OKOTOKS, AB (April 28, 2024) – Despite erasing a 2-0 deficit with under six minutes to play, the Brooks Bandits comeback fell just short in Game 6 of the Alberta Semifinal in a 3-2 overtime defeat on Sunday at the Centennial Arena.
Quinn McCall and Nathan Free scored the Bandits goals, while Johnny Hicks made 30 saves. The best-of-seven series is tied 3-3, with Game 7 scheduled for Tuesday in Brooks.
Oilers forward Sam Huck had the best chance of the 1st period on a breakaway, but Hicks came up with a huge pad save.
Bandits defenceman Hughie Hooker (Winnipeg, MB) was called for ineligible equipment due to his chin strap not properly fastened, and Oilers captain Dean Spak cleaned up a loose puck on net front scramble and opened the scoring at 18:52 on the ensuing powerplay.
Oilers forward Jagger Tapper scored on a breakaway 7:30 into the 3rd to make it 2-0. The Brooks comeback started at 14:35, as McCall (St. John, IN) fired in a right point shot shortside to cut the lead to 2-1. Just as Hicks had reached the bench for the extra attacker in the final minute, Free (Calgary, AB scored from the right circle to the tie the game. Brooks had a powerplay in the overtime, and outshot the Oilers 6-4. However, Oilers captain Dean Spak cleaned up a loose puck in the crease to end the game at the 11:27 mark of the overtime.
Final shots were 40-33 Brooks.
This will be the first Game 7 since the 2015 Division Final which the Bandits won over the Camrose Kodiaks. This will be the first Game 7 played in Brooks since the 2013 Division Final, which the Bandits beat the Oilers.
The winner of this series will face the Sherwood Park Crusaders in the Alberta Division Final.
Game 7 is Tuesday, April 30th in Brooks at the Centennial Regional Arena at 7:00 pm. Tickets are on sale at brooksbandits.net.
