October 12, 2024 – Keith McInnis picked up three points and goaltender Mikus Vecvanags got his second win of the season as the Brooks Bandits beat the Prince George Spruce Kings 6-2 on Saturday at the Centennial Regional Arena.
The Bandits remain the only unbeaten team in the BCHL at 7-0, beating the Spruce Kings in their first meeting since the 2019 National Junior A Championship in Brooks.
It only took one minute into the game for McInnis to fire in a point shot that deflected off Spruce Kings goaltender Ryder Green’s glove and in to make it 1-0. Forward Nick Peluso doubled the bandits lead 16:30 into the period with his sixth goal of the season, cleaning up a loose puck in the crease with the chance created from forward Parker Lalonde. Just minutes later, Kazumo Sasaki was assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct for cross checking. On the powerplay, the Bandits were able to find the back of the net with a shot by Nathan Free, extending his goal scoring streak to four games.
In the second period, Lalonde scored early, picking up his ninth goal of the season with a right circle shot that found the target. Forward Davide Patella scored six minutes later for his third on the season, tapping in a pass to extend the Bandits lead to 5-0. The Spruce Kings scored their first of the game with a shot by Lucas Veuilleux on the rebound on the powerplay, ending the Bandits streak of not surrendering a powerplay goal against this season, which was 23/23 entering the game.
The Bandits were off to a fast start again in the third period as defenceman Matej Teply scored his first goal of the season 1:04 into the period, scoring top shelf on his off-wing. Prince George got one back on the powerplay, but that was it.
Bandits won this contest by a score of 6-2, final shots were 40-25 for Brooks.
The Bandits head on the road for the 2024 BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack, BC next week. All games will be broadcasted live on New Country 105.7 as well as Flo Hockey with Nathan Crosby and Ken Fleury.
Photo credit: Lisa Klassen/Kreations Photography
