Editors Note- In Lacrosse We Trust broke the news last week that Steve Dietrich would be the Bandits general manager. The Bandits officially announced it today.
Buffalo Bandits Director of Lacrosse Operations Scott Loffler today announced that the Bandits have hired Steve Dietrich to serve as the team’s new general manager.
“We are extremely happy to add Steve to our management staff as general manager,†Loffler said. “‘Chugger’ knows what it’s like to wear the orange and black, and understands what an honor it is to play in front of the best fans in lacrosse. He has the vision, passion and knowledge required for the position, and we feel he will help us reach our ultimate goal of bringing a championship back to Buffalo.â€
A former NLL goaltender, Dietrich joins the Bandits after spending two seasons as assistant coach for the Toronto Rock. Dietrich also spent the last five seasons as general manager for the Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks of Major Series Lacrosse.
“I’m very grateful to the Toronto Rock for the opportunity they gave me, and it’s quite an honor now to be able to work for the other of what are probably the two best franchises in the National Lacrosse League,†Dietrich said.
Dietrich will take over as general manager for Darris Kilgour, who remains head coach of the Bandits. Dietrich played under Kilgour during his entire tenure with the Bandits from 2002 to 2007, including time spent playing alongside current Bandits assistant coaches Rich Kilgour and Dan Teat.
“I’m excited to return to Buffalo, a place that I called home for six years,†Dietrich said. “The Bandits’ coaching staff includes three guys I went to battle with during my career. They bleed orange and black, and I’m confident that together we can bring the Champion’s Cup back to Buffalo.â€
Dietrich played 18 seasons in the league, and is one of six current nominees for induction into the NLL Hall of Fame, with the Class of 2012 scheduled to be announced next week. Dietrich, the Bandits’ all-time leader with 47 career wins, was named NLL Goaltender of the Year in 2005 and 2006. He was also selected as the league’s MVP in 2006, becoming the first goaltender in league history to earn that honor. In his 18-year playing career, Dietrich compiled a record of 60-47 with Baltimore, Detroit, Rochester, Buffalo, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto.
