Brooks, Alberta – The Brooks Bandits defeated the Spruce Grove Saints 5-2 Friday night at the Centennial Regional Arena. Dmitrijs Dilevka and Jack Rosensteel both recorded multi-point efforts, while Zach Zahara posted 22 saves in the win.
The first goal was not scored until the second period, when Liam Fitzpatrick wired one top shelf from the top of the right circle to give the Bandits an early 1-0 lead at 3:02. Jack Rosensteel struck just over a minute later at 4:42, batting the puck out of mid-air.
Chris Battaini answered for the Saints after a giveaway from the Bandits in their own end, potting one high corner past Zach Zahara at 13:52. Isaac Johnson then restored the Brooks lead with a tip in front of the net on a directed shot from Zachary Deleau at 17:14. The Bandits headed to the second intermission with a two-goal lead.
Charlie Derrheim pulled the Saints back within one with a goal at 14:09, but Jack Rosensteel at 17:53 and Dmitrijs Dilevka at 18:59 both scored empty-net goals on the power play to seal the win for the Bandits in Game 1. Including the regular season, Brooks has now won seven of eight matchups this season against the Saints.
The Bandits are back in action tomorrow night when they host the Saints for Game 2. Puck drop is at 7:00.
