The Blazers joined the NSL for the 1976 season and became the first representative from Buffalo to compete in the league.^[4][5] The team ownership initially applied for a franchise in the North American Soccer League, but the Upstate New York territorial rights were held by the Rochester Lancers.^[6] Buffalo's first home venue was at Lackwanna Stadium in the suburb of Lackawanna, New York where the club averaged an attendance of around 700 to 1,500 spectators.^[7]

The club experienced growing pains in their initial run in the Canadian circuit as they struggled to find a suitable head coach throughout the campaign.^[8] Originally Al Block served at the helm before being replaced by Vincent Lauricella as interim coach.^[9][10] Ultimately the Blazers secured the services of Alex Perolli who had previous experience in the NASL.^[11] Perolli led Buffalo to a fourth-place finish in the division and club striker Emmanuel Kulu finished the campaign as the leading scorer in the division.^[12][13]

The following season the ownership switched their home venue to War Memorial Stadium to avoid scheduling conflicts and to adhere to the league's stadium standards.^[14] Buffalo also managed to secure a television deal to broadcast some of their home matches.^[15] Alex Crawley who previously managed the St. Catharines Heidelberg was named the head coach for the season.^[16] The Blazers managed to secure promotion to the league's First Division by finishing third.^[17][18]

Buffalo struggled to achieve significant results during their run in the league's top division as they finished at the bottom of the standings.^[19] The Blazers originally had Sam Buscarino as their head coach but was later replaced by Roberto Lonardo in the capacity of player-coach.^[18][20] Midway through the 1978 season, the club owners decided to play out in the suburbs once more as their attendance numbers sharply declined since their move to War Memorial.^[21][7] Since their initial move to Buffalo attendance dropped to an average of 300 to 150 in 1978.^[21] The organization ultimately transferred its home venue to Hyde Park Stadium in Niagara Falls, New York.^[22][23][24]

In 1979, the league went through a period of reorganization which resulted in Buffalo taking a hiatus and operating at the amateur level.^[25][26] Stephen Mechtler would serve as head coach and the team would play in a series of friendly matches against NSL clubs..^[27][26][28]

In 1980, after a one-year hiatus, the Blazers continued operations in the National Soccer League and returned to play at Lackwanna Stadium.^[29][30] The Blazers hired Carlo Del Monte as their head coach who previously managed Hamilton Italo-Canadians.^[31][32] Del Monte assembled a roster that consisted of many former Hamilton players.^[33][34] The acquisitions proved initially successful as Buffalo produced an undefeated streak of eight matches.^[35] Their on-field performance would later produce mediocre results due to internal strife within the organization.^[35] One notable departure was head coach Del Monte who resigned in mid-July over disputes with the front office.^[36] Following his departure, Del Monte became director of scouting in Canada for the Buffalo Stallions.^[36] The club managed to secure the final postseason berth, but the league executive denied participation in the playoffs due to financial and player issues.^[37]

In 1981, the club ceased operations and was replaced by Detroit Besa.^[38]