Bulldogs lose to Brooks for first time this season
Photo credit: Bryan Wilson
Article: Aidan Serra
The Blackfalds Bulldogs came into Brooks Saturday night riding a high after they snapped their two-game skid against Canmore the night before. Brooks, on the other hand, has been on something of a high for the majority of the season. The Bandits came into the game with a 24-1-2 record, having not lost since October 21 and not lost regulation since September 24, when Blackfalds beat them 6-3.
The Bulldogs managed to outshoot Brooks 14-9 in the first twenty minutes, but it was the Bandits who opened up a lead through twenty minutes. First, on a Brooks powerplay, quick puck movement opened up Elliot Dutil backdoor to slot in the first goal of the game. Brooks would double their lead less than two minutes later, with Brendan Poshak tipping home a sweet Nathan Free pass.
The Bandits made it 3-0 early in the second, as another powerplay goal extended their lead, with Aiden Fink breaking in and beating Matthew Hennessey to the blocker side. Brooks would break in and score again just 21 seconds later, this time thanks to Caelan Fitzpatrick turning home Tyler Blocha’s cross-crease pass. Brooks would score their third powerplay goal of the game before the halfway point of the second. Fink was again involved, this time setting up the AJHL rookie scoring leader Hudson Malinoski, who ripped a perfect wrist shot over the glove of Hennessey to give Brooks their fifth. Blackfalds would get a goal back, as Layne Loomer broke in on a two-on-one and beat Ethan Barwick blocker side to make it 5-1 going into the third.
Blackfalds would score the first goal of the third to get within three, with Spencer Bell forcing a turnover to set up Brendan Ross’ perfect wrist shot. Aiden Fink would score his second goal and fourth point of the night to seal the Brooks win, taking a pass from Hudson Malinoski and sliding it past Hennessey to make it 6-2.
Brooks win their thirteenth straight game while Blackfalds has now lost five of seven in the month of November. The Bulldogs have Camrose and Drumheller during the week before another meeting with Brooks Saturday night.
