Photo Courtesy www.brooksbandits.ca

By Lisa Parent

‘Pressure is a privilege’: Brooks Bandits season off to a strong start

Sep 19, 2023 | 4:10 PM

BROOKS, AB – The Brooks Bandits already have a strong start to the regular season, racking up two wins against Drayton Valley and Whitecourt. They’re on the ice looking for their third win starting at 7 p.m. at Encana Arena in Camrose. Overall it’s a 20-game win streak, including exhibition games, since last spring’s playoffs.

Returning Bandits player Ethan Beyer says the recent trip to Sweden for the U20 Super Challenge made a big difference in their early success and team bonding. Establishing a strong bond on the team being important, following roster changes this year. This included losing star goalie Ethan Barwick, recipient of the CCM Top Team Goaltenders Award, and four Bandits being selected in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.

Heading into the thick of the season, Beyer expects tough competition from teams in Spruce Grove, Okotoks, Drumheller and Blackfalds. However, Beyer says having a target on their backs doesn’t scare the Bandits.

“I think pressure is a privilege. I think that’s how our group kind of looks at it. Having that pressure on our backs is kind of like we’re doing something right here in Brooks,” said Beyer. “As players, I think when we get every team’s best every night and the games are fast-paced, it only brings the best out of you.”

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