Warning: Undefined variable $long_title in /sites/nll.1.aordev.com/files/wp-content/themes/nll/funcmods/subpage_header/fm_subpage_header.php on line 66
>Bandits Tame Black Wolves With 15-8 Preseason Win

Seven power-play goals helped the Buffalo Bandits push their way past the New England Black Wolves on Saturday in Buffalo’s first preseason match this year.

Buffalo also opened the second quarter on a 6-0 run and held the Black Wolves to one goal in the fourth.

Tyler Ferreira, a second-round pick by the Bandits in 2014 (18th overall), had an outstanding performance with four goals and four assists as Buffalo defeated New England 15-8 at First Niagara Center. 

In the first half alone, Ferreira had six points (3+3) and he ended up being involved in the scoring on five of those seven power-play goals.

While the point production was impressive, coach Troy Cordingley didn’t pay much attention to the stat sheet when it came to what he noticed about Ferreira’s game Saturday.

“I don’t look at points. I look at how smart players play and position. If you take away the points, you look, ‘What else did he do?’ And he did a lot,” Cordingley said. “He had ground balls. He seals real well. He saw the floor very well. He’s always moving and guys like that are hard to check. He had a strong effort from him tonight.”

Brady Heseltine scored three times and added two primary assists while Jerome Thompson and Chad Culp each recorded two goals and two primary assists. Corey Fowler (1+1), Mike Triolo (1+1) and Kevin Brownell (0+2) also had multi-point games.

“Offensively, I thought we shared the ball extremely well. You have guys out there that are trying to make this team and there wasn’t one guy that looked out of place,” Cordingley said. “They were real good. They were real good as a unit.”

Rance Vigneaux played the first half for Buffalo, allowing two goals and was relieved by Hunyahdengowah Abrams for the final two quarters. 

“Defensively, I liked our position and I liked the way we pressured the ball,” Cordingley said. “And I was real happy with the goaltending. We broke down a couple times and our goalies made some big saves. It was a big start.”

Story by Chris Ryndak for Bandits.com.