ROUND 4 GAME 4: Bandits win series 4-0.
By: Adam Kulak
The Brooks Bandits would cap off a fantastic season with the Inter Pipeline Cup as they defeat the Saints in 4 games in the AJHL Final.
It was a bit of a low event game offensively in the first period as neither team could get on the board. The Saints did play well to start this game, they were getting into the offensive zone more efficiently and they made Brooks work to get the puck. They had two powerplays in the first half of the period and their powerplay started looking better than it has most of the series. The Saints were starting to figure out how to get into the zone and set up which is something that they have really struggled with all series long. They’re making quick passes once they cross the blueline to open up space and were able to get set up and create chances. They didn’t score on either powerplay but it’s a positive step toward doing it soon. The Saints came close to getting the first goal of the game. Dylan Bourlai would get the rebound and put it off the post and Seth Fyten would be there to deposit the rebound. Unfortunately, Bourlai was in the crease and interfered with Pierce Charleson so the goal wouldn’t stand. Shots in the period were 7-5 Brooks as the period would end scoreless.
The Saints had two more chances on the powerplay, but they just couldn’t solve Charleson and the Bandits penalty kill as that has made a big difference in this series. The Saints had golden opportunities to win in both Game 1 and 2 but failed to take advantage of them and that’s why we are where we’re at. With 4 minutes left in the period, the Bandits would capitalize on their own powerplay as the puck would bounce out front to Jakob Lee as Brooks would open the scoring in all four games in the series. The Saints are not dead yet, they have played well in this series but it’s the story of the Saints season, it’s just a matter of finishing on their chances. Shots were 10-10 in the second and 17-15 overall as the Saints are still in this game. They will look to find the back of the net in the final 20 minutes to live to fight another day.
The Saints fought until the very end; they did everything they could to find the equalizer. The Bandits held the Saints to just 3 shots for the first 15 minutes of the period. They shut things down in the final frame and limited the Saints high quality chances for most of the period. With a couple minutes to play, with Matt Davis on the bench, the Saints would go for one final push. The last 2 minutes of the period, the Saints threw everything at Pierce Charleson. They came close, but unfortunately not close enough. As the seconds ticked down, the Saints season would just come up short. The Brooks Bandits, after a 57-3-0 regular season, cap it off with their 5th AJHL Championship in the last 10 seasons, winning this series in 4 games.
Congratulations to Brooks for a historic regular season and an AJHL Championship. Best of luck at the Doyle Cup and RBC Cup back in Brooks. This is the final write up for the season from me. Thank you to the Saints for giving me the opportunity to work for this great organization and thank you to everyone who read any of the game write ups. To see this team battle through injury after injury, have to overcome numerous setbacks, having to go through 4 rounds and knock off the two best teams in the North Division. This was an unforgettable season and a memorable one for me as well as all of Saints fans. I won’t forget this season and I’m looking forward to hopefully more years with the Spruce Grove Saints. Thank you again and see you all next September.