Summer 24 Bronze Champs: Bronze Bandits

Well, it looks like the Bandits are keeping things shiny in the Bronze Division! With a 4-2 victory over the Mid-Ice Crisis, the Bandits Orginization skated off with another championship trophy. But the real story here? The legend himself, Ed Cutler, at a youthful 72 years old, decided to casually pop in as a sub goalie and deliver yet another classic in HAHL history. Yep, that’s right, Ed "Ageless Wonder" Cutler – the winningest goalie in final games across the league at this point – was between the pipes and showing the kids how it's done. 

Of course, the Mid-Ice Crisis wasn’t at full strength—missing both the league’s leading scorer, Steve Mitchell, and the feisty Madeleine Breithaupt. Without their top guns, the offense was feeling like they showed up to a snowball fight with a water pistol. Still, they gave it their all, netting two ‘off-the-goalie-and-in’ beauties from Steve Metz and Michael Foster. Sometimes the hockey gods are on your side, even when your shots are behind the net!

On the Bandits' side, Josh Lovvorn was putting on a clinic, sniping two beauties, including the game-winner. Adam Grott broke the ice late in the first with a solid strike, and Kyle O'Rear capped things off with a perfectly timed one-timer that looked straight out of a highlight reel. That backhand loft pass? Chef's kiss.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAbdegkuvOe/

Mid-Ice Crisis put up a fight, but without their heavy hitters, they were facing an uphill battle. Tough break, boys and girls, but as we all know, there's always next season to try and mid-ice your way out of that crisis.

Until next time, keep your heads up and your beers down.

Stay frosty