BROOKS, AB (May 7, 2022) – For the sixth time in team history, the Brooks Bandits are AJHL Champions following a 2-0 win in Game 5, clinching the 2022 Inter Pipeline Cup and eliminating the Spruce Grove Saints in front of a packed house of nearly 2,300 at the Centennial Regional Arena.
It was the second time in team history the Bandits won the league title on home ice, joining the 2013 Bandits, and joining the 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017 and 2019 Bandits to win the AJHL crown.
The Bandits have clinched a berth in the Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Horton’s, which starts May 19 in Estevan, SK.
After a scoreless 1st period that saw Ryan McAlllister (Western Michigan) hit a crossbar and the Bandits outshoot the Saints 5-3 in the period, the game’s first goal came late in the 2nd.
Forward TJ Hughes (Michigan) cleaned up a loose puck off a McAllister shot to make it 1-0 at 15:02. Shots in the 2nd were 10-7 Brooks.
Bandits forward Brendan Mairs made it 2-0 at 15:09 of the 3rd period, backhanding a behind-the-net pass from Dario Beljo (AIC) for the insurance marker. The Bandits penalty kill went 5/5 and Barwick shut the door with 21 save for the shutout. Final shots were 25-21 Bandits.
Bandits forward Ryan McAllister was named the AJHL Playoff MVP, finishing with 29 points (10g, 19a) in 13 games, including two overtime winners in the League Final.
Ethan Lund and Ryan McAllister chat with @nathandcrosby after winning the #BrooksBandits 6th @TheAJHL Championship! pic.twitter.com/7TSoxwLf2X
– Brooks Bandits (@BrooksBandits) May 8, 2022
Postgame comments from Ethan Barwick following his 21 save shutout performance in Game 5!#BrooksBandits @TheAJHL @nathandcrosby pic.twitter.com/K6K7l78UIP
– Brooks Bandits (@BrooksBandits) May 8, 2022
Photo: Em Duncan