Brooks, Alberta — The Brooks Bandits will look to extend their four-game winning streak and nine-game point streak when they visit the Spruce Grove Saints on Friday before hosting the Cranbrook Bucks on Saturday at the Centennial Regional Arena.
During that nine-game point streak, the Bandits have been held under four goals just once (January 31 vs. Blackfalds) and have scored fewer than four goals only twice since December 12.
Brooks is tied for the league lead in goals scored with 191, alongside Cowichan Valley.
Spruce Grove currently sits third in the Interior East Division with a 24-17-1 record. The Saints have won six straight games and have allowed more than two goals in just two of those contests.
“The Saints are disciplined and hard-working; they don’t beat themselves,” said head coach Dakota Mason. “This game will come down to maturity, and we showed flashes of that this past weekend. Three of our next four games are against Spruce Grove, so it’s going to be a real challenge.”
The Bandits will see the Saints again for a pair of games next weekend, once again at the Thompson Family Arena.
Leading the way for Spruce Grove is Chris Battaini, who has 51 points in 39 games, 15 more than the next-highest total on the team. He played 35 of those games with the Powell River Kings before joining the Saints.
The Cranbrook Bucks, meanwhile, are battling for an Interior West playoff spot with a 14-26-3-1 record. They have dropped three of their last four and five of their last seven games.
“Cranbrook is still a good team,” Mason said. “They didn’t start the season the way they wanted, but with the changes they’ve made, they’re a competitive group now. There’s so much parity in this league, anyone can beat anyone on any given night. We’re focused on what we need to do.”
Despite the Bucks’ recent struggles, forward Adam Csabi has produced 40 points in 44 games, including 19 goals. The next-highest scorer on the team has 28 points.
Harry Ahlberg was named the BCHL First Star of the Week after recording eight points in his last two games, including three goals. He has posted multi-point efforts in four of his last five contests and has recorded six multi-goal games since December 10.
“Harry is a terrific player,” Mason said. “He’s very committed to the details of the game and what makes the team successful. He plays on our first line and our first power play. He’s a major key for us, and we’re extremely happy to have him in our lineup.”
With the BCHL trade deadline now passed, roster certainty has brought a sense of clarity to the team.
“When you know exactly who you have going forward into the playoffs, it brings a sense of relief to the group,” Mason said. “But the job isn’t done. Guys are still competing for ice time, roles, and making sure they’re in the lineup every night.”
The Bandits added defencemen Tanner Winegard and Dane Sorensen, along with forward Rylan Hue, while forward Jeremiah Mundy was dealt to Powell River.
“Not only will it make us better as a team, it will push each individual to be better as well,” Mason added.
Puck drop for both games this weekend is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. MT.
