The Surrey Eagles played a tough rally in their first meeting the 2016-17 season against the Langley Rivermen at “The Lodge”, but it was the home team coming out on top by a final score of 3-2.
Surrey goaltender Michael Botiz stopped 27 of 30 shots, while Langley’s Bo Didur shut the door 23 times on 25 attempts.
The Eagles got an early jump in this first period! Darius Davidson put up two stellar chances to nab the game’s first goal, but it was Langley’s Eric Butte finding an open net behind Botiz, giving the home team the 1-0 advantage; that is where the score stood after the opening 20 minutes of play.
Davidson once again had a couple of chances, but could not solve Didur in the second period. The Rivermen penalty kill went to work after Butte took a charging penalty, taking down Botiz behind his own net. An unfortunate mistake made by Jacob Dupont deep inhis own zone led to a steal by Ryan Barrow, who gave the puck to an open Brendan Budy, increasing Langley’s lead to two goals. The Eagles got another power-play opportunity late in the middle frame, but the score would remain at 2-0 after 40 minutes.
After starting the final frame on the power-play, Surrey came out flying at the George Preston Recreation Centre. A comeback began when Jordan Robert netted a wrap-around shot in front of Didur; his second of the year cut the lead to a single goal. Surrey would then get a fifth power-play chance and this time, they capitalized courtesy of Desi Burgart. The sixth tally of the season for Burgart came from a centering pass from Logan Mostat, 39 seconds after the Eagles first goal of the night. The tie however, would not last; the Rivermen scored off a face-off won by Nic Ponak. Head Coach Blaine Neufeld would pull Botiz with 90 seconds left in an attempt to tie the game, but a last minute shot by Cory Babichuk got blocked, ending in a 3-2 loss.
Surrey’s record drops to 4-11-2-0, Langley improves to 5-9-3-1
Surrey netminder Michael Botiz made some incredible stops, enough to earn the game’s Second Star honours; Langley’s Bo Didur and Brendan Budy were First and Third respectively.
Eric Butte of the Langley Rivermen was awarded the Fortis BC Energy Player of the Game.
The Surrey Eagles will return to the nest this Thursday, October 3rd to complete their home-and-home series against the Langley Rivermen. Puck-drop goes for 6:30PM; purchase a ticket at the South Surrey Arena Box Office, or online, and receive a FREE hot-dog and drink.
The boys in green and white will then play their third game in four days against their Mainland Division rivals back at the George Preston Arena, NEXT Saturday night at 7:15PM; the game will be broadcasted.
