Brooks, Alberta – The Brooks Bandits will host the Spruce Grove Saints in a best-of-seven series for the first time since both teams joined the BCHL. Brooks won the season series 6-1, including two comeback wins. Brooks’ last regulation loss came to Spruce Grove on January 10, their only loss against them this season.
The two teams have faced each other in the AJHL finals six times, with Brooks winning five of them (2013, lost in 2015, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2023).
“I think this is the first time in a couple years where the two clubs have faced each other [in the playoffs],” said captain Dante Siciliano. “Now Spruce Grove has a new rink and I think it would be a louder barn. Having that rivalry with them is only going to amp things even more, and it will be an exciting series.”
Liam Fitzpatrick leads all Bandits with goals against Spruce Grove with ten, including two 4+ goal performances. Mathis Dufour posted a three-point performance against Salmon Arm last weekend, and his efforts have not gone unnoticed in the locker room.
“A couple weeks ago, [Dufour] moved onto my line and I think his game has really shown in the second half,” said his roommate Isaac Johnson. “He maybe doesn’t get as many points, but he does get the points too. He is a really complete player and will be very valuable for us in the playoffs.”
Isaac Johnson, who recorded his 30th goal in the last game of the regular season, missed all of last season’s playoffs and is more than ready to get going this postseason.
“It is going to be super fun to play in the playoffs as a Bandit. Obviously, I was injured last year, but to be able to be in the fight with the guys every night is going to be fun,” he added.
Chris Battaini, who the Saints acquired midseason from the Powell River Kings, leads all Spruce Grove skaters with 61 points. Declan Waddick is the goals leader for the club with 25 in 49 games played this campaign. Goaltender Ryan De Kok will miss the first three games of the series due to suspension, so it is expected that Joseph Quintillio will be the starter for at least games 1-3. Quintillio posted an 11-8 record in 22 games this season.
Games 1 and 2 will both be hosted by the Bandits at the Centennial Regional Arena before the Bandits head on the road for games Tuesday and Wednesday in Spruce Grove. If necessary, Game 5 would be April 10 in Brooks, Game 6 would be in Spruce Grove on April 12, and Game 7 would be in Brooks on April 14. All games have a 7:00 MT start time and will be broadcast on New Country 105.7 and FloHockey.
