NEWS

 

The Long Beach Bombers are proud to announce the re-signing of three-year WSHL veteran, Sean Buffardi. The ’96-born defenseman resides in Westminster, California, and has played 75 games for the Bomb Squad. Last season, in 44 games played, Buffardi recorded 10 points and 57 penalty minutes. At 6’1 and 185lbs, he will provide Long Beach with size and leadership, on the back end. 

 

Buffardi debuted for the Bombers during the 2012-2013 season, when the team signed him on an emergency basis for a series in Lake Tahoe. The following season, he returned in a full-time role, playing in 29 of the team’s 46 regular season games. After a 2014-2015 hiatus, the local rearguard came back to play in 44 of the team’s 52 regular season games. This season, his final at the junior level, he will look to play a more prominent role in the team’s defensive unit. Buffardi has played the 4th-most WSHL games, on the Bombers roster.

 

Buffardi is the 8th returning veteran signed by Long Beach, from their 2015-2016 Western Division Championship team. Teammate Joel Larsson praised Sean when he noted his travel partner is a, “good roomie!” Buffardi is the 10th ’96-born player for the Bombers, as he enters his final season of junior hockey. He also represents the 8th returning player for Long Beach.

 

Long Beach Bombers Head Coach & General Manager, Chris White, commented, “We are very excited to have Sean back, this season. He has improved each year, and I expect him to reach a new level, in his final season. His intangibles are very valuable for us. He is a great teammate, a selfless player, and is not afraid to be a leader when the time calls for it. Sean is a good skater that plays a simple, physical game. His style of play should compliment some of our more offensive-minded defensemen, this year. Slider is the epitome of a ‘glue guy’ for our club, and we are very lucky to have him on the team.”

 

 

Sean’s Player Profile: http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=271136

 

 

Q & A with Sean Buffardi:

 

 

You first donned a Bombers uniform in 2013-2014. How far has the team come, since that season? The team has come a long way since 2013. We've gone from making play offs and losing 1st round to winning our division and fighting for a spot against Idaho, one of the better teams in the league.    The Bombers look to have 11-12 returning veterans, as well has a number of new '96-born import players. What is the team's expectation for this season, coming off of a Western Division Championship, and Pacific Conference Finals appearance? With this many returning players, and the talent we have coming in, I think we have a very good chance at making past the Pacific Conference and finish the season off better than any other season to date.    What are the odds you score your first career WSHL goal, this season?  Let's just say...I have a better chance at winning a fight. My stick seems to break every time I have a scoring opportunity, I don't get it.    What has been keeping you busy, this off-season? I've been keeping busy this off season playing a lot of pick-up hockey, working out, and driving my Jeep over rocks and things.    This will be your first season billeting a teammate. How did your negotiations play out, with Bombers captain, Cal Owens? I think we're going to build bunk beds and play a lot of Pokemon go. Other than that, I don't even know when he's coming.