Down 4-1 early in the 3rd period, the Eagles scored 3 unanswered goals to tie the game and looking to maybe force overtime, but unfortunately, the visiting Calgary Mustangs capitalized on a give away in the Eagles’ end with 1:56 left regulation to win the game 5-4. A heartbreaking loss for the Eagles as they find themselves tied with 3 other teams (Camrose, Okotoks and Mustangs) for 3rd Place in the tight AJHL South division with a record of 15-11-3 for 33 points.
“It was a game of momentum. Both teams scored a few quick goals when they had the momentum. We had the momentum in the 3rd period when tying the game, but unfortunately, a turnover cost us the game,” said Eagles Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager Evan McFeeters. “Overall we were inconsistent and we could have picked up 2 points had we been play more consistent through all the game.”
The Eagles’ 3rd-period comeback included killing off a 5 min major penalty because Defenceman Carter Coles was assessed a 5 min major and a Game Misconduct for a Hit to the Head. Coach McFeeters does not think that Coles will face disciplinary action. Coles was tight up with a Mustangs player along the board near the Eagles’ net and he took down the Mustangs’ player.
The Eagles received goals from Carter Coles (1), Alex Young (16), Connor Lyons (13) and Mark Drohan (4). Young got 2 points, while Drohan had 3.
Two players were making their home debut in an Eagles uniform yesterday. Defenceman Brent Schuldaus who was acquired from the Spruce Grove Saints on Wednesday and Forward Finn Withey who was signed on Saturday after spending time with the Comox Valley Glacier Kings of the Vancouver Island Junior B League. Schuldaus played his 1st game as an Eagle on Saturday night in Olds, while Withey played his very 1st game yesterday.
“I thought Withey had an excellent first game,” said Coach McFeeters. “He finished his checks, he has a nose for the net and he is versatile”. Withey was on a line with Nolan Steer and Tian Rask, but the Eagles coaching staff did not hesitate to play him with Captain and leading scorer Colton Young at times.
Logan Dyck got the start between the pipes and he stopped 28 of the 33 shots he faced. The shots on goal were 36-33 in favour of the Eagles.
The Eagles are back action Tuesday night as they host the Olds Grizzlys (3-26-2). Puck drop is 7 pm and it will be CYAN Night.
EAGLES FUN FACTS:
– Eagles Defenceman Daly Hamilton had an assist in Sunday’s game and his point streak is now at 10 games.
– Eagles Forwards Alex Young and Max Giangualano are off to Calgary Monday for the tryouts of Team Canada West. The tryouts go until Wednesday, then the coaching staff of Team Canada West will select the 22/23 players who will represent Team Canada West at the upcoming World Junior A Challenge in Bonnyville (Dec, 9-16). Best of luck to Alex and Max !!!