OKOTOKS, AB (January 8, 2022) – Despite a 3rd period comeback, the Brooks Bandits fell just short in a 4-3 loss in Okotoks on Saturday at Pason Centennial Arena.
The Bandits were trailing 4-1 in the 3rd period, but thanks to goals from TJ Hughes and Aiden Fink, made it a one-game goal, resulting in a thrilling finish that ultimately fell short. It was the Bandits (37-2-1) first loss in regulation in 38 games, and snapped the team’s 17 game win streak.
Highlights:
The Oilers opened the scoring 2:05 in as forward Bowden Singleton jumped on a puck that came off the end boards from a point shot and tucked it past Bandits goaltender Ethan Barwick to make it 1-0. Then at 7:43, Okotoks defenceman Brody Maguire finished off a cross ice pass from Rieger Lorenz to extend the Oiler lead to 2-0. Brooks got one back, as forward Brendan Mairs tipped in a Noah Hackett (Niagara) right circle shot to cut the lead to 2-1. However, with 25 seconds remaining, forward Dean Spak cleaned up a loose puck in the Bandits crease to give Okotoks a 3-1 lead, despite Brooks outshooting Okotoks 16-10 in the period.
Barwick made a big stop on Ryan Neumann on a 1-on-0 chance to keep the Bandits within three. However, Neumann extended the Oilers lead to 4-1 scoring off the rush, shooting off the left post and in at 6:15 for the period’s only goal. Shots were 15-12 Okotoks in the frame.
Brooks would cut into the lead at 2:48 on the powerplay, as TJ Hughes (Merychurst) scored from the right circle to make it 4-2. One minute later, forward Aiden Fink (Wisconsin) tapped in a Noah Hackett (Niagara) shot to make it 4-3. Despite Brooks pulling Barwick for the extra attacker with a minute to go, the Bandits were unable to tie. Shots in the 3rd were 13-4 Brooks, and 41-31 overall favouring the Bandits.
The Bandits next game is Wednesday, January 12 when they visit the Blackfalds Bulldogs. Listen live on Real Country 105.7 FM.