Photo: Kreations Photography
Written by: Rory McGouran
Returning players of the Brooks Bandits, along with their fan base, got to witness the 2025-26 BCHL Championship Banners raised to the rafters of the Centennial Regional Arena on Saturday night. Those same players were also the dictators in ensuring a 4-2 victory was secure at the home opener.
Three of the four goals were scored by the small group of Bandits’ returners which paved the way to evening their opening-weekend record to 1-1-0. Zachary Deleau started the scoring with his first of the season. Micheal Kucherawy picked up his first, while looking poised for a sophomore jump in production as a Bandit, and Rylan Hue, who finished with two points, added the empty netter.
The additional goal came on a penalty shot, already the second penalty shot goal of the year for Makaio Van Tassel. The Bandits’ offseason acquisition from the BCHL’s Langley Riverman has exploded in his first two games, picking up four goals and doing it in all facets. The California forward has picked up a shorthanded marker, a powerplay goal, an even strength goal, with two penalty shot conversions.
Emile Beaunoyner secured his first victory in net as a Bandit, with the junior hockey veteran stopping 26 of 28 shots faced.
Okotoks tied the game twice throughout the 60 minutes with goals from Matthew Hikida and Eli Molde but never led at any time.
The Bandits’ powerplay produced a pair of goals with their powerplay perfect, killing off six penalties.
They will return to the CRA next weekend for back-to-back home games starting with the Spruce Grove Saints on Friday, and the Sherwood Park Crusaders on Saturday.
