Brooks, AB (May 16, 2025)- The Bandits began there first BCHL Final on Friday night at the CRA where they hosted the Chilliwack Chiefs and it was nothing short of spectacular as Nathan Free scored a game winner which was his first of the playoffs as the Bandits took game one by a score of 5-3.
In the opening period, the Bandits started the game on a powerplay after the Chiefs were handed a warm-up violation penalty. On the powerplay the Bandits slipped up and gave up a break away as Nathan Morin scored to give the chiefs a 1-0 lead just 26 seconds in. Still on that powerplay, Cooper Pierson would even up the score with a wrist shot from the left circle as he got the Bandits right back into the game. Just after the halfway point of the period, the Chiefs would regain the lead as Lucas Sorace potted one behind goaltender Zach Zahara.
In the 2nd period, Liam Fitzpatrick would tap in the back door loose puck as he scored his first of the post-season bringing the game to two each. Just two minutes later Luke Bibby scored the go-ahead goal to get the Bandits in front for the first time in the game. Mateo Mrsic would tie the game just after the midway point in the period to bring the game to 3-3.
In the final period, Nathan Free scored his first of the post-season on the powerplay with a wrist shot from the slot to bring the Bandits ahead of the Chiefs as he shook the monkey off his back. Parker Lalonde would seal the deal with a late goal, his 14th of the playoffs to make it 5-3 as the Bandits defeat the Chiefs in game 1 of the Fred Page Cup Final.
The Bandits are back in action tomorrow night, May 17 at 7 PM for game two of the BCHL Final. Get your tickets now at tickets.brooksbandits.net.
