The Buffalo Bandits will play host to the Philadelphia Wings in pre-season action Saturday, December 7 at the First Niagara Center. The matchup marks the first exhibition game for either team.
Troy Cordingley will get his first chance to familiarize himself with the view from the Buffalo bench. The Bandits have shied away from exhibition games in recent years after their infamous 2010 bench clearing brawl with the Toronto Rock during Cordingley’s days as the Rock bench boss.
After Bandits General Manager Steve Dietrich previously declared that the team had parted ways with Derek Suddons, the defender was signed to a two-year contract towards the end of November and will rejoin the Bandits against the Wings. The Bandits also locked up high profile acquisition Ryan Benesch to a two-year deal earlier this week. The sharpshooter will join John Tavares and Shawn Williams to form a dynamic offensive trio on the left hand side.Dhane Smith’s athleticism will be on full display in his newly appointed transitional role, as will the youthful versatility of recent Bandits draft picks Mitch Wilde and Nick Diachenko.
Philadelphia recently picked up unrestricted free agent Ryan Ward. The former Edmonton Rush assistant captain led the team in scoring last year with 75 points. The Wings also signed Army alum and Hamilton Nationals standout Garret Thul, who will be partaking in his first indoor lacrosse experience versus the Bandits.
The Wings roster boasts two familiar faces for the Bandits in Luke Wiles and Tracey Kelusky, both of whom spent last season in Buffalo.
Face-off is set for 12 p.m. The game will be open to the public free of charge.In Lacrosse We Trust will be on hand providing in-game updates as well as in depth
post-game analysis.
