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General Manager Steve Dietrich significantly overhauled the team's roster after being hired in July. There are 11 new faces on the team for 2013, including three rookies, in addition to 12 players returning from last season.
Buffalo Bandits 2013 roster (courtesy Bandits.com):
Forwards (9): Carter Bender, Nick Cotter, Chad Culp, Mike Hominuck, Tracey Kelusky, John Tavares, Luke Wiles, Shawn Williams and Aaron Wilson.
Transition (6): David Brock, Jon Harasym, Dhane Smith, Hayden Smith, Mark Steenhuis and Jay Thorimbert.
Defensemen (6): Glen Bryan, Michael McNamara, Steve Priolo, Scott Self, Billy Dee Smith and Derek Suddons.
Goalies (2): Anthony Cosmo and Kurtis Wagar.
Practice Squad: Kevin Brownell (T), Craig England (T) and Derek Hopcroft (F).
Injured Reserve (IR): Jordan Critch (T), Mat Giles (F) and Jamie Rooney (F).
Physically Unable to Perform (PUP): Jimmy Purves (T).
There were a few familair names on the final list of cuts made by Dietrich, including, Brandon Francis, Angus Goodleaf, Travis Irving and Kyle Schmelzle. Francis had been the team's enforcer and faceoff man for several seasons as well as a fan favorite. Goodleaf was believed to be Anthony Cosmo's backup in net but lost his job to Kurtis Wagar, who was added late in the offseason.
Billy Dee Smith is on the final roster after holding out for all of training camp. His agent tweeted this week that Smith has agreed to terms on a new contract but the Bandits have not announced the deal yet.
Three players drafted by the Bandits made the final including first round pick Dhane Smith as well as Carter Bender and Hayden Smith.
The Bandits will play an exhibition game Friday night in Oakville, Ontario against Philadelphia. They open the regular season on January 11 at Philadelphia and then open their home schedule the following night versus Minnesota.