Years of Brooks Bandits success attributed to coaching, consistency and community

It’s hard to deny their talent with six AJHL Championship titles since 2012, and three National Championship titles. If the team wins again this year, it will be the third in a row.

Forward Dario Beljo is a three year veteran of the team, and he attributes much of the teams consistency in the past three years to head coach Ryan Papaioannou.

Beljo says “He does an unbelievable job everyday, keeping us focused and all that stuff so, I think it all starts with them.”

Beljo he has learned a significant amount from Papaioannou that he plans to utilize throughout the final series.

“Just the energy he brings everyday and the focus and attention to detail that comes with it. I think that’s my biggest takeaway from my time here with him,” Beljo explains.

Assistant coach and alumni player Nick Prkusic knows what it takes to be a Bandit, and only expects success.

“It’s just the work we put in on a day to day basis. From our daily structure, to our practice habits, the video we do, I think that’s kinda what separates us,” Prkusic says.

The coaches are an instrumental component to the Bandits, but Heath Armstrong says his teammates also hold each other accountable.

This environment is what has allowed the Bandits to keep winning throughout the years.

Armstrong notes that “Consistency on the ice comes from our consistency in practice, you know we have a special standard that we hold all our players to and we give our 100 per cent everyday at practice and so that’s what contributes to it in the games.”

Armstrong knows it takes a village, as he credits the community of Brooks for supporting the team along the way.

“It makes the world of difference in a playoff game. You need the energy, you need the crowd to back you up. They’re always there for us, so it’s amazing,” says Armstrong.

Beljo agrees that the community of Brooks brings the energy and excitement needed to get through the big games.

“You know, the people of Brooks and the community, that’s probably the most special part about playing here. They’re always supporting us throughout everything, and yeah after three years I would consider it like a second home,” Beljo says.

Game one of the AJHL Inter Pipeline Cup Finals will begin Friday April 21 at 7:00pm. Both game one and two will be played on Brooks home ice.

by Lisa Parent

Years of Brooks Bandits success attributed to coaching, consistency and community

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