Most Underrated Player?

After their crushing loss in the Eastern Conference Finals last season, the Bandits felt that they were only a few moves away from being in the title hunt again this year. In a suprise move, Buffalo sent goalie and fan-favorite Steve Dietrich to Calgary in a three team deal consisting of seven players and draft picks.

If you asked any Bandits fan during the offseason, they saw no reason to worry though. Mike Thompson, Dietrich's backup for years beforehand was ready for the challenge.

"Mike came in and did a great job for us and I think he's shown for us that he can definitely become the number one goalie," head coach Darris Kilgour said. "I'm looking at him to be consistent, making the stops he should make. We're not looking for someone to come in and save our team or really have to make some unbelievable saves. We just need a guy to come in and study and make the saves he should make."

Thompson has been ready for this starting role for his whole carear, and he is finally getting a chance to prove it. After coming on stron in relief of Dietrich last season, Thompson has already proven that he has the skill, but so far this season he has shown his heart more than anything. In his first game as Buffalo's full time starter, Thompson was blitzed by the defending champions for nine goals in a little over a half of play.

This is where the heart of a man is really tested. Thompson came out poised in a game against New York, recording 33 stops in the win. Even after a rough first half, Thompson preserved the record breaking joy of John Tavares with a near perfect second half. In the most recent loss at Phillidelphia, Thompson was able to keep his Bandits in it despite lacadaisical defense. Although the Bandits lost, Thompson shows more poise and promise everytime on the floor.

Thompson has been shouldering the legacy left by Chugger and has plans to add to it by possibly adding a championship, something Dietrich could not do for the Bandits. As the season progresses,expect more great games and spectacular saves as Thompson gets more time in net.Bandits Blogger