Riley Hayles leads Eagles to 4-3 victory over Cowichan

It took a three-goal third period, but the Surrey Eagles were able to come from behind and defeat the Cowichan Valley Capitals 4-3 on home ice Sunday afternoon. The regulation win was especially important for the Eagles, who now trail the Capitals by only six points for the final BCHL playoff spot.

Jake Toor got the scoring started for the Eagles, scoring a shorthanded goal on a breakaway near the end of the second period. They were trailing 2-0 at the time, making it a very important goal to cut the lead in half. It was Toor’s second goal in as many games, after also scoring the night before in Chilliwack.

With just under ten minutes remaining in the third period, the Eagles would tie it on a powerplay goal by newly-named assistant captain Dawson McKay. It was McKay’s third goal of the season in only his eighth game since joining the club.

Defenceman Riley Hayles took over from that point, scoring shortly after to give the Eagles a 3-2 lead, then after the Capitals tied it, he netted the game winner with only 53 seconds remaining in the hockey game. For Hayles, those were his first goals since October 10th vs Vernon, a game in which he scored the overtime winner. He also ties his career-high for goals in a season with a total of four.

Cale Dolan received his first career BCHL start and picked up the win with a spectacular 39-save performance. The former Semiahmoo Minor product has spent the season in the PJHL with the Grandview Steelers, and was recalled as an affiliated player. He also appeared the night before in Chilliwack, stopping 8 of 9 shots in relief of Cayden Bailey.

The Eagles are now getting set for a game on Wednesday afternoon in Coquitlam, before coming back home for two games against the league-leading Chilliwack Chiefs. They will play their divisional rivals on Friday night and Sunday afternoon.

Watch out a video of the comeback below!