Achi news desk-
LETHBRIDGE –
It took seven games, but the Brooks Bandits were able to beat the Okotoks Oilers in the semi-finals of the BCHL Alberta division.
After a tough series, the Welsh feel they have been battle tested.
“The mood in the room is pretty high. That series was long and hard. To win Game 7 at home in front of our fans was great. The building was full and full of energy, so we have the same energy,” Bandits defenseman Ethan Beyer said.
Now, the Bandits will face off against the Sherwood Park Crusaders in the division championship.
The Crusaders finished second in the division, behind the Bandits.
Brooks won six out of seven games between the two this year, but that doesn’t mean the bandits will take the Crusaders lightly.
“They have a lot of offensive power. They score a lot of goals, but they also have a great goalkeeper, like us. I think it’s a pretty even game. It’s going to come down to down to who plays better defensively, I believe,” Bandits forward Davide Patella said.
These playoffs look a little different for Brooks than in recent years.
Earlier this year, the Bandits and four other teams left the AJHL and joined the BCHL.
That means the Bandits will not have the opportunity to defend their national title.
“For us, it’s about being proud of the achievements we’ve tackled as a team and as a group. The challenges we’ve overcome have been immense. All would be the feat to secure this championship,” assistant coach Dakota Mason said.
Although the trophy they play for may have changed, the goal remains the same.
“I think most hockey players and hockey people, don’t care so much about winning the trophy. The biggest thing is they want to win the last game of the season. So for us, that hasn’t really changed ,” Mason said.
The divisional finals will begin at Sherwood Park due to a scheduling conflict at the Centennial Regional Arena.
Game 1 is Friday at 7pm
