The HDC Bandits delivered a dominant offensive performance, defeating the North Stars Hockey Academy 9-4 in a penalty-filled contest. The game started with the North Stars seizing an early advantage, as Jordan Bennett capitalized on a power play just over two minutes into the first period. The Bandits quickly responded, however, with Wyatt MacLeod knotting the score at 1-1 before the first intermission. The second period saw the teams trade blows, with Kholeton Soungie-Krammer scoring for the North Stars before the Bandits' power play unit went to work. Hunter Murphy tied the game on the man advantage, and Rowan Ellsworth gave the Bandits their first lead. Grayson Geers then extended the lead to 4-2 with a goal in the final seconds of the period, setting the stage for a wild third.
The final frame began with a stunning short-handed flurry from the North Stars, as Hudson Owens and Jack Fitzgerald scored within a minute of each other to suddenly tie the game at 4-4. The Bandits, however, weathered the storm and answered emphatically. Grayson Geers netted his second of the night, the eventual game-winner, to restore the lead. From there, the Bandits' offense exploded. Wyatt MacLeod scored a power-play goal, Jett Gaulton added a short-handed marker, and Landry Umscheid and Hunter Murphy each found the back of the net to put the game out of reach. The Bandits' relentless attack was reflected in a 39-27 shot advantage, with Wyatt MacLeod orchestrating much of the damage, finishing with a goal and four assists.
Penalties were a constant theme, with 13 infractions called throughout the game. The Bandits' special teams proved decisive, scoring twice on the power play and adding a crucial short-handed goal. While the North Stars also managed a power-play and two short-handed tallies, they couldn't contain the Bandits' depth. Standout performances included Grayson Geers with two goals, including the game-winner, Hunter Murphy with a pair of goals, and Wyatt MacLeod's five-point night. The victory was a comprehensive team effort for the Bandits, who turned a tense third-period tie into a convincing blowout with a late five-goal outburst.
