SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2012 – The Canmore Eagles accomplished something last night that they didn’t manage to do once last season. Despite losing 3-2 to the Olds Grizzlys in overtime, the Eagles did manage to leave the Olds Sportsplex with a valuable point in the Alberta Junior Hockey League standings.
After five straight games on the road, the Eagles (4-3-2) return to the friendlier confines of the Canmore Recreation Centre for their next three games beginning tonight when they entertain the visiting Calgary Canucks (4-6-1) at 7 pm.
Luke Simpson, with his second of the season, and Steven Phee, with his team leading fifth, had the Eagle goals while veteran netminder Ty Swabb was spectacular in net to help the Eagles earn the single point in the standings. The Eagles, who took eight minor penalties, were outshot 35-22 in the contest.
“It was a hard fought game,” said Eagle’s Head Coach and General Manager Andrew Milne, whose team donned spiffy new “away” sweaters for the first time this season. “We had to be good on the penalty kill as we took far too many penalties. The game didn’t have much flow as special teams dominated the majority of the game. And in overtime, on 3-on 3, it’s anyone’s game and we just haven’t been lucky enough. The effort was there tonight and anytime you get a point on the road, you must have done something right.”
With the single point earned, Canmore now has 10 points after nine games and sits in fifth-place in the Southern Division standings. The Eagles are just three points back of the second place Calgary Mustangs and have played two less games.
“After five games on the road, it will be nice to play at home again,” said Milne. “We are undefeated at home this year (3-0) and we want to keep the streak alive.”
Tonight’s game against the Calgary Canucks will feature a complimentary pre-game BBQ, courtesy of the Canmore Minor Hockey Association. Pick up a free smokie/hot dog and pop between 6-6:45, with all donations going to Kid’s Sport.
NOTEBOOK: Last night’s win for Olds was their fifth win in their last six games. . . Eagle forward Zack Rassell picked up an assist last night and leads the Eagles in scoring with 11 points (5g & 6a) in nine games played. . .Rookie defenceman Aston McLeod picked up his second assist of the season last night and showed some spunk taking on Grizzly’s Tony Keeler in a spirited second period fight. . . .Injured Eagle forward Simon Philp underwent surgery yesterday for a hip injury. If all goes well, Philp could be back in the lineup around Christmas . . . After tonight’s home game against the Calgary Canucks, the Eagles will host the Lloydminster Bobcats on Friday, October 12 and the high-flying, undefeated Brooks Bandits on Tuesday, October 16.
