The Brooks Bandits defeated the Sherwood Park Crusaders to win the Alberta Cup. (Photo credit: Davin Beer)

By BCHL

Junior hockey

Bandits win BCHL’s Alberta Final, will meet Vees or Eagles in Rocky Mountain Challenge

May 23, 2024 | 9:30 AM

The Brooks Bandits defeated the Sherwood Park Crusaders 7-3 in Game 5 of the BC Hockey League’s Alberta Final, winning the best-of-seven series and clinching the inaugural Alberta Cup.

The Bandits scored three straight in the final period to lock down what had been a close game. Mirko Buttazzoni led the charge for Brooks in Game 5, scoring two goals and adding an assist for a three-point night. Team captain Nicholas DeGraves also had three points on a goal and two assists.

The Bandits reached the Alberta final after defeating the Okotoks Oilers in seven games the previous round.

2006-born Brooks forward Logan Sawyer was named the Alberta Playoffs Most Valuable Player, finishing the postseason with a division-leading 15 points in 12 games on seven goals and eight assists.

Bandits forwards Nathan Free and Caelen Fitzpatrick each finished in a tie for second in Alberta postseason scoring with 13 points apiece.

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Brooks now awaits the winner of the Fred Page Cup Final between the Surrey Eagles and Penticton Vees, which is currently tied 2-2.

The B.C. winner will travel to Alberta to faceoff with the Bandits in the Rocky Mountain Challenge, a best-of-three season-ending series from May 31 to June 2. All Rocky Mountain Challenge games will be played at Centennial Regional Arena in Brooks.