Two weeks ago, Buffalo Bandits General Manager Steve Dietrich announced that the team had signed goaltender Rance Vigneux to a one-year deal. With the Bandits having three solid possible backup goaltending choices ahead of the 2015 season, the question now being asked is which goaltender will be the biggest standout during training camp and back up 2014 NLL Goaltender of the Year nominee Anthony Cosmo during the regular season.
With only one open position and three solid potential backups in Kurtis Wagar, Dave Diruscio and latest Bandits acquisition Vigneux, the Bandits coaching staff will need everything at their disposal to select the correct compliment to Cosmo.
Kurtis Wagar: For the 2014 NLL season, Wagar was the backup goaltender to Cosmo. Because Cosmo had such a stellar 2014 season, Wagar received minimal playing time. In 18 games played, Wagar’s season consisted of zero wins and one loss in 25 minutes played where he allowed four goals in 20 shots with a 9.57 GAA and .800 save percentage.
Dave Diruscio: Diruscio had a tremendous 2014 season as starter for the Canadian Lacrosse League (CLAX) champion Niagara Lock Monsters. Diruscio was voted the 2014 CLAX Season MVP and Top Goalie of the league with a 7.95 GAA and a .865 save percentage.
During the summer 2014 season as a member of the Major Series Lacrosse Peterborough Lakers, Diruscio saw limited action as a backup to Tyler Carlson and Matt Vinc. In nine games played during the regular season, Diruscio had a win-loss record of 2-1 while recording 72 saves with 24 goals allowed, a GAA of 8.37 and a save percentage of .750. Diruscio also helped the Lakers advance to the playoffs.
Rance Vigneux: Vigneux went 4-10 with a 10.71 GAA in 14 games last season between the Toronto Beaches and the Burlington Chiefs.
