It was not the result the Canmore Eagles were hoping for in their opening weekend on home ice after playing their first 6 games on the road. Facing a red-hot Brooks Bandits team last night in front of 480 fans, the Eagles were out-skated and outplayed by the visitors, resulting in a 5-1 loss. The Eagles who had a record of five wins and one loss entering the weekend are now 5-2-1, as they also dropped a heartbreaking 7-6 OT loss to the Okotoks Oilers the night before. Despite the losses, the Eagles remain in 3rd Place in the AJHL South division. For Brooks, it is their 7th consecutive win after dropping their season opener and they are now in sole possession of 1st place in the South division.
“Brooks came very well prepared, they outskated us, we sat back and watched them,” said Eagles Head Coach and General Manager Andrew Milne. Brooks who were playing their first game since Saturday, September 29, took full advantage of the whole week of preparation they had. “I think our team needs to skate better in order to be successful against Brooks in the future,” said Milne.
Quinton Ong scored the Eagles' lone goal of the contest. His 2nd of the season and it was scored on the power play. The Eagles who have their best power play in the AJHL have managed to score at least 1 goal with the man advantage in every game this season.
Logan Dyck (2-2) got the start between the pipes and he made 30 saves. The Eagles were outshot by a 35-23 margin.
Next up is another big South division matchup, as the Eagles head to Drumheller on Tuesday night (Oct. 9) to face the Dragons (5-3) who are just 1 point back of the Eagles.
The Eagles will then return home to face the Camrose Kodiaks (3-4-1) next weekend for their annual doubleheader on Friday and Saturday night. Puck drop for both games is 7 pm. Come out and cheer on your Canmore Eagles.
Happy Thanksgiving !!!
