BROOKS, AB (February 26, 2020) – A day before his birthday, Brooks Bandits goaltender Pierce Charleson (Aurora, ON) had a night worthy of a Team MVP. The netminder made 21 saves for his league leading 4th shutout of the season, as the Bandits (46-10-2) doubled up the Drumheller Dragons 2-0 on Wednesday at the Centennial Regional Arena.
Charleson, a finalist for the AJHL Goaltender of the Year award, was named the Bandits MVP prior to the game during the team’s annual awards ceremony. It was the final game of the regular season for Brooks, and with the win, swept Drumheller in the 7 game season series.
The game’s first goal came with 2:09 left in the 1st period. Captain Jakob Lee (Owen Sound, ON), who earlier was named the team’s Top All Around Forward and Top Defensive Forward, scored off his own rebound on the powerplay for his 31st goal of the season.
The Dragons Brady Risk got the best chance to tie in the 2nd period, but was denied on a kick save from Charleson.
After a scoreless 2nd period, Lee would find the back of the net again, scoring from the left circle at 11:49. Teammate Randy Hernandez (Miami, FL) was awarded an assist, which gave him 95 points on the season and the team’s Top Scorer Award, edging out Brayden Krieger (Elora, ON) who finished 94 points.
Drumheller pulled their starter Daniel Allin in the final minutes for the extra attacker, but Charleson held on for the win and the shutout, two categories he finished 1st in the league.
Final shots were 26-21 Bandits.
Team awards:
Fan Favourite – Taylor Makar
Rookie of the Year – Brayden Krieger & Tim Rego
Top Defensive Forward – Jakob Lee
Hustler of the Year – Devin Phillips
Unsung Hero – Ethan Lund
Most Improved – Chris Pappas
3 Stars Award – Randy Hernandez
Top Scorer – Randy Hernandez
Top Defenceman – Tim Rego
Top All Around Forward – Jakob Lee
Most Valuable Player – Pierce Charleson
The Bandits have a bye through the 1st round of the AJHL Playoffs. They will host Game 1 of the South Division Semi-Final on Friday, March 13th, following league approval of schedule.