Brooks, Alberta — The Brooks Bandits fell 4–2 to the Spruce Grove Saints on Saturday night at Centennial Regional Arena. Two third-period goals briefly tied the game, but a late surge from the Saints proved decisive.
Alexey Lachaine opened the scoring at 9:51 of the first period, capitalizing on a scramble in front of the net. Aside from the goal, it was a relatively quiet opening frame.
The Saints added the lone goal of the second period when Adam Perron scored at 17:47, giving Spruce Grove a 2–0 lead heading into the final period.
The third period saw increased intensity. Luke Melnik got the Bandits on the board at 3:18 with a goal from the doorstep, and Mathis Dufour tied the game at 15:12 after a setup from Melnik. However, the momentum shifted moments later when the Bandits took two penalties on the same play. The Saints capitalized on the ensuing five-on-three, with Lachaine scoring his second goal of the game at 16:15; the eventual game-winner. Robert Fedor sealed the result at 18:26, finishing off a defensive-zone turnover.
The Bandits will travel to Okotoks on Tuesday to wrap up play before the All-Star break.
The game will be televised on FloHockey and available on New Country 105.7.
