OKOTOKS, AB (April 24, 2024) – Despite outshooting the opposition 26-22, the Brooks Bandits suffered a 4-1 setback to the Okotoks Oilers in Game 4 on Wednesday at the Centennial Arena.
Hunter Wallace (Oak Lake, MB) scored the lone Bandits goal, while Johnny Hicks (Kamloops, BC) made 19 saves in the loss. The BCHL Alberta Division Semifinal series is tied 2-2, with Game 5 scheduled for Friday in Brooks, and Game 6 Sunday in Okotoks.
Oilers forward Owen MacNeil opened the scoring 8:20 into the game, scoring from the slot on a forehand shot that went post and in to make it 1-0 Okotoks. The Bandits best chance came off the rush as Nathan Free (Calgary, AB) passed to Ethan Beyer (Centennial, CO), who deflected the puck off the left post.
Wallace tied the game 6:29 into the 2nd period, scoring off the rush from the left wing. However, MacNeil tipped a point shot at 9:28 on the powerplay to make it 2-1. It was the first powerplay goal surrendered by the Bandits in the series.
MacNeil completed the hat-trick at 3:23 of the 3rd period, scoring the insurance marker off the rush to make it 3-1. Brooks put heavy pressure on Oilers and their starter Christian Green, but were unable to close the gap. Oilers forward Jagger Tapper added an empty netter at 18:34 to seal the 4-1 win.
Final shots were 26-22 Brooks.
Game 5 is Friday, April 26th in Brooks at 7:00 pm. Tickets are available at brooksbandits.net. Game 6 is Sunday, April 28th in Okotoks at 7:00 pm.
