The Buffalo Bandits began preparations for the upcoming NLL season kicking off their training camp at the First Niagara Center. Despite finishing in last place and missing the playoffs in 2013, the attitude at camp was nothing but enthusiastic and confident.
“We made some moves last year that didn’t pan out the way we thought, but brought in some really good players this year” said General Manager Steve Dietrich. “With the depth out our back door and the scoring out the front, I like the group we have here now.”
Aside from Dietrich’s player acquisitions, the Bandits GM also made waves with the hiring of former Toronto Rock coach Troy Cordingley.
“To bring a guy in that has been in Buffalo before, played here, coached here and was named Coach of the Year, it was a no brainer for us,” said Dietrich.
Cordingley had his first opportunity to put his coaching expertise to work since being hired by the Bandits during the off-season. The reigning NLL Coach of the Year has a history of turning struggling teams into immediate contenders, a trend Dietrich hopes to see continue.
“We wanted a guy that could come in here with an established group of players that can make the jump immediately,” added Dietrich. “Troy has the track record of doing that and we feel he has the talent available here to do so.”
The new Bandits Head Coach expressed his excitement with the strong team characteristics being showcased at camp.
“Thing that impressed me the most today was the players out there that were real good team guys in regards to some rookies and that, taking them aside and just being positive team guys overall,” said Cordingley.
“Obviously you have to improve the team when you don’t make the playoffs and finish dead last, but I was impressed with everybody today.”
Newly acquired Bandit Joe Resetarits took notice of Cordingley’s emphasis on team unity.
“To win in this league everyone has gotta buy in and he’s really been preaching that mentality that teams win championships,” said the Hamburg, N.Y. native. “I think we got a great group of guys here to bring a championship back home.”
Cordingley’s influence was on hand even during the first day of action, as 2013 rookie sensation and leading goal scorer for Buffalo Dhane Smith is currently slated to be playing out of the back end while assuming a more transitional role.
Dietrich commented on the move as well the expectations for Smith after his breakout first season.
“It will give Dhane a lot more opportunities in odd man situations and give him more of a floor presence; we look at Dhane to be the face of the franchise here for the next fifteen years so we expect big things out of him.”
The currently unsigned Billy Dee Smith was on hand but did not participate. Dietrich was extremely optimistic that Smtih’s deal will be finalized shortly, and that the veteran Bandit will have an more prominent impact during the upcoming season.
“It’s gonna get done, it’s a rite of passage I guess being the first week of camp and Billy Dee’s contract isn’t done,” joked Dietrich. “Billy has taken a step forward today, he wasn’t here first weekend last year when his contract wasn’t finished and this shows me he is ready to assume more of a leadership role.”
Mark Steenhuis is still not cleared for contact due to a lingering hernia injury and did not dawn full equipment. Dietrich indicated that Steenhuis is expected to be available by December. The Bandits GM also noted that the team has opted to part ways with defender Derek Suddons.
The Bandits next pre-season action will be December 7 & 8 when the Philadelphia Wings visit the First Niagara Center for a pair of exhibition games.
Check back with In Lacrosse We Trust for all your latest NLL updates.
