3rd On The Line

Langley, BC – After the Surrey Eagles (15-17-2-4) took care of business last night against the Chilliwack Chiefs, the boys get right back to work with another massive game against their B.C Hockey League Mainland Division Rivals, the Langley Rivermen (17-18-1-1-1-). The Rivermen only hold a 1 point lead over the Eagles for 3rd in the division after they lost last night to the Prince George Spruce Kings. The Eagles have gotten used to playing in big games, and will play in another one tonight out in Langley.

Cal Schell was terrific in his first start of 2020, and got his first win since October 18, 2019. If he gets the start tonight, it’ll be the first time this season where Schell has started 2 games in a row. For the rest of the roster, check out our social media channels before the game.

Who To Watch Out For

The Eagles and Rivermen have played 6 games so far this season, with each team winning 3 games. This rivalry has been intense, evenly matched, and back and forth all year and fans should expect nothing less from these 2 teams. Tonight, it’ll be a couple of defensemen to watch out for tonight as the battle for 3rd place gets underway.

Surrey Eagles: Kieran O’Hearn

The North Delta native was electric against the Chiefs last night, earning 1st star honours after he scored 2 goals, including the game winner, and playing stellar defense all night. The former Trail Smoke Eater now has 3 goals and 14 points on the season, with 2 goals and 8 assists with the Eagles since the trade. O’Hearn wasn’t dressed the last time these 2 teams met, and will look to wreak havoc against the Rivermen tonight.

Langley Rivermen: Jake Livingstone

One of the best defenseman in the BCHL this season, Livingstone has been an offensive machine for Langley all season. He’s been good against the Eagles, with 2 goals in 5 games against Surrey in the all important matchup between these 2 teams. Livingstone had the only goal for Langley in their last meeting, and will look to help the Rivermen retake the lead in the season series.

3 Keys To The Game

With so much at stake, the Eagles will look to rise up to the occasion like they have since the beginning of November. Surrey has continued to improve all year, and will look too leapfrog another team in the standings as they jockey for playoff position. The Rivermen are always a tough test in their own building, but the Eagles have been strong road warriors all year. Here are tonight’s 3 keys to the game.

Play Your Own Game: The biggest key whenever these 2 teams meet; the Eagles need to play their own game tonight and not get suckered into Langley’s style. Surrey did a great job sticking to their own game plan in the win over the Chiefs last night, and they’ll need to be just as disciplined tonight against another tough division rival.
Special Teams: The Eagles special teams were great last night, despite the lack of powerplay goals. If the boys can continue their excellent special teams play at both ends of the rink, they’ll continue to be successful.
Rise To The Occasion: Cam Keith and Hudson Schandor both talked about how the games are going to get harder down the stretch, and they’re going to mean a little more as well. Tonight is the most important game of the season to date, and all of the players will need to rise up, and play their best game of the season to make a statement.

Summary

There’s no denying the importance of tonight’s game between these 2 teams. Both teams looking to take the season series lead, both teams battling for 3rd in the Mainland Division, and both teams looking to make a statement against each other in the 7th of 8 games against each other. It’ll be a wild Saturday night at the George Preston Arena to say the least.

Can’t make the game tonight? No worries. You can catch the broadcast on HockeyTV and Mixlr tonight, starting at 7:00pm. Puck drop for tonight’s game will be 7:15pm.