and had 3 goals and 8 assists when the final horn sounded, scoring twice in the fourth quarter to help seal the victory. Dylan Robinson scored his first career goal in the second quarter, and his brother Brandon also added a goal. Matt Vinc finished with 44 saves.

For Halifax, Randy Staats continued to get accustomed to the top spot in the Thunderbird offense with 3 goals and 5 assists for the team-high. Cody Jamieson added to his resume of strong performances against the Bandits with 3 goals and 3 assists. Bo BowHunter scored his first career goal as well and added two assists. Jake Withers once again dominated the faceoff circle with 28 wins in 35 faceoffs and had the game-high in loose balls with 17. He matched that 17 in the final two minutes of the game in the penalty minute column, receiving a 2, 5, and a 10 for initiating a fight with Steve Priolo. He also had a coincidental roughing penalty with Priolo earlier in the third quarter. He received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after the game with a game-high 21 PIMS.

Buffalo will travel to Georgia this weekend to face the Georgia Swarm. The two teams will play again next weekend, this time in Buffalo.

Week 4 Recap

The San Diego Seals and Calgary Roughnecks contributed to the high-scoring New Year’s Eve (Eve), combining for 31 goals as the Seals won wire-to-wire 17-14. Dane Dobbie had 6 goals, all coming in the first 21 minutes of the game, and he added 3 assists for a share of the team-high in points with 9 – matched by Wes Berg’s 1 goal and 8 assists. Curtis Dickson had 4 goals and 3 assists in his first game in the Saddledome since signing with the Seals in free agency. Tyler Pace led Calgary with 2 goals and 7 assists.

In what was marketed as the most exciting party in Saskatchewan on New Year’s Eve, the hometown Rush used a 5-7 night on the powerplay to pave the way to an 11-9 victory against Panther City. As is commonplace in Saskatoon, especially when the powerplay is humming, Mark Matthews and Robert Church led the Rush with a goal and 5 assists each. 9 Rush players registered a goal. Will Malcolm led Panther City with a goal and 4 assists, while Nick Damude had 48 saves in a losing effort.

Week 5 Preview

But first a recap, as the right side of the Philadelphia Wings dominated in a 14-9 victory over the Desert Dogs in Vegas. Joe Resetarits had 4 goals and 5 assists while Ben McIntosh joined his right-side counterpart with 5 goals and an assist. Matt Rambo and Blaze Riorden combined for 11 points to pace the left side. Zach Higgins topped 40 saves in the win. Rob Hellyer had 2 goals and 3 assists to lead Vegas.

Halifax Thunderbirds vs Albany FireWolves – 7:00 ESPN+ Ryan Benesch will return to Albany as the Thunderbirds look to bounce back from their first loss of the season against the hurting FireWolves.

Toronto Rock vs New York Riptide – 7:30 ESPN+ (And MSG+ in some markets) Neither team is off to the start they hoped for or expected, as the young Riptide offense will look for their first complete game effort against the Tom Schreiber-led Rock.

Calgary Roughnecks vs Colorado Mammoth – 10:00 ESPNU and ESPN+ After Calgary hosted Colorado for their banner-raising ceremony last season, the Mammoth will return the favor as they play their first home game.

Vancouver Warriors vs San Diego Seals – 10:00 ESPN+ In what most would consider the dog of the day, the undefeated Seals will host the wavering winless Warriors. Vancouver released Steve Fryer during the holiday break, so one of Aden Walsh or Ethan Woods will make their first start for the Warriors this week as they try to right the ship.

Check out this week’s Knighthawks post for information on their last game before the holiday break and their game tonight against Panther City at Blue Cross Arena.

Photo Credit: Michael Hetzel/NLL