The Drumheller Memorial Arena was robbed Wednesday night when the Brooks Bandits came to town and stole a 5-3 win over the Dragons.
The Dragons were on their heels for the first several minutes of the game. The Bandits were able to keep the Dragons caged in their own end. When the Dragons regained their composure, they managed to get a few chances in the Bandits end.
However, the momentum early on was clearly in the Bandits favour, especially after they scored first at 4:19 into the game.
The Dragons fought back and were generating plenty of chances, including a wide open net shot by Mitchell Cook in front of the net. Bandits goalie, Michael Fredrick, out of position, managed to dive and make the glove save, robbing Cook of the Dragons first goal.
The Bandits struck again at 15:38 into the first for a 2-0 lead.
The Dragons came back just over a minute later when Stephen Doane, behind the Bandits net, passed out front to Hunter Mills, who in turn sent the puck back to Mitchell Gartner at the blue line. Gartner let loose with a blistering shot, that went through traffic to find the back of the net.
Whatever momentum was generated offensively was lost in the Dragons defence. With less than a minute left in the first, the Bandits took advantage of some defensive breakdowns in the Dragons end. During a line change for the Dragons, the Bandits took control of the puck and charged into the Dragons end, scoring their third goal of the night.
The Bandits would increase their lead to four in the middle of the second while the Dragons were down a man following a boarding penalty by Tristan Reimer.
The Dragons had more luck in the third period. Ryan Bloom gave the Dragons their second goal of the night. The Bandits increased their lead again on another powerplay goal after Reimer was sent to the box for high-sticking.
With a minute left in the game, Brodie Jamieson scored the Dragons third goal, but it proved to be too little too late and the Bandits skated away with the win.
With only three games left in the season, the Dragons are assured a playoff position. Their opponent in the first round is currently the Canmore Eagles, but depending on the outcome of the last several games, the Dragons may find themselves up against the Olds Grizzlys or Calgary Mustangs.
The Dragons hit the road on Saturday, February 23 to face the Eagles in their nest.
