The Surrey Eagles marked a strong comeback attempt in the final period in their final clash with the Langley Rivermen in the 2015-16 season, but the visiting team regained control in the final five minutes.
Surrey stopper Justin Laforest halted 33 of 36 shots, while Langley goaltender Nick Trenciansky stopped 32 of 34 attempts.
The Eagles’ back end saw some early action from the Langley offense, stopping some key shots and sacrificing bodies at the blue line. The Rivermen however would tally the first goal of the game courtesy of Justin Szeto nearly seven minutes in and it would stay a 1-0 lead for the visiting team for the remainder of the opening period.
A rather quiet second period saw the Eagles struggle in the offensive zone, generating 10 shots to Langley’s 16. The visiting team would make it 2-0 off a tic-tac-toe play; Zac Masson was credited with his 10th of the season and the Eagles’ went into the third period looking to get out of the two-goal hole.
The green defense came early as Brett Stewart netted a rocket from the nearside blue line to cut the lead in half. It was followed by a wrist shot from Eagles Captain Paul McAvoy from the face-off circle to tie it up at 2-2 and Surrey seemed to be back in it. That is, until Langley capitalized late in the frame to regain the one goal lead. John Schuldt got the go-ahead goal and with 30 seconds left, Zach Bleuler would add an empty-netter for the 4-2 victory.
Surrey’s record drops down to 7-42-0-2, while Langley improves to 28-20-3-1.
Nick Trenciansky, Brett Stewart, Matthew Graham were the game’s Three Stars.
Paul McAvoy was named the Fortis BC Energy Player of the Game.
The Eagles will continue their home-stand with a special Valentine’s Day Game on Sunday afternoon at 4PM against the Wenatchee Wild. The following weekend is Surrey’s final set of home games for the 2015-16 season. It’ll start with a clash with Cowichan Valley on Friday and then a battle with Alberni Valley on Sunday afternoon.
