After a very successful opening weekend at home to kick off the 2017-18 BCHL season, the Eagles will head out on the road to Prince George to try and keep it going.
The Eagles defeated the Langley Rivermen at the home opener last Friday night with a thrilling 5-4 overtime win, then followed it up with a 2-2 tie against the Coquitlam Express on Sunday afternoon.
One of the offensive leaders was forward John Wesley, who picked up a goal and an assist in the opener, and 2 goals in the game against Coquitlam. He was named a honourable mention for player of the week for his efforts.
Defensively, the highlight was Daniel Davidson, who started both games in goal and made 31 saves in each one.
Speaking to Peace Arch news, head coach Brandon West described the first win against Langley, after falling down 3-0 early in that game.
“The guys were nervous, they were excited, maybe it was a bit of home-opener jitters, but we got caught in quicksand right away. But in the intermission, that’s when our veteran leaders kind of spoke up, and we went out there and played (better) and kind of took over (in the second). I thought we played well. We had some breakdowns – it’s September hockey – but I think we played a good structured game.”
Newly acquired forward Ryan Brushett scored the game-winner on the powerplay in overtime in that game.
The Prince George Spruce Kings opened their season at home against the Chilliwack Chiefs, and, like the Eagles, started with a win and a tie. After a high-scoring 5-5 tie at their home opener, the Spruce Kings smashed the Chiefs 8-2 the following night, although 3 of their goals were scored into an empty net.
The Eagles were 2-5-0-0 last season against the Spruce Kings, but lost all 4 games at the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena in Prince George. They will look to reverse that trend this season, using their high-powered offence that has been on display so far.
Players to watch:
Ty Westgard – 6 points in 4 games vs PG last season
Jeff Stewart – 4 goals in 6 games vs PG last season
Game times:
Friday, September 15th – 7 PM @ Prince George
Saturday, September 16th – 7 PM @ Prince George
