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‘We just keep getting faster’: Bandits on undefeated start at NJAC

May 15, 2019 | 5:10 PM

 

BROOKS, AB — Three games, three wins, and home-ice advantage in the semi-finals on Saturday.

It’s full steam ahead for the host Brooks Bandits at the National Junior ‘A’ Championship.

The squad appears every bit capable to skate away with the national title this weekend after rolling over the Oakville Blades, Portage Terriers, and most recently the Ottawa Jr. Senators.

Even when tasked with adversity, the crew rises to the challenge. Case in point — Wednesday night’s struggle to solve Sens netminder Francis Boisvert.

The 20-year-old ‘tender was flawless in all but two minutes of the first period when Bandits forwards Arnaud Vachon and Jakob Lee lit the lamp. Those two tallies served as game-tying and game-winning markers in a 2-1 victory for the AJHL Champions.

But their greatest preliminary challenge lies ahead. Brooks takes on the BCHL Champion Prince George Spruce Kings on Thursday (7:00 p.m. MST) fresh off lifting the Doyle Cup over the Bandits heads earlier this month.

Mitch Bach of CHAT Sports spoke with Vachon and defenceman Brandon Scanlin following Wednesday’s win over Ottawa to hear how they’ve been able to remain a dominating force all season, and their anticipation ahead of Thursday’s rematch against the Spruce Kings.

Plus, head coach Ryan Papaioannou preaches resiliency out of his Bandits when facing adversity, and how that could lead them to the championship final on Sunday.