As the 2013 season is around the corner, the Buffalo Bandits are closer to finalizing their roster. Earlier this week the Bandits signed transition player Scott Stewart. Stewart posted seven points in 11 games in his 12 NLL season. With Jeremy Thompson headed to the Rush for Aaron Wilson, Stewart could help fill the void of Thompson and also add a veteran presence on the back end.
Bandits General Manager Steve Dietrich finally came to terms with forward Luke Wiles. Wiles had an outstanding season with a career-high 39 goals while adding 31 helpers for 70 points which was good enough for second in scoring on the Bandits. Wiles is a gritty o-man that isn’t afraid to get his nose dirty as he scooped up 71 loose balls in 2012.
The Bandits also picked up forward Derek Hopcroft from the Colorado Mammoth. Hopcroft has a heavy shot from the outside that will help the offense of the Bandits. The Toronto Beaches Jr. A product scored 15 goals, added 11 helpers for 26 goals in 11 games plated. This past summer, Hopcroft was dominate in the MSL with the Brooklin Redmen as he posted 20 goals, 35 assists for 55 points in 14 games which put him third among MSL scoring leaders. The Bellarmine Knight also played with fellow Bandits newcomer Shawn Williams. Williams and Hopcroft had fantastic chemistry on the top of the offense and will look to translate it onto the NLL floor in 2013.
The Bandits added some local talent in Buffalo native Joe Smith. Smith has four goals in 43 games played and will look to add depth to the Bandits back end.
After attending the free agent camp in November, Canisus Golden Griffin and Brock Badger Travis Gibbons signed with the Bandits. The undrafted St.Catharines native will hope to look to sign with the city he has previous ties to. Gibbons is a big body that can create space for the skilled players but can be a pure finisher on the crease.
The Bandits have an open practice on December 15 and will debut their new home and away jerseys for the 2013 season.
The Bandits will open their season on January 11 vs the Philadelphia Wings. Buffalo is getting closer to the final Bandits opening day roster but still need some tweaking before heading to Philly. With a solid core of returning talent and new young and veteran players, the Bandits will be a serious threat to dethrone their in-state rival Rochester Knighthawks and be crowned 2013 NLL champions.
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