Canmore, AB (December 30, 2019) – The Brooks Bandits (36-1-1) wrapped up 2019 on a high note, extending their winning streak to 12 games by downing the Canmore Eagles 8-2 on Monday night at the Canmore Recreation Centre.
Forwards Randy Hernández (Miami, FL) and Devin Phillips (Raleigh, NC) each had multi-goal games, while winger Brayden Krieger (Elora, ON) had a three point night. Goaltender Pierce Charleson (Aurora, ON) made 16 saves for his league-leading 30th win of the season.
Brooks had their penalty kill tested early, but it was captain Jakob Lee (Owen Sound, ON) who got the game’s first goal. Lee scored shorthanded on a 1-on-2 rush at 3:47 to open the scoring. Soonafter, Phillips capitalized on a turnover and blasted a shot that went post and in to make it 2-0 at 5:12.
Canmore got one back immediately after, as forward Kazu Prevost scored on the breakaway at 5:44.
Brooks would reclaim their two goal advantage at 8:08, as Hernández finished off a behind-the-net pass from Krieger to make it 3-1. A minute later, Bandit forward Chris Pappas finished off backhanded shot to make it 4-1. The goal chased Eagle starter Kadin Kilpatrick, as Devin Chapman played the rest of the game. Phillips would add another at the 13:31 mark, before the Eagles Alex Young beat Charleson on the powerplay at 14:36 to make it 5-2 after the 1st.
Brooks dominated possession in the 2nd, and took advantage of the five powerplays they received. First, Krieger scored on a wraparound from behind the net after fooling Chapman at 3:22 to make it 6-2, followed by a Trey Thomas (Williams Lake, BC) blast, also on the powerplay, putting the score at 7-2 at 9:33.
The game saw only more goal, as Hernández grabbed another at the 16:29 of the 3rd period.
Final shots were 43-18 Brooks, as the Bandits went 4 for 11 on the powerplay.
The Bandits next game is Friday, January 3rd, as they visit the Okotoks Oilers. Game time is 7:00 PM, with live coverage beginning at 6:45 PM on Real Country 105.7 FM.