Brooks, Alberta – The Brooks Bandits welcome the Interior Conference leading West Kelowna Warriors for their first game of 2026. The Bandits enter the matchup riding a three game winning streak and have scored at least six goals in four of their last five contests.
On Dec. 19, the Bandits defeated the Spruce Grove Saints 8-4 in a night to remember for Liam Fitzpatrick. With his family in attendance, Fitzpatrick tied a team record by scoring five goals.
“It definitely was a super special night. It was great to see them watch,” Fitzpatrick said. “It was overall a great night.”
Fitzpatrick has been a consistent offensive threat throughout the season, with his scoring touch peaking in December. His eight goals during the month are tied for the team lead alongside Isaac Johnson and led him to being named the first star of the week for the final week before Christmas.
“[Fitzpatrick] has been great on and off the ice. He has been a great leader for our guys,” said Assistant Coach Cole McCaig. “He seemed to find his game right before the Christmas break. You don’t see a guy score five goals in a game very often.”
Johnson has also been red hot, scoring twice in the Bandits’ most recent game against the Crusaders on Dec. 21. He was named the BCHL First Star of the Month after posting eight goals and eleven points in December.
“[Johnson] has been great,” Fitzpatrick added. “He is one of the motors on this team and we wouldn’t be where we are without him.”
McCaig shared the same sentiment.
“Inserting Isaac into the lineup in mid October was great and he has been huge for our success,” echoed the assistant coach.
The Bandits were active over the holiday break, making two trades that saw forward Kamyl Chemrouk moved to Coquitlam and forward Connor Paronuzzi dealt to Vernon in exchange for forward Leon Bussmann.
“We’re really excited to add Leon to the roster. He is a very physical forward and in order to win in the playoffs, you can’t be a soft team, you can’t be a small team,” McCaig proclaimed. “We really wanted to add some size.”
The six foot forward recorded seven points in thirteen games with the Vipers.
West Kelowna has had the upper hand in the season series so far, winning both previous matchups on home ice earlier this year.
“[West Kelowna] has been on a great streak since [the Bandits] played them on Halloween weekend,” confirmed McCaig. “It is going to be a great test for our guys.”
“With it being our first game back, we have got to keep it simple and not overcomplicate the game,” Fitzpatrick added.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 mountain time at the Centennial Regional Arena. Fans can catch the game on New Country 105.7 or FloHockey.
