CAMROSE, AB (January 28, 2023) – Despite goals from Heath Armstrong, Tyler Blocha and a 3rd period game-tying goal from Hughie Hooker, the Brooks Bandits dropped a tight 4-3 decision to the Kodiaks on Saturday at Encana Arena.
Ethan Barwick (St. Albert, AB) made 17 saves as the Bandits (41-5-2) lost their first road game since December 9th, winning six straight coming into Saturday’s action.
After a scoreless 1st period, Armstrong (Calgary, AB) opened the scoring at 4:11 of the 2nd period, tapping in a Caelan Fitzpatrick (Moose Jaw, SK) pass to make it 1-0 Brooks. The Bandits doubled their lead at 17:19 as Blocha (Bonnyville, AB) finished off a tic-tac-toe passing play from Dario Beljo (Sudbury, ON) and Davide Patella (Laval, QC) to make it 2-0. But with 1:38 left in the period, Kodiaks captain Callum Gau tipped in a point shot on the powerplay to make it 2-1.
2:03 into the 3rd period, Ethan Short scored on a forehand shot to tie the game 2-2. Soon after at 4:39, Alexander Bryson scored on a scramble play to give Camrose their first lead. But Hooker would tie the game at 9:07, wristing a powerplay shot to make it 3-3. Late in the period, and again on the powerplay, the Kodiaks would retake the lead at 17:29, as Noah Alvarez scored from the left circle to make it 4-3. Despite Brooks emptying the net for the extra attacker, they were unable to tie. Final shots were 27-21 Bandits.
The Bandits will look to wrap up the month of January back in the win column when they visit the Olds Grizzlys on Tuesday, January 31. Game time is 7:00 pm, with live coverage on Real Country 105.7 FM.