Left to right: Sawyer, Taillefer, Mason, Compton, Free and Hicks (December 17, 2023) – Photo Courtesy brooksbandits.ca

By Lisa Parent

Six Brooks Bandits contribute to 2023 World Junior Challenge Gold with Canada West

Dec 18, 2023 | 9:42 AM

TRURO, NOVA SCOTIA – Logan Sawyer, Nathan Free, Ty Mason, Mathieu Taillefer, Dylan Compton, Johnny Hicks, and Team Canada West secured the 2023 World Junior A Challenge Championship with a decisive 7-2 triumph over Canada East on Sunday.

Despite a 1-3 start in the Preliminary Round, West rallied, clinching a spot in the final by defeating the United States 4-3 in overtime.

Sawyer (Calgary, AB) led the Bandits with six points (3G, 3A), while Free (Calgary, AB) and Mason (Weyburn, SK) contributed four points each. Compton (Victoria, BC) and Taillefer (Lake Newell, AB) showcased strong defensive play.

Goaltender Johnny Hicks (Kamloops, BC) made 23 crucial saves in the Preliminary Round. This win marks Canada West’s first Gold Medal since 2017, coincidentally also in Truro, and the first all-Canadian final since 2011.