After a two year hiatus, the classic international Can-Am Bandy Series resumed on Saturday, February 8th at the John Rose Oval in near perfect weather for bandy. The series began way back in the late 1980’s shortly after bandy was introduced to Canada by Swedish bandy missionary Roger Jacobson. The first Can-Am Bandy Series were held at Lewis Park in Edina which was the original bandy rink in Minnesota. This series has long been an important competition for both the USA and Canadian bandy programs, as it gives the only two bandy playing countries in the Western Hemisphere the opportunity to play against each other.

Team Canada is currently rebuilding their program after the retirement of several core veteran players.  Internationally, Team Canada last played in the World B-Pool Championship in 2018 in Sweden and were successful in winning the tournament, however they have been inactive since. According to Drew Ellement of Team Canada, they would like to get back into international competition and always enjoy coming down to the Twin Cities to play games and train. Most of the team is based in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The 2020 Can-Am Series began with the USA Legends taking on Team Canada in the morning.

This game has been a tradition over the years and allows former USA National Team players to get back together and play an exciting international match.

The Legends won a close game 3-2 on a late goal by Tonka Bay Bomber and Eric Kyllonen. The other two goals were scored by Kyllonen’s fellow Bombers Jordy Murray and Murphy Dwyer. Goal Keeper Derek Melander of the Mississippi Mojo was outstanding for Team USA and helped the team hold off a Team Canada late rally.

In the afternoon feature match, Team USA came out flying and Team Canada was not able to match the speed and conditioning of the USA team who have been training hard for several months to get ready for the 2020 World Championship in Irkutsk, Russia that begins in late March.

The USA team played a high tempo game and moved the ball unselfishly around the perimeter, not allowing Team Canada much possession time. With the offense clicking on all cylinders, Team USA prevailed 17-3. USA’s big guns Mike Carman, Mikael Lickteig and Dane Erickson all had multiple goals each and rookie Sam Blaisdell had two as well. Blaisdell also played multiple positions including midfield, halfback and fullback and was named game MVP for his versatility.

Team Canada’s Colin Hekle had two goals for Team Canada was named Team Canada MVP.

With perfect weather and two international bandy matches in the books, the 2020 Can-Am Bandy Series was a declared a success and both countries hope it will continue to be an annual event. Thanks to Team Canada for coming down and we wish them success in rebuilding their program and returning to international play.