By Scott Roblin

VIDEO: Bandits weather wild first period, pleased with first win at nationals

May 12, 2019 | 2:52 PM

BROOKS, AB – Brooks Bandits head coach Ryan Papaioannou put it best on Saturday night, calling his team’s 7-3 victory over the Oakville Blades a “beautiful disaster.”

After allowing a goal just 11 seconds into the opener of the National Junior ‘A’ Championship, the Bandits exchanged goals with Oakville to pull ahead by a 5-2 score after just the opening 20 minutes.

Brooks relied on its depth on the back end in the win, with four of their seven goals coming from defencemen, including a pair from veteran Luke Bast.

It was a key victory for the host Bandits, as they have now put themselves in a good position to earn one of the four playoff spots up for grabs with a 1-0 record to begin the tournament.

Another tough test will come on Sunday evening, as the Bandits return to action against the MJHL champion Portage Terriers at 7:00 pm at Centennial Regional Arena.

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CHAT Sports spoke to Papaioannou, Bast, and Ryan Mahshie following Saturday’s tournament opening victory about rallying from the early deficit and getting their first win at nationals.