image from Brooksbandits.ca

By Aidan Boelsgaard

Brooks Bandits headed to the AJHL Showcase this weekend in Blackfalds

Sep 29, 2022 | 12:39 PM

BROOKS, AB – The Alberta Junior Hockey League will hold its annual showcase this weekend in Blackfalds where the Brooks Bandits will take the ice twice.

The weekend is meant to put the league’s young talent on display for the more than 200 scouts from various NHL and NCAA teams expected.

As the defending national champions, the Bandits will undoubtedly have eyes on them. Cale Makar, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy on the way to winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche this spring, is a recent graduate of the program. The third-year standout also won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenceman this season, and the Calder Trophy two years ago as the league top rookie.

Nathan Crosby, broadcaster and business manager for the Bandits, says about half the team already has Division 1 NCAA commitments for next season. Some veteran players looking to find a spot somewhere next year, he says.

Crosby acknowledged the challenge of being the defending team coming into the weekend, but feels the team is used to the challenge saying “I think the lights couldn’t be brighter for our team, we love playing in it.”

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

4h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

The Bandits will play Thursday at 8 p.m. and Friday at 4:30 p.m. The showcase runs from tonight until Sunday.