October 11, 2024 – Nathan Free scored twice and Tennessee State commit Johnny Hicks had another stellar performance in net as the Brooks Bandits defeated the Spruce Grove Saints 3-1 on Friday at the Grant Fuhr Arena.
Spruce Grove started strong, outshooting the Bandits 3-1 but were unable to solve Hicks. The 1st period shots were almost even, favouring the Bandits 13-11. Hicks made a 2-on-1 right pad save early in the period to keep the game level. Forward Nathan Free scored the ice-breaker 5:55 into the period as he found the back of the net off a rebound from a Brock Souch shot to put the Bandits up 1-0.
The 2nd period had a big push from the Bandits offence. Forward Jack Good doubled the Bandits lead to 2-0 with the set up from Jack Rosensteel, who forced a Saints turnover at 6:19. Near the end of the period, Free scored off the rush on a pass from defenceman Nate Yellowaga, his fifth goal of the season and his second of the game to extend the Bandits to a 3-0 lead. The Bandits led the 2nd period shot total 12-6.
The Saints scored in the last second of the 3rd period to put one up on the board, the only blemish on a stellar performance from Hicks who made a season high 32 saves.
The Bandits penalty kill remains perfect for the year at 23/23.
The Bandits are back in action tomorrow night when they take on the Prince George Spruce Kings back at the CRA at 7:00 pm for a NJAC final rematch for the first time since 2019. Game time is 7:00 pm
Photo Credit to Aaron Grimaldi.
