Sun Dec 14 02:20:00 UTC 2025: Halifax Thunderbirds Face Tough Test Against Buffalo Bandits in Road Showdown

Buffalo, NY – The Halifax Thunderbirds are set to face a formidable challenge as they travel to KeyBank Center to take on the Buffalo Bandits this Saturday at 8:00 p.m. AT. The Thunderbirds are looking to build on their season-opening victory against Oshawa, but face a tough test against the three-time defending champions.

Historically, Halifax has struggled against Buffalo, holding a 3-7 all-time record. Their last win against the Bandits was at home in 2024, and their only victory in Buffalo came in 2019, a 15-10 triumph during their inaugural season.

Key players for the Thunderbirds include Clarke Petterson, who has 46 points in 10 career games against Buffalo, and captain Cody Jamieson, who leads the team with 16 goals over the same period. Last week, Petterson and Randy Staats had strong starts to the season, and Dawson Theede came up with a pair of goals that helped spark Halifax. However, the team will be without Thomas Hoggarth, who has been placed on injured reserve. Brendan Bomberry and Christian Watts are potential replacements.

Goaltender Warren Hill is coming off a historic performance, allowing just two goals in the opener and earning him NLL Player of the Week honors. He’ll look to continue his strong play against a Bandits offense that, despite losing some key players in the off-season, still boasts considerable firepower.

Buffalo’s offense is led by NLL MVPs Dhane Smith and Josh Byrne, along with the emerging Ian MacKay. Veteran players like Kyle Buchanan and former Thunderbird Ryan Benesch provide valuable depth. Goaltender Matt Vinc will be in net for the Bandits.

Thunderbirds fans in Halifax can watch the game on CTV2, or stream it on NLL+.

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