Okotoks, AB (January 3, 2020) – Despite nearly erasing a 3 goal deficit, the Brooks Bandits (36-2-1) were unable to find the game-tying goal in the final minutes as they fell 4-3 to the Okotoks Oilers at Pason Centennial Arena on Friday.
Down 3-0 in the 2nd period, the Bandits fought back and got within a goal twice, only to come up just short and fall to a South Division team for the first time this season. Brooks is now 26-1 vs South opponents this year. The loss also snapped the Bandits winning streak at 12 games, their first loss since November 16th in Bonnyville, and first regulation loss since November 9th in Spruce Grove.
Only one goal was scored in the 1st period. Oiler forward Jack Works was able to beat Bandit goaltender Pierce Charleson (Aurora, ON) to make it 1-0 at the 14:21 mark. Brooks outshot Okotoks 9-2 in the 1st.
Most of the goals came in the 2nd. The Oilers’ Liam Freeborn knocked in the puck at 4:14 to double the Okotoks lead, followed by a Dylan James breakaway goal at 9:41 to make it 3-0 Oilers.
But the Bandits didn’t go quietly. Defenceman Tim Rego (Mansfield, MA) made a great individual effort, fighting off two defenders to score from the slot at 10:48 to make it 3-1. Then, at 15:51 and the Bandits killing a penalty, forward Brayden Krieger made a terrific move around Oiler defender Seth Bernard-Docker and fired in a forehand shot that made it 3-2.
The Oilers would regain a two goal lead at 11:38 of the 3rd period as forward Zane Kindrachuk cleaned up a loose puck on a Marc Pasemko rush to the net to make it 4-2.
Late in the period, Brooks got one back. Forward Taylor Makar (Calgary, AB) finished off a backdoor tap-in on a feed from Devin Phillips (Raleigh, North Carolina) to make it 4-3. Despite Brooks putting the extra attacker on and having a powerplay, they were unable to tie. Final shots were 27-19.
The Bandits return to action on Saturday night (January 4th) when they visit the Camrose Kodiaks. Live coverage on Real Country 105.7 FM begins at 6:45 PM.