In a game where power plays played a pivotal role, the Spruce Grove Saints faced a tough defeat against the Brooks Bandits, finishing with a final score of 4-1.
The game kicked off with a closely contested first period, characterized by a back-and-forth battle for the first ten minutes. However, the Bandits broke the deadlock at the 13-minute mark, with Nathan Free opening the scoring to give Brooks a 1-0 lead.
The momentum shifted decisively in favor of the Bandits during the second period. The Saints found themselves in penalty trouble early on, taking a double-minor for high-sticking. Brooks capitalized on this extended power play, netting two goals to surge ahead 3-0. Hunter Wallace added another goal for the Bandits, extending their lead to 4-0 with less than three minutes remaining in the period.
Undeterred, the Saints mounted a spirited comeback effort in the final frame. Jed Magarrell of Coaldale, AB, managed to find the back of the net halfway through the period, putting the Saints on the scoreboard. Despite their resilience, the Saints ultimately fell short, with the final score standing at 4-1 in favor of the Bandits.
