OLDS, AB (December 17, 2021) – Noah Hackett scored twice in his return to Olds, and the Brooks Bandits extended their win streak to 12 games following a 3-2 victory over the Grizzlys on Friday at the Sportsplex.
It was Hackett’s and Josh Zinger’s first game in Olds since being traded to Brooks two weeks ago. Goaltender Max Beckford made 20 saves for the Bandits 12th straight win to improve their record to 32-1-1, and won the game without a single powerplay. Brooks hasn’t lost in regulation in 32 straight games.
Highlights:
Olds opened the scoring 14:12 into the game, as forward Tanner Klimpke tipped a point shot past Beckford to make it 1-0. But the Bandits would tie it up shortly after at 16:08, as forward Hunter Wallace (RPI) drove up the right wing and found linemate Aiden Fink (Wisconsin) at the net, who tapped in the game tying goal. Shots were 14-7 Brooks in the 1st.
The Bandits first lead of the game came 5:10 into the 2nd period, as defenceman Boston Buckberger (Wisconsin) made a stretch pass to Hackett (Niagara), who scored on a breakaway forehand shot to make it 2-1. Shots in the 2nd were once again 14-7 Bandits.
The Grizzlys tied the game 3:20 into the 3rd period, as Kyle Venneman finished a backdoor tap-in on a powerplay to tie the game 2-2. It was the first powerplay goal the Bandits have surrendered since November 19 following 35 straight successful kills. But just over a minute later, Hackett would shoot from a sharp angle, shortside on former Bandit Jared Whale, scoring to make it 3-2 Brooks. Despite Olds pulling Whale for the extra attacker in the final minute, they were unable to tie as Brooks held on for the victory. Shots in the 3rd were 8-8, but 36-22 overall favouring Brooks.
The Bandits have one game left before the Christmas break, hosting the Drumheller Dragons on Saturday, December 18 at the Centennial Regional Arena. Game time is 7:00 pm.