Bandits claim Alberta Cup with 7-3 defeat of Crusaders
The Brooks Bandits were hoping to make a little history Wednesday night.
They were one win away from winning the first-ever BCHL Alberta Cup, and after weathering a strong start by Sherwood Park, they got what they came for, winning 7-3.
The victory gave them a 4-1 series victory and an Alberta Cup to add to their four national championships.
After falling behind 2-1 in the first period, Brooks caught up and pulled ahead 4-3. In the third, they added three straight goals to secure the win.
Mirko Buttazzoni led the way with two goals and an assist, while captain Nic DeGraves added a goal and two assists.
Bandit forward Logan Sawyer was named the most valuable player of the Alberta playoffs.
Next up for Brooks is a best-of-three showdown with the winner of the Fred Page Cup final between Surrey Eagles and Penticton Vees. That best-of-seven series is tied at two games apiece.
Whoever wins travels to Brooks to compete for the Rocky Mountain Challenge, which will be played May 31 to June 2 at Centennial Regional Arena in Brooks.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Bird flu, measles top 2025 concerns for Canada's chief public health officer
As we enter 2025, Dr. Theresa Tam has her eye on H5N1 bird flu, an emerging virus that had its first human case in Canada this year.
Azerbaijan observes day of mourning for air crash victims as speculation mount about its cause
Azerbaijan on Thursday observed a nationwide day of mourning for the victims of the plane crash that killed 38 people and left all 29 survivors injured as speculation mounted about a possible cause of the disaster that remained unknown.
Prayers and tears mark 20 years since the Indian Ocean tsunami that killed some 230,000 people
People gathered in prayer and visited mass graves in Indonesia’s Aceh province on Thursday to mark 20 years since the massive Indian Ocean tsunami hit the region in one of modern history’s worst natural disasters.
Thousands without power on Christmas as winds, rain continue in B.C. coastal areas
Thousands of people in British Columbia are without power on Christmas Day as ongoing rainfall and strong winds collapse power lines, disrupt travel and toss around holiday decorations.
Donald Trump says he urged Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister in Christmas visit
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump says he told Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky he should run for prime minister during a Christmas visit but adds that the athlete declined interest in politics.
Ho! Ho! HOLY that's cold! Montreal boogie boarder in Santa suit hits St. Lawrence waters
Montreal body surfer Carlos Hebert-Plante boogie boards all year round, and donned a Santa Claus suit to hit the water on Christmas Day in -14 degree Celsius weather.
Historical mysteries solved by science in 2024
This year, scientists were able to pull back the curtain on mysteries surrounding figures across history, both known and unknown, to reveal more about their unique stories.
King Charles III focuses Christmas message on healthcare workers in year marked by royal illnesses
King Charles III used his annual Christmas message Wednesday to hail the selflessness of those who have cared for him and the Princess of Wales this year, after both were diagnosed with cancer.
Mother-daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time
For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom.