SPRUCE GROVE, AB (September 28, 2012) — An early first-period goal by Dakota Mason (Edmonton, AB) was all the Brooks Bandits (5-0) would need, as they cruised to a 6-0 win over the Fort McMurray Oil Barons (2-5) at the AJHL Showcase in Spruce Grove.
Mason was found alone at the top of the McMurray crease after a perfect centring pass from teammate Mark Reners (Pincher Creek, AB). However, the Barons kept the score close at 1-0 after the first twenty minutes, holding the defending league champions to 9 shots in the process.
The second period turned out to be the deciding one, however, as the Bandits outshot the Barons 13-5 and added four more goals past netminder Ethan Wood (St. Albert, AB).
First, Shane Pilling (Lethbridge, AB) converted on a power-play one-timer from the blue line to notch his first goal of the season 5:31 into the second. At the 8:24 mark, Patrick Lee converted on another Brooks man-advantage, and Reners followed up with a goal of his own just 25 seconds after that to make it 4-0.
The middle stanza was capped off with just under five minutes to go when Lee scored his second of the night to take a 5-0 lead.
Wood stood tall in the third, saving 20 of 21 shots directed his way by the Bandits. The only one to get by him was Mason's second of the night off of a 2-on-1 situation.
In all, Wood stopped 37 of 43 shots sent his way, while Fredrick stopped all 22 he faced for his first shutout.
The Barons went 0 for 3 on their powerplay while allowing another 2 powerplay goals on 5 chances allowed to the Bandits.
The MOB is back in action tomorrow evening against the Okotoks Oilers to cap off the showcase weekend. Game time is 5:00 PM with pre-game coverage on the official broadcaster of the Barons, Country 93.3, at 4:45.
Country 93.3 3 stars:
3. Michael Fredrick (22 save shutout)
2. Patrick Lee (2 goals, 1 assist)
1. Dakota Mason (2 goals)