Entering a critical stretch of their season, the Buffalo Bandits are preparing for six games over the next month, starting with a matchup against the Colorado Mammoth in Denver. The team is currently at an even record.
“I’m not happy being 3 and 3. We need to get better offensively, defensively, and on special teams,” said Steve Dietrich, Bandits general manager and defensive coordinator.
Dietrich noted that while the team has performed well in segments of games, they have yet to deliver a full 60-minute effort. He praised goaltender Matt Vinc for his strong play so far but emphasized the need for improvement across the roster. “Our backbone has been Matt (Vinc); he has been fantastic so far, so we need the team around him to be better.”
The Bandits recently traded Steven Orleman to Toronto, which allowed Evan Constantopoulos to move up from the practice roster. “Getting the call-up feels amazing. I’m super excited to be a part of the best team in the NLL alongside the best fans in Banditland,” said Constantopoulos.
Constantopoulos, drafted in 2023, has spent time developing under Vinc and Anthony Cosmo. Dietrich reflected on his own experience as a young player and praised Constantopoulos’s progress: “He gets better every practice and loves taking shots. I thought he took a big step this summer, playing big minutes in very big games for Orangeville.” In junior play with Orangeville last year, Constantopoulos posted improved statistics and was named Minto Cup Playoffs Most Valuable Player as his team won the OJLL Championship.
“He’s ready for the next step,” Dietrich said.
Looking at recent games, there have been signs of defensive improvement with Vinc making key saves and players working aggressively on loose balls and transitions. However, consistency remains an issue.
“You have to be effective and efficient in all facets of the game,” said Randy Mearns, former Bandit and current broadcaster.
Head coach John Tavares commented on offensive strategy: “Seems to be divided,” said Tavares. “This year, I’ve taken a more freestyle approach. But when things aren’t going well, it’s nice to put some structure in; getting some movement, getting everybody involved. We might have to revisit the structure base.”
Mearns explained that structured plays give everyone clear roles but that defenders are increasingly able to anticipate set plays thanks to video analysis. Transition opportunities can be crucial: “Build that momentum. If you can get two or three off transition, it could be the difference in a game,” said Mearns.
The coaching staff faces decisions about player rotations as several injured players near return. “Yes, it should be a good battle internally with Matt Spanger, Mitch de Snoo, and Zack Belter all close to coming back. It’s going to create a logjam, and some very difficult decisions will need to be made,” said Dietrich.
On Tuesday, Ron John and Mike Triolo were moved off the active roster while Belter and Spanger returned from injury reserve.
Dietrich summed up what is needed moving forward: chemistry, confidence, and character.
