Bandits bounce Eagles from AJHL playoffs

After many of the team’s 40 AJHL regular season losses this year, the Canmore Eagles repeated the same mantra: once we’re in the playoffs, we’ve got the talent to make some noise.

However, the Brooks Bandits had another mantra: talk is cheap.

The Canmore Eagles ended their season with a whimper Sunday (Feb. 27), at Alex Kaleta Arena as the Bandits swept the squad out of the South Division playoffs in three straight games with a 3-1 win.

The best of five series opened in Brooks, where the second-place Bandits defeated the fifth-place Eagles, 6-2 (Feb. 24) and 5-2 (Feb. 25).

Surrendering three goals in the first period, the Eagles battled, but could not break an impenetrable Bandits defence, thanks in part to Banffite Colton Semenok and Eagles cast-off Chris Muscoby.

Head coach Andrew Milne said he wasn’t shocked by the loss.

“I think winning is an attitude, and we didn’t have it. Our bad habits took over tonight and our frustration level peaked,” Milne said.

The game was the final Junior A hockey game for seven key Eagles, many of whom put in poor performances.

“I’m at a loss for words. I don’t know how to address it. Some guys are going to end their career on that game and there’s nothing to be said about that.”

Goaltender Steve Papciak let in three goals on 15 shots and was pulled after the first period in favour of Brady Rouleau.

Ben Bitz, earlier described as the heart and soul of the club, took an awful penalty and earned a 10 minute misconduct in the second period and was nailed to the bench for the rest of the game.

The top line of Brian Doust, Cody Cartier and Kory Roy, the league’s most dangerous trio early in the season, were held off the scoresheet.

The team has been in a tailspin since Christmas and, while injuries are a part of that, Milne said there was a lack of leadership from the team’s veterans.

“Our leadership did a terrible (job), and part of that was because they were injured themselves so they couldn’t lead by example,” Milne said.

Other players who believe they will return to the team next year will need to think again, the coach said.

The season has been disappointing, frustrating – a huge learning experience for me and the coaching staff,” Milne said. “At this level, momentum is so important and confidence is huge. Sometime you can fake confidence and help them get it… next year will be a season of changes.”

The Eagles threw a strong forecheck at the Bandits defence on Sunday, which did a good job of protecting star goalie Jan Obernesser. However, Brooks capitalized on Steven Phee’s missed assignment and Bandits forward Justin Hogan broke in alone and ripped a shot past Steve Papciak.

At the 10 minute mark, Bandit R.J. Reed cashed in on a rebound in front of the net to deflate the Eagles attack. Then with 10 seconds to go, Reed again blasted a shot past Papciak.

The home squad showed some life in the second period after Zack Rassell whacked home a rebound off of a Connor Hoekstra slapshot. Trey Phillips drew the second assist.

Ten seconds later, Bitz went looking for a fight and was awarded a 10 minute misconduct.

Brooks was in penalty trouble throughout the game, but the Eagles powerplay could not convert, even when given a 5-on-3 advantage. In the third, the Eagles offence was shut down for much of the period, save for a flurry in the dying minutes.

“They just capitalized on three simple mistakes that we made. It was mental mistakes. We couldn’t find a way to battle back. We tried hard, but the bounces didn’t go our way,” said team MVP Cartier.

The head coach wasn’t impressed with the effort of his veterans, considering it was the first time the Eagles had iced a healthy lineup all year.

“I expected a lot more,” Milne said.

Many of the team’s veterans were in shock after the loss. Sniper Kory Roy said he was dealing with the end of a three-year career, stating time is on his mind.

“Time. I can remember three years ago when I played my first game, I thought I had all the time in the world. I had all these plans. Now that I’m actually here, you realize you don’t have anything figured out. It hits you hard. It’s an overwhelming feeling,” Roy said.

“It’s really frustrating because we had 20 year olds drop like crazy. They’re supposed to lead the team and when they’re not there, the team folds,” said Cartier, who suffered a broken foot and injured wrist this year.

Papciak was obviously unhappy with his performance, noting it was the worst way to end his Junior A career.

“I’ll probably have nightmares of that last goal going in all summer. The kid has the hardest shot in the league. But, the goals today… they’re not great goals to give up. You can’t let in goals in the playoffs. That’s what it comes down to, really.”

Captain Tyler Horton took the time to reflect upon three years of hockey with the Eagles. While he was disappointed with the loss, he will remember Canmore fondly.

“It’s gone by so quick. It’s a great town, great people. It’s been a lot of fun. I’m so glad I came here,” Horton said.

The team packed its bags and began making plans for next season. Many of the older players will seek college deals. However, Milne is already looking ahead to how he’ll do things differently next season.

“There is a core group of younger guys that want to be here. We need to re-evaluate our locker room and our leadership… It won’t be a complete rebuild, but there will definitely be some personality changes in our locker room.”