Bandits start BCHL Finals with a pair of games in Brooks on Friday and Saturday

A statement from the Bandits says that he gained a new perspective watching from the stands.

“It is like watching NHL games during the week. You can see the open opportunities on the ice,” Sorensen said.

“It is definitely a lot more stressful when you can’t do anything about it, but it is nice getting that perspective.”

The 19-year-old from Los Angeles is excited to start the series in Brooks.

“I am really looking forward to our fans and how loud the building is going to be,” Soresen said.

“We have seen it a couple of times already. It is going to be electric.”

The Bandits will maintain home-ice advantage in the series, with games one, two, five and seven scheduled for the Centennial Regional Arena.

Bandits forward Leon Bussmann spoke about the importance of home-ice advantage during a statement from the team.

“It is the most important thing in the playoffs,” Bussmann said.

“Especially now that we are in the Finals, with the help the fans give us every home game, you just have a good feeling in the room before the game.”

The German says they can’t underestimate their opponent in the finals.

“It is going to be a good series. I think it is going to be fast [as well],” Bussman said.

Seven Bandits who were part of the 2025 championship team remain on the roster.

Dante Siciliano, Liam Fitzpatrick, Jack Good, Isaac Johnson, Jack Rosensteel, Mathis Dufour and Zach Zahara know what it takes to win and will look to repeat as champions.

Something Sorensen and others on the team can lean on.

“It just takes the stress out of the locker room and brings the pressure down a lot, even if there is still a lot of pressure,” Sorensen said.

“Just knowing that these guys know exactly what to do to win is really settling.”

Siciliano is nearing the end of his first year as captain and has earned praise from his teammates.

“He’s dependable, reliable, and one of my favourite captains I have ever played for,” Sorensen said.

“He is calm and cool, and that is what you need out of someone wearing the C.”

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READ: Brooks Bandits return to BCHL Finals, taking on Nanaimo Clippers in first meeting since 2013 (May 11, 2026)

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The series will start with a pair of games in Brooks at the Centennial Regional Arena on Friday and Saturday.

Puck drop on all the scheduled home games for the Bandits is 7 p.m. MST.

The series then shifts to Nanaimo for games three and four on Tuesday, May 19, and Wednesday, May 20.

A 6 p.m. MST start time is in place for all the Nanaimo games.

If the best-of-seven series continues beyond game four, it will shift back to Brooks for game five on Friday, May 22.

Game six would be back in Nanaimo on Sunday, May 24.

A deciding game seven would be in Brooks on Tuesday, May 26.

by Jesse Gill

Bandits start BCHL Finals with a pair of games in Brooks on Friday and Saturday

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