While names like Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Gilbert Perreault and DominikHasek may be better known among Buffalo sports fans, none of those superstars put in as many years with a Buffalo pro sports team as John Tavares.
However, after 24 years with the Buffalo Bandits indoor lacrosse team, Tavares has decided it's time to retire. Tavares made the announcement Wednesday morning at First Niagara Center, thanking the Bandits for what he called a great ride.
"I also want to thank all the fans," said Tavares, whose announcement was attended by many Bandits faithful. "I think that's the hardest part of letting go is not being able to perform in front of all my fans."
He is not leaving the Bandits organization entirely, however. Coach Troy Cordingley announced that Tavares will join his staff as an offensive coach.
A native of Mississauga, Ontario, Tavares is nearing his 47th birthday. He retires as the National Lacrosse League's all-time leader in games played (306), goals scored (815) and assists (934). Additionally, he scored 84 goals and 116 assists in 38 playoff games. He appeared in 10 league All-Star games and was on the roster for all four of the Bandits' championships (1992, 1993, 1996 and 2008). He is also a three-time Most Valuable Player honoree (1994, 2000, 2001).
The Bandits were not his full-time job. Tavares also worked as a secondary school math teacher in Mississauga during his playing career.
His nephew, also named John Tavares, is a star hockey player with the National Hockey League's New York Islanders.
