SPRUCE GROVE, AB (November 18, 2023) – Luke Marshall scored the overtime goal, the penalty kill went 7/7 and the Brooks Bandits completed a 4-3 comeback win over the Spruce Grove Saints on Saturday at the Grant Fuhr Arena.
It was the Bandits (21-3) first overtime period of the season thanks to a game-tying Nathan Free powerplay goal in the 3rd period after trailing 3-2.
Brooks has won seven straight games, three straight on the road and have yet to lose in November.
Forward Logan Sawyer (Calgary, AB) opened the scoring just 69 seconds into the game, going end-to-end and sniping a top shelf shot to make it 1-0. However, Spruce Grove tied the game at 6:32, as forward Alexander Babich scored on a backhander. But Brooks retook the lead at 14:37, as Nathan Free (Calgary, AB) finished off a Mirko Buttazzoni (Langley, BC) cross-ice pass on the powerplay and scored to make it 2-1.
The Saints tied the game again at 7:36, as Ethan Kronewitt scored on a Tanner Dawkins rebound. The Bandits had to kill four straight penalties, including a key breakaway save from Hicks. However, the Saints took the 3-2 lead at 19:42, as Stephen Kirkpatrick scored from the right point.
It was just the fourth time this season the Bandits entered the 3rd period trailing. Free scored again the powerplay at 2:44, one-timing a Buttazzoni pass to make it 3-3.
In overtime, after killing off a penalty, Luke Marshall (Saskatoon, SK) received a Caelan Fitzpatrick (Moose Jaw, SK) pass and scored forehand to give Brooks the 4-3 win.
The Bandits road trip continues on Sunday, November 19th, as they visit the Drayton Valley Thunder. Game time is 2:00 pm.
Game notes:
- Hughie Hooker played in his 100th career AJHL regular season game
- Nathan Free has extended his goal streak to six games
- Logan Sawyer has extended his point streak to five games
- Goaltender Johnny Hicks has won four straight starts
- Forward Mirko Buttazzoni has four multi-point games in his last five