The Las Vegas Desert Dogs enter the 2025-2026 campaign possessing perhaps the most fascinating narrative in the entire NLL. In the wake of an offseason that witnessed one big splash move after another, will this finally be the year when the now four-year-old desert-based franchise makes the leap from also-ran to contender?
One of the signature benefactors of the Desert Dogs splurge is former Buffalo Bandits standout Chase Fraser. At 30-years-old, the British Columbia native elected to leave the ongoing Western New York dynasty in search of both a change of life and brand-new set of challenges.
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Fraser recently spoke to NLL.com regarding a wide variety of topics, beginning with the legacy he leaves behind in Buffalo, along his decision to seek out something new.
NLL.com: You just wrapped up an incredible seven-season stint in Buffalo, including five straight appearances in the finals and three straight league titles. Looking back, what are some of the lasting memories you’ll take away from your time with the Bandits?
Fraser: The things I take out of it are the relationships that I formed. I came in and we became really close friends and pretty close to family. That was a brotherhood between all of us that have ever worn the jersey. And being able to be taught by John Tavares—unreal experience. The commitment from the fans, the unconditional showing out and showing up at the KeyBank Center, even during snowstorms. I appreciate all the little things. We were real people that meant something to the community and meant something in that locker room. From the locker room to the arena and city, it’s just one big family and community. I’m always going to hold it close to my heart.
NLL.com: How agonizing was the decision to leave?
Fraser: It was an extremely hard thing to wrap my head around, even just the possibility of leaving that family. But the challenge of going somewhere else and trying to replicate it was super intriguing. It was a really great seven years. Now, let’s see if we can go be a great team somewhere else as well.
NLL.com: You referred to the Buffalo brotherhood. One of those brothers joined you in Las Vegas. Did you and Chris Cloutier talk about teaming up in another city?
Fraser: Chris and I talk about everything lacrosse-related and life-related, pretty much as soon as it happens. When free agency opened up, we were going over which teams reached out and then realized we had a really good chance to go and continue to play together. Since he arrived in Buffalo, we’ve lived down the hall from each other. On the road, we were roommates. Having a seven-year brother like that, helping you, bouncing ideas off of, it definitely made the decision easier. I have somebody that I’m close with right by my side, having been through what we’ve been through.
NLL.com: What appealed to you regarding the Desert Dogs organization and what are your early impressions of the players and coaching staff?
Fraser: I’m loving it. We got a bunch of good guys and great leaders. You got Jonathan Donville, who’s really been a great leader throughout training camp. You have Connor Kirst, who was a captain last year. Just a bunch of great guys. All the young kids are really eager to learn, asking a bunch of questions. On the coaching side, Brett Hickey is an absolute wizard of lacrosse knowledge. The amount of film he goes through, cuts up, and then sends to us. Running his system is awesome. Coach Williams is such a great leader. When he talks in the room, everybody’s listening because what he has to say carries a lot of weight. From an organizational standpoint, it’s top-notch. Nothing at all to complain about. They’re treating everybody really well. No one’s complaining about anything.
NLL.com: What aspects of the Las Vegas region were most captivating?
Fraser: Who wouldn’t want to get out of the freezing cold? Heading west was also appealing. I’ve spent the last 16 years on the East Coast, going from high school in Virginia to college in D.C. and Philly, and then Buffalo for the last seven seasons. It just made sense to head west.
Las Vegas has this image where it’s just about “The Strip” centered around money, gambling and fame. We live in Summerlin (off the strip), and it’s normal living out here. The people are really nice. It’s a slower pace, relaxing, yet intense, if that makes sense.
NLL.com: Do you see this as an opportunity to be on the ground floor of something, both from a team and market perspective? Is there an appeal to being a trailblazer?
Fraser: Absolutely, that was super attractive to me. I want to be on the forefront of Nevada lacrosse. The opportunity to help grow the game here was very appealing. We are meeting with many high school athletic directors and youth coaches. Making an impact on growing the game in Las Vegas is a big thing for us.
NLL.com: If somebody came up to you and asked why should I go to a Desert Dogs game, what would your elevator pitch sound like as relates to the Dogs, the NLL and box lacrosse at large?
Fraser: What I do in schools involves comparing all sports to box lacrosse. We’re basically the same playing style as hockey, with the changes on the fly. I want to go with the energy of a World Cup game. Collisions like football. Speed like soccer. Set plays like basketball. Then, throw a little club mix in there when you’re dancing and partying, with even a little bit of UFC. It’s a mixture of every sport. Plus, our arena has a lawn with a party.
