The Thunder Bay Bandits have an achievable New Year’s Resolution: to win more games away from the Tournament Centre.

Head Coach Tyler Cooper and his Bandits have only one win out their five thus far this season, which was a 4-3 triumph on October 16th against the Thunder Bay Northern Hawks at the Fort William Gardens.

“As a second-year captain, and with a full returning leadership group, there is a lot more confidence in the room with me and with the group,” said Captain Darian Smith.

Smith feels the addition of twenty-year-old Brandon McKinnon has helped the energy in the room, adding “From early on, he established himself as a leader on our team both on and off the ice. He is a major voice in the room and has been a large contributor to the wins we have had in the first half of the season.”

The Bandits are two wins away from matching their total from 2023/2024. One guy that Smith feels has had a good first half of the season is Evan Beaulne.

“He’s played both forward and defense whenever needed. He has contributed to a high energy forecheck as a forward, and as one of our main defenders in key situations,” added Smith.

After sweeping the Nipigon Elks in the quarterfinals last season, the Bandits fell in the semi-finals to the Current River Storm in five games.

Smith notes that the Storm have been and will continue to be their biggest challenge. The Storm have won all three games head-to-head against the Bandits and have outscored them 20-3.

Those two teams will face off at the Tournament Centre on Saturday, January 4th.

The Thunder Bay Bandits play their home games on the traditional territory of the Fort William First Nation, signatory to the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850.

The Lakehead Junior Hockey League proudly acknowledges and celebrates the history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis across Canada. We also continue to learn and educate ourselves in the spirit of reconciliation.