SHERWOOD PARK, AB (April 17, 2021) – Zach Bookman’s first AJHL goal was an overtime winner, as the Brooks Bandits (11-1) erased a 3-2 deficit and defeated the Sherwood Park Crusaders 4-3 in dramatic fashion Saturday night at the Randy Rosen Rink.
Bandits goaltender Jared Whale made 18 saves for the win, while the Bandits successfully killed off 11 of 12 penalties.
Days Inn & Suites Highlights:
Brooks got on the board first, as forward TJ Hughes (Robert Morris) fired in a backhand shot from the left circle to make it 1-0. just 3:29 into the game. Shots were 14-8 Brooks in the 1st, who killed off 2 penalties in the 1st.
After the Bandits killed off 4 penalties to open the 2nd period, Sherwood Park had a goal waved off, as it was deemed to have gone in off a high stick. This was followed by a Bandits powerplay, which saw captain Taylor Makar (UMass) score a top shelf shot from the right circle at 10:13 to make it 2-0.
The Crusaders then scored three straight goals. The first came from Zafir Rawji at 13:45 on a breakaway backhander, followed by a shorthanded Vincent Scott goal at 15:23 that saw him skate in front of the Bandit and net and score on the forehand, and the third was a powerplay goal off the post and in by Ty Mueller at 17:32 to make it 3-2 Crusaders. But Brooks would tie the game 3-3 with 11 seconds left in the frame, as forward Chris Pappas (St. Lawrence) fired in a shot from the left circle. Shots were 16-10 Bandits, who killed off two more penalties late in the frame.
Despite outshooting Sherwood Park 9-6 in the 3rd, no goals were scored.
In overtime, Makar carried the puck into the attacking zone, which ended up being recovered by forward Brayden Krieger (Bowling Green), who set up a two-on-one chance that was finished off by Bookman to give Brooks the win. Final shots were 40-24 Bandits.
Honda Magic Coach’s Recap with HC/GM Ryan Papaioannou and broadcaster Nathan Crosby:
The Bandits will host the Sherwood Park Crusaders on Fri, April 23 and Sat, April 24 at the Centennial Regional Arena. Game time for each game is 7:00 pm. Spectators are not allowed at AJHL games due to government restrictions.