BROOKS, AB (December 1, 2021) – The Brooks Bandits scored three goals in the opening seven minutes, and despite never having a powerplay, skated to a 6-1 victory over the Blackfalds Bulldogs on Wednesday at the Centennial Regional Arena.
The Bandits haven’t lost in regulation in 27 straight games and have won seven straight games overall, as they improve to (27-1-1) and sit 1st in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
Photo: Em Duncan
Highlights:
Brooks forward Liam Hughes took a Hughie Hooker pass and scored on a forehand shot from the left circle just 2:46 into the game to make it 1-0. A minute later, Hooker found forward Ryan McAllister (Western Michigan) open in the left circle, who then scored to make it 2-0. Then at 6:10, forward Jack Seymour took a stretch pass through the middle from Hooker and scored from the top of the right circle to make it 3-0, forcing a Bulldogs timeout. Shots in the 1st were 12-5 Bandits.
Bandits goaltender Jared Whale stepped up in the 2nd period with 13 saves, including a clutch save on a Bulldogs two on none rush to preserve the lead. Then, with less than two minutes left in the frame, Seymour scored again, this time finishing off a TJ Hughes (Mercyhurst) pass off the rush and tapping in the 4-0 goal. A minute later, defenceman Boston Buckberger (Wisconsin) tapped in a Dario Beljo right circle pass into Bulldogs starter Lucas Massie’s net to make it 5-0 Brooks. The Bulldogs outshot the Bandits 13-11 in the period.
Blackfalds would score just 65 seconds into the 3rd, as forward Tye Carriere finished off a rush to the Bandit net, banging in a loose puck to cut lead to 5-1. But McAllister would get it back, scoring off a Buckberger rebound at 9:34 to make it 6-1, the final. Shots were even at 11 in the period, and 34-29 Bandits overall.
Postgame comments from Jack Seymour:
Postgame comments from Hughie Hooker:
The Bandits next game is Saturday, December 4 when they host the Canmore Eagles. Game time is 7:00 pm at the Centennial Regional Arena.