The 2020-21 Brooks Bandits season has concluded, and looking back, it was a season full of challenges never met before in the team’s 21-year history.
COVID-19 once again deprived the team of defending its National Championship for the 2nd year in a row. Despite the blow of not having a full season and the implications both on and off-the-ice, there were still achievements worth noting.
The Bandits had a Regular Season record of 18-2-0 (26-4-0 Overall) which was top of the AJHL from start to finish. The team also played against the most opponents in the AJHL, squaring off against eight different teams throughout the season.
The players development was on display all season long with the team and individuals leading the league in numerous categories:
1st AJHL Team Goals For – 111 (5.55/game)
2nd AJHL Team Goals Against – 44 (2.20/Game)
Most Division 1 Committed Players – 16
1st Powerplay – 32%
2nd Penalty Kill – 89%
Highest Rated Draft Eligible Player – Corson Ceulemans (A Rating)
1st AJHL Scoring – TJ Hughes (31 Points)
1st AJHL Goals – Sean Chisholm (19 Goals)
2nd AJHL Assist Leader – Brayden Krieger, Chris Pappas, Owen Cole (Tied with 17)
1st AJHL PP Goals – Sean Chisholm & Chris Pappas (5 Goals)
2nd AJHL PP Assist – Brayden Krieger (8)
1st AJHL SH Goals – Sean Chisholm (2 Goals)
1st AJHL GAA – Jared Whale (1.65)
1st AJHL Wins – Ethan Barwick (10 Wins)
1st AJHL Game Winning Goals – Sean Chisholm (5)
1st AJHL Rookie Scoring Defencemen – Zach Bookman (18)
1st AJHL Rookie Goal Scoring – Brendan Mairs (10)
Thank you to the players for their commitment and dedication to rolling with the ups and downs of the season. The attitude was positive all year regardless of the ever-changing landscape they faced. Just as importantly, thank you to the parents. This was a season like no other, where families were contributing financially to allow the season to take place and the organization and players owe the season to their parents.
Thank you to the hockey staff for guiding and working with the players through an unpredictable year. The off-ice operations pushed through the uncertainty of the season as well, and a thank you goes to the office staff.
Thank you to the Alberta Junior Hockey League for their efforts and the Government of Alberta for allowing us to return to play, and thanks to the City of Brooks as well.
The Bandits would like to send an enormous thanks to the billets, who went above and beyond to welcome and house the players. Without these dedicated families a season would not have taken place. A huge thank you to billet coordinator Leah Palmer for her dedication throughout the season, most notably offering her home as a quarantine location for our American players to start their journey in Canada.
One of the most difficult aspects of the season was telling fans they couldn’t come to the CRA to enjoy the games. The Bandits are blessed with the best fans and season ticket holders. Thank you, fans. We’re eager to welcome you back in the future.
The Bandits would also like to extend their gratitude to the local businesses, advertisers, corporate partners and organizations who partnered with them in a tough year; it won’t be forgotten.
Thank you to our volunteers. While only a select few off-ice officials and media volunteers were able to contribute this year, the Bandits look forward to welcoming all volunteers back. A thank you to our education advisors Kathy Irwin and Lindy Angove as well.
Preparations are underway for the 2021-22 season, the team’s 22nd year. On behalf of the Bandits, its staff and Board of Directors, they look forward to moving ahead to better and healthier times.