Buffalo Bandits Signed Goaltender Waukiigan Shognosh
The 19-year-old prospect secured a three-year contract after serving on the team's practice squad.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Hockey
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The Buffalo Bandits have signed 19-year-old goaltender Waukiigan Shognosh to a three-year deal. Shognosh was originally selected 14th overall in the 2025 National Lacrosse League entry draft.
Why it matters
The signing formalizes the team's commitment to the young goaltender following his development on the practice squad. Shognosh joins the main roster after proving his talent in the junior leagues.
Shognosh recorded a 15-8 record with the Peterborough Lakers in 2025, contributing to the team's overall 17-12 season finish. He was recognized as the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League goaltender of the year in 2025.
The players
Waukiigan Shognosh
He is a 19-year-old professional lacrosse goaltender from Walpole Island First Nation who was the 14th overall pick in the 2025 NLL entry draft.
Buffalo Bandits
This is a professional lacrosse team based in Buffalo, New York, that competes in the National Lacrosse League.
Peterborough Lakers
This is a competitive lacrosse team based in Peterborough, Ontario, where Shognosh played during his 2025 junior season.
The details
Shognosh was drafted by the Bandits as the 14th overall pick in the 2025 National Lacrosse League entry draft. He spent the 2025 season developing on the team's practice squad before receiving this promotion to a three-year professional contract.
Timeline
Waukiigan Shognosh was named Ontario Junior Lacrosse League goaltender of the year during the 2025 season.
The Buffalo Bandits announced the signing of Waukiigan Shognosh on October 13, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This signing secures the Buffalo Bandits' goaltending depth for the next three years, ensuring the franchise maintains competitive stability at a key defensive position. By elevating a top draft pick from the practice squad, the organization reinforces its long-term strategy for roster development within the league.
The transition of Shognosh from the practice squad to a three-year contract impacts the team's active roster depth and salary cap allocation. Fans can expect him to compete for playing time as part of the team's official goaltending rotation for the upcoming season.
The takeaway
Securing young talent from the draft is a critical component of maintaining a competitive lacrosse program over multiple seasons. Fans should look for how the team integrates this prospect into their defensive schemes during the next competitive stretch.
Further reading
For more on local developments, visit the Buffalo Hockey section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wivb4.
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