Bandits win U20 Superchallenge in Sweden

“We’ve only been together for 10 days and I thought we played very well for only being together for 10 days. I think going out on the ice with all the guys, we’re just going to be a step ahead of everyone when we get back,” he says.

The Superchallenge was a five-game tournament. Brooks played teams from Norway, Denmark and Hungary in the round-robin. Facing the host team in the semis, the Bandits snagged a 6-3 win. Then came a dominating performance against France in the finals with an 8-3 win. Nic DeGraves says that was his favourite game of the tournament.

“I think definitely France was probably the most fun we’ve had. They were kind of cocky before the game and might have said a couple of things to us pre-game. So to get that win was definitely a great feeling,” says DeGraves.

Brooks never trailed in a game throughout the entire tournament, and finished with a plus-23 goal differential, proving they can hold their own against the European teams.

“They definitely play a little different style of hockey over here. I’d say it’s not as physical, it’s more of a skill game over here. But they play super fast, they’re all skilled,” Wallace explains.

While both Wallace and DeGraves are returning players, there were some new faces on the trip. Dakota McIntosh has used the tournament to adjust to his new environment.

“The vets have been really good at helping the new guys really absorb the culture of Brooks Bandit hockey and how it’s a winning organization. They’ve been really good at steering us in the right direction,” says McIntosh.

Now that both returning and new players have had a taste of winning, they’re ready to take on the regular season.

“We wanted to kind of set the tone with this weekend, and it’s what we did. We got a lot of stuff to work on when we get back. It’s a long road to hopefully another appearance at the National Championships. So, we gotta keep working every day to try and get there,” says DeGraves.

Wallace adds, “at Brooks, we win at all costs. So obviously coming here we wanted to make a statement and we did.”

The Bandits start their regular season in the AJHL on Sept. 15.

by Lisa Parent

Bandits win U20 Superchallenge in Sweden

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