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NLL Buffalo Bandits

Bandits Re-Sign Tavares to Three-Year Deal

December 10, 2008 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Buffalo Bandits News Release


Buffalo, NY (December 10, 2008)---Buffalo Bandits Director of Lacrosse Operations Scott Loffler announced today the Bandits have re-signed John Tavares, the all-time leading scorer in National Lacrosse League history. The contract will keep Tavares in Buffalo through the 2011 season.

"Johnny is the number one leader on our team," said head coach Darris Kilgour. "When you can bring that kind of guy back it is huge. He has led the team in scoring 15 of his 17 years and it will be a huge loss when he retires. It is a tremendous bonus to have him back."

"It has been a great honor to be with the same team. For myself, it is an honor to be in Buffalo." Tavares said. "I have been privileged to be with the same team starting in 1992, and I am thrilled to have played my entire career with Buffalo. I started my career as a Bandit, and I hope I can end it as a Bandit as well."

Tavares (9/4/1968, 5'11", 185 lbs.) led the Bandits in scoring for the 10th-straight season with 87 points (29+58) in 2008. He was named a first-team NLL All-Pro and became the NLL's all-time leading goal scorer with his fourth goal of the game on January 19 against the New York Titans. Tavares was selected to his seventh NLL All-Star game last season. He is the all-time leading scorer in NLL All-Star Game history with 25 points (16+9).

Tavares is the all-time NLL leader in goals (620), assists (706) and points (1,326). He is also the Bandits franchise leader in every major offensive category and holds the Bandits single season record for points (115; 2000-01), goals (51; 2000-01), assists (64; 2000-01) and shots (210; 2001-02).

Tavares was acquired from the Detroit Turbos in exchange for Brian Nikula in October of 1991. Tavares has been a member of all four Buffalo Bandits World Championship rosters.

The Bandits open the season at home on Saturday, January 3 against the Philadelphia Wings at 7:30 p.m.

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