Riptide vs. Bandits – Game Preview

Fresh off their first win of the season, the New York Riptide return to Nassau Coliseum for a matchup with the Buffalo Bandits at 7:30 PM on Saturday, January 28.

Buffalo sits in second place in the Eastern Conference with a 4-2 record and is coming off of a loss to the Rochester Knighthawks. They are led by Hofstra alum Josh Byrne, who leads the league in goals (24) and points (45), and reigning MVP Dhane Smith, who leads the league in assists (33), and is second to Byrne in points (42). Defensively, Nick Weiss is tied for third in the league with 10 caused turnovers and Ian MacKay leads the team with 47 loose ball recoveries.

New York is coming off of its first win of the season, a 16-10 victory over the Albany FireWolves, where the team had their best performances of the season on offense, defense, and faceoffs. Jeff Teat’s 12 points put him in a tie for third place in the league in points and assists, and Brett Hickey recorded 6 points in his Riptide debut. Defensively, New York will look towards veteran leaders Chad Cummings and Damon Edwards to contain the dangerous Bandits attack. Since coming over in a trade from Panther City, Cummings has collected 6 loose balls, blocked 2 shots, and caused 2 turnovers, while Edwards is third on the team with 20 loose balls and second with 4 caused turnovers.

Saturday’s game will be available to watch on ESPN+, and listen to on WRHU 88.7 FM, WRHU.org and the WRHU iPhone App. Live stats and periodic in-game updates will be available via Twitter @NewYorkRiptide.