BROOKS, AB (February 25, 2023) – AJHL history was made Saturday night at the Centennial Regional Arena, as Ethan Barwick set a new high in single season wins thanks to a 4-2 doubling of the Okotoks Oilers.
Barwick registered his 44th win of the 2022-23 Regular Season, which passes Mitch Benson’s 43 wins set during the 2017-18 campaign. It’s the most wins recorded by a goaltender in a single season in the modern era since the win stat was recorded. The win was the Bandits 10th in a row, as they swept the season series with the Oilers six games to none.
Brooks opened the scoring at 4:04 as Hunter Wallace (Oak Lake, MB) tapped in a loose puck off a Hughie Hooker (Brandon, MB) attempt in the crease to make it 1-0. The Bandits doubled the lead to 2-0 at 18:39 as Aiden Fink (Calgary, AB) blasted a left circle shot on the powerplay. But the Oilers would get one back at 19:24 as Ty Yoder scored on a breakaway, beating Barwick on a backhander to cut the lead to 2-1.
Okotoks tied the game at 3:02 of the 2nd period, as Jackson Rowland roofed a backhander to make it 2-2. The Bandits dug in and retook the lead at 14:19, as Fink worked a give-and-go with Wallace, backhanding his second of the game, and AJHL-leading 41st goal of the year to make it 3-2 Brooks. On the powerplay, forward Hudson Malinoski (Saskatoon, SK) sniped a forehand shot to make it 4-2. The 3rd Period was scoreless. Final shots were 35-24 Brooks.
The Bandits went 27-2-1 on home ice this season, and will finish the 2022-23 Regular Season with back to back road games. They visit the Canmore Eagles on Wednesday, March 1st at 7:00 pm, followed by a visit to the Olds Grizzlys on Sunday, March 5th at 4:00 pm. Listen to the games on Real Country 105.7 FM.
The Bandits first two playoff games will be Friday, March 24th and Saturday, March 25th in Brooks.