Photo courtesy of RyKie Images & Events / Brooks Bandits

By Scott Roblin

Newest Spartan

Bandits netminder Charleson commits to Michigan State Spartans

Aug 3, 2019 | 2:33 PM

BROOKS, AB – Pierce Charleson’s first season in the Alberta Junior Hockey League went about as perfect as he could have wanted.

Winning an AJHL championship, named to the AJHL South All-Star Team, a finalist for the league’s Top Goaltender award, and backstopping the Brooks Bandits to a National Junior ‘A’ Championship title.

On Thursday, the next step of his hockey journey was announced as the 19-year-old goalie revealed his commitment to Michigan State University.

Playing in 44 regular season games in his first year in a Bandits uniform, Charleson posted the second-most wins in a season in Brooks history with a 42-2-0 record, a 2.16 goals against average, and a 0.913 save percentage.

Charleson also played in every AJHL, Doyle Cup, and NJAC playoff game for the Bandits and only lost eight of his 70 games all year.

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In a statement, Bandits head coach Ryan Papaioannou said the team is thrilled about Charleson’s commitment.

“Pierce is very deserving of this opportunity,” said Papaioannou. “He plays an efficient game, with no panic, giving our players the confidence to play in front of him. His work ethic is fantastic, and he is well liked by everyone around him.”

Entering his final year of junior eligibility, Charleson is expected to be back with the Bandits in the fall as the team’s starting netminder for the 2019-20 season.

Brooks opens their pre-season on August 26, taking on their rivals down the road from Okotoks at Centennial Regional Arena.