Despite hard fought effort, Bandits fall just short in Okotoks

OKOTOKS, AB – It came down to the wire, but the Brooks Bandits fell just short of the Okotoks Oilers, dropping a 2-1 decision on Friday night at Pason Centennial Arena.

The Bandits (40-7-1) trailed 2-0 late in the 3rd, only to get a Ryan McAllister (London, ON) goal with 73 seconds left to give them a chance. But Okotoks goaltender Brady Parker stopped 31 shots to secure the victory.

Bandits goaltender Pierce Charleson made 16 saves in the loss.

After a scoreless 1st period, the Bandits scored what they thought was the game’s first goal in the 2nd period. Affiliate forward Heath Armstrong (Calgary Buffaloes) scored on a backhand in tight on the Oiler net, but it was waved off, with the officials saying the net was off. The Bandits would come close again, as forward Chris Pappas (Toronto, ON) rang a post.

Okotoks got the first goal at 13:16 of the 2nd period, thanks to a Blake Jacques shot.

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Midway through the 3rd period, Okotoks took a 2-0 lead. Forward Louis Jamernik tucked one past Charleson on the powerplay at 10:24.

Brooks would put the extra attacker on late in the 3rd period, with McAllister scoring at 18:47. But despite protecting the empty net, couldn’t find the equalizer.

Final shots were 32-18 for Brooks.

Next up for the Bandits is a home game against the Canmore Eagles on Saturday (February 1). The game is sponsored by Boston Pizza and starts at