The Buffalo Bandits missed the playoffs for the first time this decade and were the only team to do so in 2013. Now with a new coach and new lineup, the Bandits are ready to move on.“Buffalo needs to focus on consistency and playing a smarter overall game.” said Jon Harasym. “Last year we seemed to make it easy for teams to play against us, making careless mistakes. Having said that, our last game of the season we lost to Roch by one goal… We didn’t make the playoffs, and Roch went on to win the Championship.”
The Bandits will be a different team in 2014, with a new bench boss and plenty of new roster players. They have added defender Rory Smith, transition man Andrew Watt and forward Ryan Benesch already.
” Again can’t be more excited about Ryan coming to Buffalo along with Andrew Watt.” says Aaron Wilson. “Both are great friends of mine and I’m looking forward to having them around on and off the floor. Myself and Ryan work very well together so success should come early and often.”
Second year player Mike McNamara spoke about the new head coach, Troy Cordingley. ”
“In regards to Troy coaching this year, I believe it’s a positive step in the right direction. He brings a proven track record with him, he has been a winner at all the top levels of the game both as a player and coach. In saying that he brings the experience of winning to a team that needs to find its identity. “
“Troy brings accountability along with a winning pedigree.” says Harasym. “He has been successful & has won everywhere he has coached, so I expect that trend to continue in Buffalo.”
“I’m excited about Troy coming to Buffalo he’s all about one thing and that is winning and that’s all I’m interested in doing as well.” Wilson agrees. “We won two Mann cups together and I plan on winning a NLL championship with him soon.”
The Bandits are not a team used to bad seasons, having been in the playoffs every year since 2001. However for rookie McNamara, he has yet to see the winning side of Buffalo. “After last seasons failures, we need to come into this years training camp with a fresh vision. We need to combine, the positives from last year, the coaches new systems and our passion to succeed and bring that winning attitude back to Banditland “
The Bandits will have a chance to compete with their revamped roster, but as Wilson says, it is all about team chemistry that leads to winning. “We need to put last season behind and only look forward. With the changes coming this season there will be a new environment and a sense of a new beginning, I believe the pieces are here to win now its up to us to get the job done.”
