PHOTO: Absent Light Photography
The Spruce Grove Saints kept their postseason dreams alive in dramatic fashion, securing a crucial 4-3 overtime victory against the Brooks Bandits.
After a scoreless opening period, the Bandits struck first in the second, quickly building a 2-0 lead that appeared discouraging for Saints fans. However, Matheson Mason provided a spark for Spruce Grove, slipping a shot through the five-hole midway through the frame to cut the deficit in half.
The Saints carried that momentum into the third period, as Marko Djordjevic found the back of the net to even the score at 2-2. The celebration was short-lived, though, as Brooks’ Luke Bibby responded just 15 seconds later to restore the Bandits’ lead. Refusing to back down, Josh Polak answered right back for Spruce Grove, knotting the game at 3-3 and sending it to overtime.
In the extra frame, with their season hanging in the balance, James Richards delivered the biggest goal of the year—burying the game-winner and keeping the Saints’ playoff hopes alive.
The Saints will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup tomorrow night against the Blackfalds Bulldogs as they continue the push for the postseason.
Final Score: 4-3 SGS
Shots on Goal: 40-40
Three Stars:
- Marko Djordjevic
- Ryan De Kok
- Griffin Wright
