Career Reflection - Randy Bobandy

[AJW 2,156]

C - (S87) Randy Bobandy Career Reflection

 

Randy Bobandy is a 6'4, 220lbs centreman entering his 4th season of the VHL with the Seattle Bears. Bobandy has had a respectable career throughout his first three seasons so far and only looks to grow more. The East Coast Canadian was selected 4th overall in the S87 VHL Entry Draft to the Seattle Bears and quickly entered the locker room that following season, skipping the path of an extra season developing as most players do. Bobandy was a hot topic and new face to the VHL on a franchise known for long history of success. Excited and nervous, the young burger guzzler laced them up for the first time in the pros and it's been a fun a ride up to this point.

 

 

S87

 

Randy Bobandy's rookie season came in a hurry. After hoisting the Renaissance Cup in S86 with the Oslo Storm and winning the Florida Man Trophy for Playoff MVP, Bobandy was playing under the spotlight just one season later. With a strong roster of veteran forwards in Seattle such as Hulk Hogan 2, Tavish DeGroot and Vasile Lamb, Bobandy didn't feel the pressure of needing to perform like a top 5 pick right away. The second line center role was a perfect fit for Bobandy and even saw playing time with DeGroot and Lamb occasionally. This first season was a huge stepping stone on the path of growth for Randy and his stats were great! Reaching one point shy of 50, comparing to (the only other two S87 players to "skip" to the VHL in S87) Mac Atlas' 46 points and Skor McFluery's 42 points, I would say Bobandy shot the lights out. An impressive rookie season in my own books which I am very proud of.

 

S87 Randy Bobandy HUT Rookie Card

 

S88

 

After shaking the jitters off in S87, Bobandy entered his sophomore season with the Seattle Bears once again playing the second line center role. Once again, Bobandy needed the lack of spotlight and pressure to shine, reaching 60 points and well as hitting the 40 mark for assists. Another season of development for Bobandy but not for the Bears as they would go on to reach the S88 Continental Cup Finals against the London United. To be on such a big stage while being so young in your career is eye opening. The noise, the emotions, the two teams knowing one will walk away with it all, and one with nothing. After losing in game 7 with a 3-1 series lead in our hands, Bobandy felt defeated. From such a high rush of one game away to glory followed by three games of misery. You can't grow as a player or even as a person without bad things or problems to overcome. Bobandy was determined to step his game up after the two strong seasons of experience he had gained.

 

S88 Off-Season Bulk. Randy 45" of pure cheeseburgers

 

S89

 

During the S88 off-season, Randy Bobandy decided to improve his physical game which resulted in a bulk. Bobandy grew 15 pounds and increased his checking abilities like crazy. The natural strength of his figure was known but the extra muscle mass created a fright train on wheels. Bobandy worked hard on his hands and playmaking ability as well, wanting to become known more as a future star for Seattle instead of the kid who's still growing. Bobandy collected 71 assists for 90 points in 72 games. A plethora of career highs were smashed and Bobandy's overall game improved immensely. Bobandy and the Bears didn't fair well in their playoff run, being beaten out by the New York Americans in 6 games. This loss didn't come as hard as the S88 Finals did. Bobandy was proud of his S89 accomplishments and knows that S90 will be the season he needs to step up and become a Franchise name in Seattle. Mainly veterans are retired or moved to another team, so Bobandy's got some big shoes to fill.

 

Future For Bobandy

 

Randy Bobandy plans to continue his career with the Bears after signing a 3 year Mutual offer in S89. Seattle has been a strong foundation for Bobandy's growth as he pushes on with his quest to become the best Playmaking Center of the hybrid era. Bobandy is determined to have hands like Datsyuk, playmaking of Draisatl, and the physicality of Byfuglien. A cup to come to Seattle is the goal in the next three seasons and then thoughts of what's next can come. Being on a winning team throughout my entire career so far has made it hard to not want to be a Bear and hoist one for Seattle. Maybe Bobandy can become a top tier two way center in the league and win the Boulet? Time will tell but either way Bobandy is ready to compete and excited for whatever the future holds.

 

 

Legend of Spreadsheet

 

YELLOW - Season and Playoff Stats

GREEN - Build Through Career

RED - S88 Continental Cup Finals Stat Line

BLUE - Seattle Bears Team Record

 

Edited August 8, 2023 by AJW