Two former Nelson Leafs ready to battle at 2013 Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup
By The Nelson Daily Sports
There is going to be two former Nelson Leaf teammates battling it out at the 2013 Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup in Nanaimo beginning Saturday in the Island City.
After Patrick Martens booked his ticket to the Island City with the Yorkton Terriers, forward Nick Newman found a seat on the Junior A Hockey Tournament bus after the Brooks Bandits won the 2013 AJHL Gas Drive Cup in front of a hometown crowd of 2,700.
Newman and the Bandits defeated the Spruce Grove Saints 6-5 Saturday in overtime to clinch the series in five games.
The inaugural Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup is a five-team tournament consisting of the four league champions — Yorkton Terriers (SJHL), Surrey Eagles (BCHL, Brooks Bandits (AJHL) and Steinbach Pistons (MJHL) and host Nanaimo Clippers.
The top two teams advance to the Royal Bank Cup National Championship in Summerside, PEI.
In his first season with the Bandits, Newman finished the regular season with 10 goals and seven assists in 52 games.
The native of Saugus, CA, had a one goal in the playoffs.Brooks earned a first round bye in the 2013 AJHL Gas Drive Playoffs for the second straight year as Regular Season Champions. Brooks was victorious over the Drumheller Dragons to earn their spot in the South Division Final. The Bandits battled the Okotoks Oilers in a seven game series to claim the South Division Title and advance to the League Final.
The Brooks Bandits are the defending AJHL Champions after claiming their first League Championship in 2012.
