Zahara was named 1st Star, which included a big pad save in the 2nd period on Crusaders forward Masun Fleece to preserve the lead.
In the opening frame, the Bandits got things going as McInnis opened the scoring after picking up a rebound out front to put the Bandits ahead 1-0 on the powerplay. With four seconds remaining in the period, forward Lucas Brennan tipped a John Alex Banks shot to tie the game.
In the 2nd period, the lone goal scorer was McInnis, as he netted his 2nd goal of the game and 3rd of the playoffs as he fired the point shot past James Venne. The Crusaders had the edge in shots with 14 and the Bandits with 11.
In the final period, the Bandits and despite Sherwood Park having seven powerplays and emptying the net for the extra attacked, couldn’t equalize. The Bandits held on for a 2-1 win in front of 1,569 fans.
Game 2 of the series is Saturday, April 19th at the CRA. The Nick Crosby Memorial Award will be handed out prior to the game.
Tickets are available at brooksbandits.net.
