SPRUCE GROVE, AB (April 25, 2023) – Hunter Wallace and Hughie Hooker both scored, while Ethan Barwick set a team record as the Brooks Bandits reclaimed the lead in the AJHL Final with a 2-1 win over the Spruce Grove Saints on Tuesday at the Grant Fuhr Arena.
Barwick (St. Albert, AB) made 31 saves for Brooks, winning his 22nd career AJHL Playoff game, passing Mitch Benson’s 21. Saints starter Jameson Kaine made 26 saves. The Bandits lead the AJHL Inter Pipeline Cup series 2 games to 1.
The 1st Period was scoreless, with forward Hudson Malinoski (Saskatoon, SK) getting the best chance with a one-timer from the right circle that Saints starter Jameson Kaine got with the toe of his pad.
Brooks opened the scoring at 11:41, as forward Hunter Wallace (Oak Lake, MB) one-timed a right circle shot on a behind-the-net setup from linemate Aiden Fink (Calgary, AB). The Bandits doubled the lead at 16:21, as defenceman Hughie Hooker carried the puck from behind the Saints net and turned to face the net from the right circle, scoring shortside to make it 2-0.
Spruce Grove got on the board with 2:00 left in regulation, as Kadyn Chabot tapped in a backdoor attempt to cut the lead to 2-1. But despite emptying the net for the extra attacker, the Saints couldn’t tie, as the Bandits held on for the victory.
Game 4 of the series is Wednesday, April 26th live coverage on Real Country 105.7 FM. Both games start at 7:00 pm.
Game 5 will be played in Brooks on Friday, April 28th, with tickets on sale at brooksbandits.ca.