Game Notes from the Insiderrrrr

The Los Banditos stormed back in Game 1 of the series, erasing a three-goal deficit to beat the Spartans 6–4.

The Spartans, energized under new captain Jonathan Heise, came out firing in the opening frame, building a quick 3–0 lead. But the momentum didn’t last. By the second period, their pace collapsed, their structure broke down, and the Banditos seized control. Led by captain Yiani, Los Banditos weathered the early push and then dominated the final two periods. Despite a depleted blue line and several call-ups in the lineup, the Banditos looked sharper as the game wore on and never let go once they grabbed the lead.

There were plenty of debuts in this one. Marc-Antoine Carrier, Chad Bourdages, and Robbie David all played their first CDHL games, each showing flashes of promise but still clearly adjusting to the league’s pace. Matthew Savoie, who slid on draft day, quickly silenced his doubters with an impressive two-point debut that turned heads.

The Spartans also iced rookie goaltender Eric D’amour, who was peppered with shots all night but stood tall, keeping the score respectable and earning player of the game honors for his side.

On the Banditos’ end, the reunion of Kyle and Catty on a line together paid off, as the duo rekindled some of their past chemistry to spark the offense. And in a classic Banditos move, instead of naming one standout, the team went with the “power of friendship” and gave player of the game to everyone—a corny joke that fit the mood after their comeback win.

With the victory, Los Banditos set the tone early in the nine-game series, while the Spartans will need to regroup quickly after letting this one slip away.