Bandits Release – Dec. 12, 2009

 

Chesterfield, MO- The St. Louis Bandits improved their record to 19-5-1 with a 3-1 win against the Springfield Jr. Blues on Saturday evening at the Hardee's IcePlex.

 

The Bandits started the scoring on a Brad Smith goal at 5:48 of the first period. Smith buried a loose puck following a rush by Bandits forward C.J. Eick.

 

"C.J. came back from being under the weather the past couple of days. He got his opportunity to be back in the lineup, and he brought the energy we are use to seeing out of him. He did a great job tonight, and he gets our guys going on the bench when he is on the ice," said Bandits assistant coach Rocky Russo.

 

After a scoreless second period, Springfield evened the score on a Ross Anderson goal at 10:02 of the third period.

 

But the Bandits quickly responded with a Nick Carey goal at 11:09 to reestablish the one goal lead.

 

"Nick started the season as a forward, but we decided to make him a defenseman. He is feeling his way through adjusting to a new position. This weekend Nick played great for us on the blueline making smart, simple plays. He got the puck on net in the third period and scored the game winning goal. We are very, very pleased with his performance," commented Russo.

 

At 16:33 of the third period, the Bandits added an insurance goal when a Brooks Bertsch pass found Dan Olszewski who knocked it home for a two goal lead.

 

"We have been talking to our guys about making smart plays on odd man rushes. Bertsch made a great pass over to Oz (Dan Olszewski) who buried it. Olszewski is a leader who brings the same solid effort each night, and he had another big goal for us tonight," said Russo.

 

Bandits' goaltender Garrett Bartus had 24 saves for his 11^th win of the season.

 

"We had a defensive breakdown tonight that cost us a goal, but Garrett played well enough to earn his second shutout of the season. I can't stress how much we are going to miss him after next weekend, but we are hoping for two more wins out of him before he leaves (for University of Connecticut's NCAA D1 Hockey program)," explained Russo.