Bandits hold on for 5-4 victory over winless Canadians at RBC Cup

LLOYDMINSTER, Sask. – Cale Makar and Jeff Malott each scored two goals and assisted on another as the Brooks Bandits staved off a late rally to squash the Carleton Place Canadians 5-4 on Thursday in preliminary action at the RBC Cup.

Derek Lodermeir’s power-play goal 17:39 into the second period held up as the winner as the Bandits capped their round-robin portion of Canada’s Junior-A championship tournament with a 3-1-0 record.

Bryce Van Horn and Braedyn Asselstine had a goal and an assist apiece for the winless Canadians (0-3-1), who scored twice in the third period to cut the deficit to a goal. Lucas Batt and Jacob Moeau also scored.

Garret Hughson made 23 saves for the win. Colton Point stopped 35 shots in defeat.

Later Thursday, Mitch Emerson scored twice and added an assist to lead the Trenton Golden Hawks to a 4-1 win over the host Lloydminster Bobcats in the final round-robin game.

Danny Hanlon and Mac Lewis also scored for Trenton (3-0-1). Morgan Messenger had the lone goal for the Bobcats (1-3-0).

Semifinals are scheduled for Saturday. The championship game is Sunday.