SPRUCE GROVE, AB (April 26, 2023) – The Brooks Bandits are heading home with a 3-1 series lead in the AJHL Final following a 2-1 overtime Game 4 win in a Wednesday night classic at the Grant Fuhr Arena.
Defenceman Hughie Hooker (Brandon, MB) scored the game winning goal 2:44 into the extra frame on a shot from the neutral zone that bounced off the boards and off the back skate of Saints goaltender Spencer Michnik. Bandits goaltender Ethan Barwick (St. Albert, AB) made 27 saves in the win.
The Bandits lead the best of seven AJHL Final 3 games to 1, with Game 5 set for Friday, April 28th at the Centennial Regional Arena. Game time is 7:00 pm.
Brendan Poshak (Green Bay, WI) opened the scoring at 10:47 of the 1st period, taking a pass from Caelan Fitzpatrick (Moose Jaw, SK) at the blue line and skating in uncontested, scoring on a forehand shot to make it 1-0. But Spruce Grove tied the game at 17:30, as Luigi Benincasa scored on a breakaway with an elevated backhander to make it 1-1. With 0.2 seconds left in the period, Barwick denied Saints forward Evan Sundar with a diving paddle, highlight reel save.
The 2nd period was scoreless, but Brooks outshot Spruce Grove 10-3.
The 3rd period was also scoreless, with the Bandits best chance coming from forward Hunter Wallace (Oak Lake, MB), who hit top corner post. Hooker then ended the game in overtime.
Final shots were 29-28 Bandits.