The Canmore Eagles have recently had a tough time closing out games. In 2 of their previous 3 games, the Eagles lost late 3rd-period two-goal leads and ultimately losing in overtime. Last night in their matchup vs the Camrose Kodiaks, the Eagles had a 4-1 lead after the 1st period and a 5-2 lead after the 2nd period. The Kodiaks rallied back in the 3rd period to make it a one-goal game with less than a minute left. However, this time the Eagles were able to hold on with a 5-4 victory over their South Division rivals to snap their 3-game losing streak. It was the first game of a weekend doubleheader as the two teams have a rematch tonight back at the Canmore Recreation Centre.
Eagles Head Coach and General Manager Andrew Milne gave credit to Camrose for not giving up saying, ” (Camrose) was working hard and adjusting after the first period. They were able to close the gap defensively and not allow us much room to freewheel.”
When speaking on the Eagles Milne said, “I'm happy with our overall performance and I think that the team has learned its lesson when it comes down to closing out games.”
With the win, the Eagles’ record improves to 6 wins, 2 losses and 2 overtime losses. This gives the Eagles a share of 3rd Place in the AJHL South with the Calgary Mustangs. The Mustangs lost 4-1 to the Drumheller Dragons, who are now in sole possession of 2nd Place, 2 points ahead of the Eagles.
Eagles rookie forward Michael Spafford scored twice, his first two AJHL goals. Milne was certainly glad to see the 18-year-old from Saskatoon finally get rewarded as Spafford has been working extremely hard. The other goal scorers were Tian Rask (2), Colton Young (5) who was back in the lineup after missing the last 3 games and his younger brother Alex Young (7).
Max Giangualano continued his hot streak as he had 3 assists. The 18-year-old Forward from Calgary has now 16 points this season, including 9 in the last 4 games.
Logan Dyck got the start between the pipes and he made 28 saves to improve his record to 3 wins and 2 losses. The Eagles outshot Camrose 39-32.
EAGLES FUN FACTS:
– The Eagles Power Play continues to be deadly. Last night, the Eagles went 3 for 6 with the man advantage and the Power Play is now operating at 38.98% this season. This is ahead of the team with the 2nd best Power Play, the Brooks Bandits who are at 26.79%.
– Max Giangualano and Mark Drohan are tied for 4th place in the AJHL scoring race with 16 points each. They find themselves only 1 point back of a trio of players.