Bandits Training Camp for the 2025 season is underway, with players competing for a spot on the 21-man roster or one of four practice squad positions.
“Yeah, there’s still an opportunity to make the team, whereas in years past, there might have been nothing open, but this year, let’s see what they’ve got,” said Steve Dietrich, General Manager and defensive coordinator.
At the start of the week, six players were released: Jake Rosa, Matt Duncan, Liam Linden, David Burr, Jaden Kennedy, and Liam Keane.
The team held two sessions last Saturday. The morning featured a high-intensity 95-minute practice with continuous lacrosse drills across the full floor. One drill involved stick handling, cross-passing, receiving, and shooting against one of four goaltenders in camp. Players rotated between four positions along each restraining line near the boards.
The second session was a preseason game against Las Vegas. All members of the training camp roster played at least half a game under NLL referees. This gave new players a chance to compete alongside established team members.
“We do have a few shoes to fill, but it’s hard to say if there will be any changes. The kids are hungry, but we are mostly a veteran team, so they have to learn quickly,” said Bandits captain Steve Priolo.
For many veterans on the team, this was their first live game action of camp. The Bandits won over Las Vegas Desert Dogs 12-10.
“We picked up right where we left off, and the new guys are slotting in with nice energy,” noted Priolo.
Ryan Benesch scored four goals; Lucas Neilson and Ian MacKay each had two goals; Dhane Smith recorded one goal and six assists for seven points. Goaltender Matt Vinc was relieved by Steve Orleman, Evan Constantopoulos, and Waukiigan Shognosh during play.
As training camp reached its halfway point ahead of further roster cuts by November 23rd, decisions remain difficult for head coach John Tavares and GM Dietrich.
“You always want to keep things fresh with some changes, but every training camp we are not thinking about last season or the years before. The goal is obviously to get back to where we have been, but it’s a long row and we are going to be a different team doing it that’s for sure,” Dietrich said.
Newcomers Mike Triolo and Clay Scanlan have already made an impact alongside Benesch. Lucas Nielsen performed well in physical testing on October 25th and showed skill inside during Saturday’s scrimmage.
“I think I can play a couple of different roles but I’m ready to do whatever they want,” said Nielsen.
Several new faces are also standing out in camp including second-round pick Coltrane Tyson who has drawn praise from Dietrich: “I’ve been really impressed with Coltrane. He was good in the Calgary game and now we envision him playing more defense as the sky is the limit for that kid.”
Taylor Dooley has returned after being placed on injured reserve at last season’s end; Matt Spanger also participated after his own injury recovery; Connor Farrell aims to be ready for regular-season opening night on November 29th following offseason work.
Asked which player stood out most so far in camp Dietrich responded: “It’s tough to say Dhane but I’m going to say Dhane. It’s scary JT and I commented after the first practice a couple weeks ago that he was by far the hardest-working guy on the floor.”
“To a guy who has been league MVP all-time scorer holds records for most goals most assists most points I can go on and on.”
Dietrich described seeing Josh Byrne and Smith working out together: “Those guys are machines. For anyone who doesn’t get time to spend with them there’s a reason why they’re so good.”
“I’m walking on treadmill they’re sprinting on treadmill doing stuff on Peloton systems then back to sprinting… It’s stuff they (and every Bandits player) do throughout week that keeps them at that level.”
Dietrich emphasized both veterans’ desire to stay with Buffalo as well as young players’ drive: “We all know what goal is at end of year We’ve been lucky enough be both sides it last five years.”
As former Sabres broadcaster Jim Lorentz would say: “You gotta be good to be lucky” — words echoed as younger hopefuls face tough competition.
