BROOKS, AB (February 18, 2022) ““ An historically difficult night sunk the visiting Okotoks Oilers on Friday, as the Brooks Bandits expanded a 2-0 lead after the first period to a 13-0 win at the Centennial Regional Arena.
Outshot 45-16, the Oilers now find themselves only 2 points ahead of the Blackfalds Bulldogs for fourth place in the AJHL South division, with five games remaining in the regular season to decide playoff seeding.
A shot count of 12-4 Brooks in the first told only part of the story in what was otherwise a quickly played and fast paced opening twenty. Ryan McAllister scored 3:31 into the game on a sharp angle shot that beat starter Jack McNaughton, and Devin Phillips scored from the net front at 12:33 to double that lead heading into the first intermission.
But Brooks exploded for six more goals in the second, three on the power play, as penalty trouble sunk the Oilers, and McNaughton swapped with backup Parker Sawka after the home side took a 6-0 lead.
The Bandits added five more in the third, outshooting the Oilers 13-8 in the final frame and going 3 for 5 on the power play. Okotoks was 0 for 3 on the man advantage. In the final minute, rookie defenceman Jamie Weller (Calgary, AB) dropped the gloves in a spirited tilt with Brooks forward Dario Beljo, with both players receiving ejections.
The two teams will meet Saturday night for a rematch at Pason Centennial Arena in Okotoks. Tickets are available online at tickets.okotoksoilers.ca.