BROOKS, AB — The Spruce Grove Saints handed the Brooks Bandits a loss in their first pre-season action with a 4-2 final on Tuesday night at Centennial Regional Arena.
Forward Patrick Woods led the way offensively for Spruce Grove with two goals, while the Saints’ special teams also made an impact with a power-play and a shorthanded marker.
Spruce Grove jumped out to a 1-0 lead with Woods’ shorthanded goal at 11:36 of the opening period. Woods then struck again midway through the second frame, scoring his second goal of the night at 11:41 with Lucas Achim picking up the lone assist. The Saints extended their lead to 3-0 just over three minutes later when Junior Podein converted on the Saints lone powerplay of the game.
The Bandits utilized two newcomers in net on Tuesday, with 2009-born Yundi Cai drawing the start, allowing one of the four Saint’s goals through 30:49 of action. Ianfranco Vargas played the remaining half of the game, conceding a pair.
The Bandits first preseason goal of 2026 came off a beautifully executed wraparound early in the third period as Ontario native, Jacob Bultje cut the deficit to two. However, Spruce Grove regained its three-goal advantage late in the period when Alexy Lachaîne tucked home an empty net goal with just over a minute remaining.
The Bandits added their final tally with nine seconds left in the third as France native, Alexandre Monarque beat Saints goaltender Colton Scott for the 4-2 final.
The Bandits have two pre-season games remaining and will travel to Okotoks to face the Oilers on Friday, September 11.
