BROOKS, AB (September 18, 2021) – Despite erasing a 2-0 deficit in the 2nd period, the Brooks Bandits (1-1) dropped a 4-3 decision to the Drumheller Dragons on Saturday night at the Centennial Regional Arena.
The win marked the first ever victory for the Dragons in the regular season at the CRA in 33 attempts.
Drumheller opened the scoring 1:15 into the game, as forward Adam Raesler tipped in a point shot. They added to their lead on the powerplay at 9:56 as Will Christian shot the puck in from the right circle to make it 2-0. Shots were 9-6 Drumheller in the frame.
The Bandits cut into the lead 3:37 into the 2nd period as forward Brendan Poshak (Northern Michigan) scored top left corner to make it 2-1 deficit. Brooks then tied the game at 7:33 on the powerplay as forward Anthony Cipollone fired in a top shelf shot from the right circle. Shots were 13-3 Bandits in the frame.
The Dragons regained the lead 1:47 into the 3rd in the powerplay as Kody Willick scored on a rebound off a toe save from Bandits goaltender Jared Whale. But Brooks would tie the game on the powerplay as TJ Hughes (Mercyhurst) one-timed a shot from the left circle to make it 3-3 on 7:09. Drumheller retook the lead at 13:22 as Ben Christian scored from the net front. The Bandits would add the extra attacker late in the game, but were unable to tie. Shots in the 3rd were 12-7 Brooks, and 31-19 overall.
The Bandits head on the road for their next two games. They’ll play the Grizzlys in Olds on Fri, September 24 and the Canucks in Calgary on Sat, September 25. Both games will be live on Real Country 105.7 FM.
Next home game for the Bandits is Fri, October 1 vs the Spruce Grove Saints at the CRA at the 2021 AJHL Showcase.