Ethan Beyer and Logan Sawyer practicing at Centennial Regional Arena

By Lisa Parent

Bandits encounter early-season adversity, despite winning record

Nov 3, 2023 | 4:44 PM

BROOKS, AB – The Brooks Bandits continue their winning ways, sitting at 15 wins and three losses, about a quarter of the way through the season. They are ranked second place in the Alberta Junior Hockey League standings.

However, some early season obstacles have assistant coach Dakota Mason pointing out areas the Bandits need to improve.

“We got scored on seven seconds into the game against Spruce Groves. A couple games before that we got scored on ten seconds into the game against Drumheller,” says Mason. “So just those little, little battles within a game add that extra adversity that we’ve been forced to face.”

Despite the early-game goals, the Bandits managed to win both matches.

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“Our coaches did a great job and they really told us that we just get to get our head down and work hard. I think that’s what we did and we just went goal by goal and eventually, we looked up and we won the game,” explains defenseman Ethan Beyer. “I think we’re pretty happy with that and, (it’s) really good that our group is resilient.”

Something else the Brooks Bandits are adapting to, is modified AJHL schedule this season. It entails more travel time and a greater number of games.

That intense schedule, is something every rookie player, including Calgary’s Logan Sawyer, has had to adjust to quickly.

“I think it’s just more professional, we’re practicing all the time. We’re always working out, watching video, just getting better as a group,” Sawyer says.

Yet, the extended time on the road allows him to quickly form bonds with his teammates, including Ethan Beyer.

“(Beyer’s) such an easy guy to get along with. He’s obviously a great, really skilled player, awesome to play with. But yeah, off the ice he’s super super nice, really outgoing,” says Sawyer.

“I love the kid to death, but like I said, he’s a kid. I gotta look after him and make sure he does the right stuff,” Beyer says, referring to his teammate Sawyer.

Mason sees the tight-knit Brooks community, where fellow players are just a 5-minute drive away, as a constant advantage of being a part of the Bandits.

“In the end, I think that’s extremely beneficial to a team’s success, is willingness to have each other’s back. The closer you get, the more willing you are to fight for every inch on the ice for your teammate,” says coach Mason.

The Bandits will have the chance to play for home fans, 7pm tonight against the Sherwood Park Crusaders. On Saturday, they will take on the Camrose Kodiaks.

“It’s so cool playing in front of fans every single night and the support that we get here is, it’s unreal,” mentions Sawyer. “It’s pretty exciting, you get really excited for every home game that you play.”