Brooks Bandits host game one of BCHL final Friday

“Obviously there’s a lot to take in about other teams, but we’re worried about the guys in blue and the guys in white. That’s all it’s been about throughout this whole run here is just focusing on us,” he added.

“Focusing on what brings us success. What’s brought us success to this point, and what’s going to keep bringing us success in the near future here.”

Israel said the Chiefs are like a bigger, older, better Sherwood Park Crusaders team, which is who the Bandits defeated in round two of the playoffs.

He adds the Chiefs have a lot of skill and a lot of ability to create offensively and the Bandits will need to be aware defensively.

Excited to be in the finals, Israel said the Bandits have worked a long time for this opportunity and it’s a goal they wanted to reach, but the job isn’t finished.

Israel said they will continuing to do what’s brought them success.

“We’re here for a reason. We’ve got a lot of faith and a lot of belief and a lot of pride in the way that we do things,” Israel said.

“We don’t need to go reinventing the wheel. We don’t need to go changing everything up on everybody,” he added.

“Stay true to who we are, believe who we are, and believe that, if we stay the course and have a willingness to go the distance, we should be the one standing in the end.”

To get to this point the Bandits have won 12 of 15 playoff contests, while the Chiefs have won 12 of 17 games.

Bandits forward Nick Peluso leads the playoff point race with 22 points through 15 games, while Bandits forward Parker Lalonde has the most goals in the playoffs with 13 and sits in third in the league for points with 19 in 15 games.

The Chiefs offense is lead by forward Brady Milburn who also has 19 points with nine goals and 10 assists in 16 games.

Between the pipes both goaltenders have started every game for their team in the playoffs and each have a pair of shutouts.

The Bandits netminder Zach Zahara has a 2.43 goals against average and a .907 save percentage.

Countering in net for the Chiefs Quintin Miller has been even sharper with a 1.90 goals against average and a .937 save percentage.

Israel said the Bandits are hoping to see strong support in their home rink for the finals.

“Come support some local hockey that’s a real high caliber. I know the Tigers are on quite the run right now, but this is something that’s never been done before in Brooks,” Israel said.

“To have their support means the world and we’re going to keep doing our thing. We’re going to keep chipping away at this iceberg and find a way to break it down by the time it’s all said and done.”

Tickets are on sale at tickets.brooksbandits.net

Puck drop for game one Friday at the Centennial Regional Arena is at 7 p.m.

As the Bandits look to chase down their first Fred Page Cup as BCHL champions.

Game 1: Friday, May 16 – 7 p.m. at Brooks
Game 2: Saturday, May 17 – 7 p.m. at Brooks
Game 3: Tuesday, May 20 – 8 p.m. at Chilliwack
Game 4: Wednesday, May 21 – 8 p.m. at Chilliwack
Game 5: Friday, May 23 – 7 p.m. at Brooks*
Game 6: Sunday, May 25 – 8 p.m. at Chilliwack*
Game 7: Tuesday, May 27 – 7 p.m. at Brooks*

*If necessary

by Jesse Gill

Brooks Bandits host game one of BCHL final Friday

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