If anyone took the Lethbridge Bulls lightly last season, they won’t make the same mistake again. Last year, the Bulls were historically good, dominating the competition in the regular season, setting a win record at 34-14. The playoffs were no different. In nine games, they didn’t lose once, taking the franchise’s first ever WMBL title.
As they prepare for their home opener on Friday, they know everyone is going to get up to play the defending champs.
“They’re coming right after us,” Lethbridge Bulls Head Coach Ryan MacDonald said. “No one is going to take it easy on us.”
Though they experienced a tremendous amount of success last season, “Coach Mac” has no plans on letting complacency set in.
“I’m not one who likes to lose,” MacDonald said. “Basically coming in I’m prepared to win every game, that’s my mentality and nothing has changed with this summer as well.”
If the Bulls are going to win back-to-back titles, they’ll have to do it without their best player. League MVP Brandon Bufton’s eligibility is up, and he won’t be with the team this year. Bufton was a hit machine, but even without him the Bulls believe their offence may be just as potent.
“Oh yeah, we’ve got some big guys on the team this year,” Lethbridge Bulls Shortstop Evan Comeau said. “Bigger than last year, the power is going to be there. We’re going to hit a lot of home runs and send a lot of people home happy. I know people like to see that.”
The Bulls hope the power surge comes early and often Friday night when they host the Edmonton Prospects.