The Okotoks Oilers have their work cut out for them heading into game five of the AJHL South Division Final series.

The Oilers have proven they can keep up with the Bandits, especially with their game two win and their game four comeback last Tuesday (despite the OT loss).

Oilers Head Coach Tyler Deis says Okotoks knows how to fend off the Bandits, it's just a matter of staying alert and making smarter plays.

"I like the way that we're playing, I think the team's really resilient right now. Thing is, when the Bandits get a little bit of success, they come at you in a lot of big ways and we gotta make sure that we slow that kind of momentum down. We've gotta play a little bit better defensively, and we've gotta stay out of the box, they've got a really good power play so we've gotta be smart."

The Bandits seem to thrive in the early game, which was especially apparent in game three, with Brooks scoring four goals in the first, ultimately triumphing 6-1. Deis says they're prepared to fight hard in this crucial game, especially in the early on.

"We've talked about it and we've gone over it quite a bit. We've got to be really smart in those first periods and get the game striking distance and not lose it in the first period."

An Oilers loss means elimination, and a win means they'll need two more victories to take the series, meaning they'd be facing two more chances of elimination.

Whatever the outcome, it's sure to be a fun one.

Game five goes tomorrow in Brooks at 7.

 

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