PHOTO: Connor Wilson scored in overtime to propel the Eagles to a 3-2 victory over the Calgary Canucks on Tuesday night. It was Wilson's fourth goal of the pre-season.
The Canmore Eagles evened their Alberta Junior Hockey League pre-season record to 2-2 on Tuesday night as they defeated the Calgary Canucks 3-2 in overtime at the Canmore Recreation Centre.
Connor Wilson was the hero on the night scoring two goals, including the overtime winner at the 1:03 mark, while Lane Olson chipped in with the other Eagle goal. The Eagles out-shot the Canucks 50-37 on the night.
The Eagles next action will be on Friday, September 12 when they open their AJHL regular season at home against the visiting Whitecourt Wolverines.
“Tonight was a more complete game from our team.” said Eagle’s Head Coach and General Manager Andrew Milne following the game. “You have to give their goaltender Collin Cooper. He played fantastic and kept them in the game all night. Any time you have 50 shots, you should score more than two goals in regulation.
“Our main goal throughout the pre-season was to get better as the games went on and tonight was our best game. Overall, we accomplished what we set out to do in our pre-season schedule. We formed better relationships with some young players and have the older guys excited and optimistic about the season. We should be ready for the regular season when the games start counting for points in the standings.”
Asked if anyone stood out in the team’s final exhibition game, Milne gave the nod to 16-year-old Canmore native Noah Philp. “Noah looked great for a young guy and really showed his offensive instincts,” said Milne of the younger brother of both Simon and Luke Philp. “Noah attended the Kootenay Ice training camp last week and I think it really helped him prepare for the speed and size of junior hockey.”
NOTEBOOK: Registration for this year’s 18th annual Canmore Eagle’s golf tournament, scheduled for Sept. 14 at the Brewster’s Kananaskis Ranch Golf Resort, is filling up fast. The cost of the tourney is just $139 per person or $500 for a foursome and includes 18 holes of golf, power cart and deluxe Hip of Beef BBQ. The last day to register is Sunday, Sept. 7. Please contact marketing@canmoreeagles.com.