Brooks, AB (April 19, 2025) – The Brooks Bandits doubled up their series lead as they defeated the Sherwood Park Crusaders 6-3 on Saturday night at the Centennial Regional Arena.
Goaltender Zach Zahara stopped 22 of 25 shots he faced, while Parker Lalonde scored twice, and was one of five different goal scorers for the Bandits.
The Bandits opened the scoring just over five minutes in as forward Nick Peluso fired home a one-timer on the powerplay for his fifth of the post-season. Just after the halfway point of the period, Crusaders forward Jeremy Loranger got his first of the series, sniping a top corner shot on the powerplay to even up the game. Just under a minute later, Bandits forward Michal Liśćinsky picked up the loose puck in front and banged home the backhand to put the Bandits back in front. Later in the period, forward Parker Lalonde would score his fourth of the playoffs on a breakaway to make it 3-1 for the Bandits ahead of the intermission.
In the 2nd period, Crusaders defenceman Conor Gengle got his first of the playoffs to bring the Crusaders back within one goal. Just after the 10 minute mark, Bandits forward Jack Good stripped Crusaders goaltender James Venne of the puck behind his net and spotted forward Mathis Dufour, who scored his second of the playoffs to extend the lead to 4-2. Defenceman Keith McInnis netted his fifth of the playoffs after taking a Good pass and dangling Venne to make it 5-2.
In the final period, Crusaders defenceman Jude Bray scored his secnd of the playoffs and got the Crusaders back within two goals. Lalonde would put the icing on the cake as he scored late in the game with an empty net goal to make it 6-3 Bandits.
The Bandits took a 2-0 series lead over the Crusaders as they secured both home wins and head to the Randy Rosen RInk on Tuesday April 22nd for game three of the series. Game time is 7:00 pm
