Game Story

Surrey Eagles vs Chilliwack Chiefs Pre-Game Report

by Ryan Ho

Playoff Preview Part 1

Surrey, BC – As the last sunset of the month of January will begin by the time tonight’s game gets underway, the Surrey Eagles (20-21-7) get set to face off against their rivals from the Fraser Valley, the Chilliwack Chiefs (24-14-9).  These teams are 2nd and 3rd in the B.C Hockey League’s Mainland Division standings with 10 points separating them. In what could be crucial in determining the playoff picture at the end of next month, expect a high flying game inside the South Surrey Arena this evening. Tonight is also the first of a home & home weekend series between these 2 rivals.

Reece Klassen has started the last 8 games since being acquired by the Eagles, and looks to get the start again at home. As for the Eagles roster, check out our social media channels for the full update later today.

Who To Watch Out For

The upstart Eagles have surprised many this year, and have always played well against many of top BCHL teams around the league. The Chiefs aren’t an exception to this newfound regularity, as these 2 teams share a 2-2 record through their first 4 meetings. The last time these teams faced off, the Eagles came away with a 3-1 victory to kickstart their 2020. For tonight’s game, look for one of the candidates for the BCHL’s rookie of the year to lead the visitors, while one of our BCHL player of the week honourable mentions looks to regain his trophy.

Surrey Eagles: Cristophe Tellier

In big games like this, you look for your biggest players to step up and lead the team. Tellier has been a leader all season, and has been a factor against the Chiefs all year.  For the season series, Tellier has 2 goals and 6 points in just 4 games against the Eagles Fraser River Rival.  Expect greatness from the Sherbrooke native who’ll look to assert his dominance against his team’s potential first round playoff matchup.

Chilliwack Chiefs: Nikita Nesterenko

The Chiefs forward who was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in last year’s NHL entry draft has been good all season. The Brooklyn, New York native is over a point per game with 48 points in 45 games, including 17 goals. However, against the Eagles he’s been relatively quiet, with just 2 goals in 4 games. Look for Nesterenko to break out tonight, as he tries to help his team widen the gap between 2nd and 3rd in the Mainland Division.

3 Keys To The Game

Most of the games in this season series have been close, with none of the victories being wider than a 3 goal margin (6-3 Chilliwack win on October 27th). With these teams playing such tight games already, it makes a potential playoff series against these two teams tantalizing to think about. The Eagles will look to take a 3-2 regular season series lead, and climb to 8 points back of 2nd if they follow their keys to the game.

  • Special Teams: One of the positives from the 2-1 record last weekend was the Eagles powerplay was absolutely dynamite. With a whopping 7 for 13 success rate in their past 3 games, the Eagles look like they’re finding their groove with the man advantage. Against a skilled team like the Chiefs this evening, a powerplay goal could be the difference between being 8 points back or 12 at the end of the night.
  • Physical Play: The Eagles have grown throughout the season, and one of the team’s aspects that’s grown with the group is their willingness to physically engage themselves. This team doesn’t back down from challenges, and if they’re willing to go to the dirty areas against the Chiefs and win their battles, they’ll find success.
  • Goaltending: Best way to beat a good team is by having solid goaltending, something the Eagles have become accustomed too for most of the season. Whether it’s Klassen or Scarfone in the net tonight, look for either of them to be excellent to help propel the Eagles.

Summary

With so much at stake for these teams, expect nothing less than a spirited, high paced affair inside ‘The Nest’ this evening. If the Eagles can continue their hot streak on special teams, engage in physical play when appropriate, and receive quality goaltending, they’ll look to make up some ground and make the race for 2nd place interesting heading into the 2nd game of the back-back weekend series against the Chiefs.

Tickets are still available for tonight’s game! You can walk up to the box office starting at 6:00pm to buy your tickets, or visit our single game tickets page and start the preorder process. Can’t make the game tonight? No worries. You can catch the broadcast on HockeyTV and Mixlr tonight, starting at 6:50pm. Puck drop for tonight’s game will be 7:00pm.