35 Moments: Tavares Jersey Retirement

Bandits retire John Tavares jersey – March 11, 2016

John Tavares played 24 seasons in the NLL from 1992 to 2015 all with the Buffalo Bandits, retiring at age 46. There are too many memorable moments from John Tavares’ legendary career to place into one post. The 14-time NLL First Team All-Pro is the all-time leader in multiple categories and one of the most recognizable players in league history. 18,751 fans were in attendance for his jersey retirement, a game in which the number 11 was retired in Buffalo. The Bandits would win 13-10 against Rochester with Dhane Smith leading the way with seven points (4g, 3a) and Mark Steenhuis right behind with six points (3g, 3a). 

JT’s Accolades:

• 3-time MVP (1994, 2000, 2001)
• 4-time champion (1992, 1993, 1996, 2008)
• 7-time led the league in scoring
• All Time Leader in:
  • 815 goals (Jr is number 2 at 668) Dawson active leader at 526 
  • 934 assists (Dawson active leader at 910) 
  • 1,749 points (Jr is number 2 at 1,446) Dawson active leader at 1,436, Shawn Evans at 1,230, Ryan Benesch at 1,061 
  • Playoff games played (38), goals (84), assists (116), points (200),
• One of 3 players with over 2,000 loose ball recoveries  
• Only player to play over 300 games (Dawson is number 2 at 297)
• Average 5.72 points and 7.16 loose ball recoveries per game through his entire career