BUFFALO, N.Y. — The defending NLL champion Buffalo Bandits have hit a few roadblocks toward the end of the regular season after a wild start to the campaign.

The team’s two trade deadline acquisitions, Ron John and Kiel Matisz, are looking to do their part to secure another banner in the rafters.

"I've been watching these games since I was a kid, so I remember sitting in the nosebleeds for the 2008 championship and going crazy as a little 10-year-old," said John.

It's been a long road for two guys who grew up close to “Banditland.” 

"My lacrosse journey begins at 3 years old in Hamilton, Ontario," said Matisz.

"I'm from Cattaraugus Indian Reservation, so I grew up with a stick in my hand," said John.

Two journeys have brought John and Mainz experience to bring back to the orange and black.

"I've played Minnesota for six years, (Philadelphia) for four or five and the COVID year, last couple of years, New York, Ottawa and here today," said Matisz. 

He is a service manager at an international company in his downtime and moves closer to home, which his family can be excited about.

John, the head coach at nearby Lakeshore High School, was coaching another family on trade deadline day.

"During practice for the high school team, mid-practice, I check my phone inside, I got a call at 3:30 from our GM," he recalled. "Last thing he said to me was, 'you're going to fit in and we're sending you to Buffalo.' As I hung up I kind of got a little fist bump and I got to tell them first and they're obviously pretty ecstatic about it. So it was awesome."

No matter the path, both new Bandits will add their respective roles to another Banditland NLL Cup run. 

"Naturally, you know, you like to think you're a little wiser when you're older. This group, I'm kind of like mid-pack, which is good," said Matisz. "So, for me, funny enough, I try to be that youthful presence. Get up and down the floor. Use my legs. But, you know, also bring in a different perspective, right? Sometimes it's good to just bring a fresh set of eyes."

From the locker room, to the field...

"Buckling down, playing good, solid defense, making sure we hold the back door down and then obviously when the opportunity comes and presents itself, push that transition and put the ball in the net," said John.

One way or another, these “local” boys are being welcomed back to Banditland. 

"It's a hostile environment. So it's one that you love to play in because everyone lives for those moments," said Matisz. "Definitely excited to have the fans cheering for me."