The Buffalo Bandits announced that the team has signed transition player Austin Blumbergs and forward Christian Watts to two-year contracts, pending league approval.
Blumbergs (6’2”, 200 lbs.) recorded 66 points (54+12) and 47 loose-ball recoveries during his five-year career at St. Bonaventure. Blumbergs finished his collegiate career ranking third all-time in points (66), fourth all-time in goals (54), and second all-time in games played (57) in Bonnies program history. The Penn Yan native received MAAC All-Conference Second Team honors in 2022, MAAC All-Conference First Team honors in 2021 and MAAC All-Rookie Team honors in 2019. Blumbergs has played two seasons in the Upstate Collegiate Box Lacrosse League (UCBLL), which is co-sponsored by the Bandits and Rochester Knighthawks. As a transition player, Blumbergs finished his UCBLL career with 49 points (24+25) and led the Buffaloes in goals and points in 2023. Blumbergs was selected by the Bandits in the fifth round (88th overall) of the 2022 NLL Entry Draft.
Watts (6’4”, 193 lbs.) finished his collegiate career with 98 points (31+81) in 56 games at Siena College. Watts, who received MAAC All-Second Team honors in 2023, ranked second on the Saints in both goals (34) and points (42) as a graduate student. The East Aurora native was selected to compete in the USILA Senior All-Star Game in 2023. Watts has played for the Rapids in the UCBLL for two seasons and led the UCBLL in points both seasons. The forward posted 52 points (23+29) in 2022 and followed with 63 points (40+23) in 2023. Watts finished his UCBLL career with a league-record 115 points (63+52). Watts was chosen in the fifth round (82nd overall) of the 2022 NLL Entry Draft by Buffalo.
