The Surrey Eagles faced a Victoria Grizzlies team they had not seen since the middle of October. Despite winning at the Q-Centre in double overtime, the Eagles were unable to hold down their own fort dropping a 7-2 decision.
Eagles’ goaltender Daniel Davidson had tough challenges from Victoria’s top goal-scorers; he would make 12 saves on 17 shots. Victoria’s Mitchell Benson would record his third win of the season stopping 18 of 20 attempts.
Surrey was challenged early in the game as Victoria took over the entire first period, registering three goals to take an early 3-0 lead. Goal scorers were Mitchell Barker, Kevin Massy, and Joey Visconti.
A goaltending switch was in order after Davidson allowed two more goals in a time span of 1:47 including a goal from Tyler Welsh on the power-play. Justin Laforest took over between the pipes and stopped all eight shots he faced in the duration of the second period. Victoria had a 5-0 lead on the home team after 40 minutes of play.
The Eagles were able to get up on the board quickly when Brett Stewart recorded his eighth of the year on a slap-shot from the point. The comeback attempt was short-lived as the Grizzlies would score two more throughout the final period and getting their longest lead of the game. Gage Mackie would add more tally for Surrey before the final buzzer went off and the Grizzlies would earn their 19th win of the 2015-16 season.
Surrey drops their record to 6-33-0-2, while Victoria improves to 19-20-4-0.
Victoria would sweep the three star honours of the game with Joey Visconti’s two-goal night, Kevin Massy’s four-point performance, and Alex Peck’s aggressive play around the boards.
Brett Stewart has been a strong player on defense and in the offensive zone for the Eagles and he would earn the Fortis BC Energy Player of the Game.
The Eagles will head west to Vancouver Island for a three-in-three road trip January 22-24. They’ll take on the Nanaimo Clippers, Alberni Valley Bulldogs, and Powell River Kings before returning to the nest on Friday January 29th at 7PM with a clash with the Wenatchee Wild.
The 2016 CJHL Prospects Game will take place at the South Surrey Arena in between the Eagles’ island adventure and next home game! Surrey forward Jeffrey Stewart will participate in the annual showcase representing Team WEST along with nine other BCHL players. Puck drop goes for 7:05PM on Tuesday, January 26th.
