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Bandits comeback, score four unanswered and take down Oilers 5-2 in Okotoks

OKOTOKS, AB (September 9, 2022) – The Brooks Bandits scored four unanswered goals, erasing a one-goal deficit and earned their sixth straight pre-season win, taking a 5-2 decision in Okotoks on Friday.

Goaltender Ethan Barwick (Lindenwood) made 26 saves for the win.

Okotoks opened the scoring at 11:19 as forward Dean Spak lifted a loose puck over Barwick to make it 1-0 Oilers. The Bandits tied the game with 7 seconds left in the 1st period, as forward Caelan Fitzpatrick (Niagara) knocked in a loose puck off a Hunter Wallace (RPI) chance. Shots were even 12-12 in the 1st.

The Oilers retook the lead 2:48 into the 2nd, as forward Conyr Hellyer scored off a rebound to give Okotoks a 2-1 lead. Later at 12:33, forward Aiden Fink (Wisconsin) knocked in a rebound off a Sam Court (New Hampshire) right circle shot on the powerplay to tie the game 2-2. Forward Heath Armstrong gave Brooks their first lead at 16:55, shelving a wall-pass from Brendan Mairs to make it 3-2. Shots were 12-10 Bandits.

Bandits forward Dante Palombo one-timed a Fitzpatrick pass 3:45 into the 3rd to double the Brooks lead to 4-2. Then on the powerplay at 6:11, Bandits Captain Dario Beljo (AIC) redirected a Fink pass to make it 5-2 Brooks, the final. Shots in the 3rd were 11-6 Brooks, and 35-28 overall.

The Bandits wrap up the 2022 Pre-Season on Saturday, September 10 when they host the Cranbrook Bucks of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). Game time is 7:00 pm at the Centennial Regional Arena, and tickets are only $5.

The Bandits Regular Season Home Opener is Friday, September 16, when they host the Calgary Canucks at the CRA.

Photo: Chad Goddard