With the news coming that Luke Wiles will be signing in Buffalo, the Bandits now have a truck load of right handed shooters in training camp, not to mention some good left handed shooters as well. Now comes the tough choices for the Buffalo coaching staff.
Aaron Wilson and Derek Hopcroft were brought in from Edmonton and Colorado, respectively. Add them in with Mat Giles, Tracey Kelusky and rookie Dhane Smith. That side already looks strong, now add a returning Wiles.
Then on the left side you will see John Tavares, Shawn Williams, Chad Culp, Mike Hominuck, Jordan Critch and Carter Bender. Joel Matthews and Brandon Francis are also vying for spots on the club.
With 14 projected spots going to defensemen, transition and goaltenders, that leaves about ten spots left for forwards. These projections are assuming Anthony Cosmo, Angus Goodleaf, Nick Cotter, Hayden Smith, Derek Suddons, Glen Bryan Mike McNamara, Kyle Schelzle, Travis Irving, Joe Smith, Jon Harasym, Jay Thorimbert and David Brock. Who would be odd men out in this case?
Assuming Wiles, Wilson, Hopcroft, Giles and Smith on the right, that’s four, with speculation abroad that Kelusky might be out. Then on the left there is room for four with Tavares, Williams, Culp, Hominuck and Bender.
However, there is always the chance the Bandits decide 19 year old Wenster Green is not ready on transition, creating room possibly for the rookie Critch or for Francis or Kelusky.
We can speculate forever, but the Bandits have had just one camp session thus far, and what comes next with the franchise remains to be seen. Remember, Mark Steenhuis and Scott Self say they should be back for the opening game, so competition could get fierce.
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