
Buffalo Bandits forward Josh Byrne of New Westminster, British Columbia was named the National Lacrosse League Finals Most Valuable Player on Saturday. In two games, Byrne had four goals and 12 assists for 16 points as Buffalo won their third National Lacrosse League Cup title (however their first title was called the Champion’s Cup). The Bandits previously won in 2008 and 2023.
In game one, Byrne had three goals and four assists for seven points as the Bandits beat the Albany FireWolves 12-8 in game one of the NLL Final at MVP Arena in Albany, New York. In game two, Byrne had one goal and eight assists for nine points as the Bandits beat the FireWolves 15-13 in Buffalo’s Keybank Center to clinch the title.
In four postseason games, Byrne had 15 goals and 18 assists for 33 points. He had six penalty minutes, and collected 18 loose balls.
Of the 20 Bandits on the roster who played on Saturday night were 18 Canadians. In addition to Byrne, they were forwards Tehoka Nanticoke of Six Nations, Ontario, Chris Cloutier and Dhane Smith of Kitchener, Ontario, Brandon Robinson of Pickering, Ontario, Kyle Buchanan of Nepean, Ontario, Sam La Roue of South Surrey, British Columbia, and Chase Fraser of Vancouver, British Columbia, transition players Ian MacKay of Port Elgin, Ontario, Nick Weiss of Port Hope, Ontario, defensemen Cam Wyers of Ottawa, Ontario, Dylan Robinson and Justin Robinson of Pickering, Justin Martin and Paul Dawson of Oakville, Ontario, Adam Bomberry of Six Nations, Ontario, and Steve Priolo of St. Catharines, Ontario, and goaltender Matt Vinc of St. Catharines.