Eagles Edged By Wild 6-5 In Overtime

The Surrey Eagles kept up the pace with the Mainland Division’s top team, matching the speed and embracing the defensive system. However, a critical save in overtime by the Wenatchee Wild lifted the team to their 10th win of the season.

Surrey netminder Micheal Botiz stood on his head this afternoon, stopping 39 of 45 shots; Wenatchee’s Anthony Yamnitsky halted 19 of 24 opportunities.

The opening period began with the speedy stamina of the visiting Wild, netting the first goal of the afternoon. That is, until Eagles Captain Paul McAvoy tied the game, 45 seconds later, for his third of the season; assists to Dario Piva and Robert Johnson.

“I think I just played with fire tonight! I wanted to do whatever it took and I was physical getting to the net.” said McAvoy on his performance against the Wild.

Wenatchee, however, would get a power-play opportunity halfway through the period, resulting in a tip-in goal from Matthew Baker. The Eagles responded quickly once again thanks to Darius Davidson with a deflection of his own; the initial low, sharp shot by Jacob Dupont led to the second tying goal and Surrey kept it tied 2-2 after the first 20 minutes.

The visiting Wild set the pace for the middle frame getting the first goal once again, but Surrey soared back into play with a couple of power-plays goals mid-frame, courtesy of Nick Minerva and Logan Mostat.

“We just used the middle of the ice there for the power-play; they were spread out. I took a back-hand, then another back-hand, and then I just got lucky on the rebound,” commented Mostat on his go-ahead goal for Surrey.

They score their second and sixth goals of this year respectively. The Wild would respond with two goals of their own to regain the lead, but Surrey’s Captain would come clutch once again. McAvoy found an open cage with 46 seconds left and though the game was tied, the Eagles had the offensive momentum.

A scoreless third period sent this battle of the blades into overtime with the Eagles having the early advantage after a late penalty by Wenatchee’s Troy Conzo. Wild netminder Anthony Yamnitsky denied McAvoy’s chance at a hat-trick game-winner, allowing the hottest team in the BCHL to come back the other way and eventually scoring the 6-5 overtime finisher.

“I think once everyone gets on the same page with our new systems, we’ll be steamrolling teams,” replied Captain McAvoy after the loss.

“It’s hard work, playing a physical game, and using our speed to our advantage and I think tonight was a good indication of what we can do in the future.”

Surrey’s record drops to 3-7-2-0, while Wentachee still remains undefeated in regulation, 10-0-1-0.

McAvoy’s three-point performance was rewarded with the Second Star honours, while Wenatchee’s AJ Vanderbeck and Dakota Raabe were first and third respectively.

Recording his team-leading ninth goal of the season and adding a helper, Darius Davidson was named the Fortis BC Energy Player of the Game.

The Surrey Eagles will face the Wild for a second time later this week to complete their three-game homestand; puck-drop goes for 6:30PM, Thursday October 15th at the South Surrey Arena; buy a ticket and receive a FREE hot-dog and drink.