Game Story

Surrey Eagles vs Penticton Vees Pre-Game Report

by Ryan Ho

Fresh Start

The Surrey Eagles (6-12-0-1) month of October is officially in the books, and the boys will look to get back on track in November in a clash against one of the B.C Hockey League’s best teams, the Penticton Vees (14-3-1-0). Another tough test for this young team looking to break out of their spooky October slump, but it’s the first of 8 home games in the month of November for the boys to try and get their season back on track. It’s one thing to say it won’t be easy, but for the Eagles, defense will be key in their matchup against one of the highest flying offences in the league.

The Eagles lineup will have a couple of players back in the lineup tonight, so keep yourselves checked into our social media channels for the full roster later today. In net, it’ll be Cal Schell looking for his 2nd home win in a row and looking to bounce back as well, as he’ll start the month of November looking for his 4th win of the year.

Who To Watch Out For

Saying Penticton has some offensive weapons is a true understatement. Last year, the Victoria Grizzlies possessed a player who was a widespread 1st round NHL draft pick, and that proved to be true when Alex Newhook was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche at 16th overall. This year, the Vees have one of their own, in Philadelphia Flyer’s 2018 1st rounder Jay O’Brien. The Eagles have strong options on their backend, who will have to stand strong in order to shut down O’Brien and the Vees’ attack. Here are the players to watch out for tonight.

Surrey Eagles: Kenny Riddett

The straw that stirs the drink, the spark plug, the heart and soul player, the engine. There are a number of ways to describe Riddett, but his offensive game has started to take hold in the past few games. Riddett scored his first BCHL goal against Chilliwack on October 27, and has looked every bit the part of an impact center as he’s gotten more games under his belt. His in your face style will be key in shutting down all of Penticton’s  offensive options, but look for him to get himself back onto the scoresheet tonight.

Penticton Vees: Jay O’Brien

Another one of the top players in the BCHL, and a former 1st round draft pick of the Philadelphia Flyers; Jay O’Brien has lived up to the hype so far in his first BCHL season. His 27 points in 18 games paces the Vees attack, and his skills make him the main point of attack for a Penticton team with weapons all throughout their lineup. The 20 year old with a commitment to Boston University will look to continue his strong season tonight against an Eagles defense which surrendered 6 in their last game.

3 Keys To The Game

If the Eagles want to get back on track, they’ll have to get used to beating some of the better teams in the BCHL. They get an opportunity to do that tonight against a Vees team which started the season 11-0, but has fallen back down to earth a little bit in their last 7 games. Even with that skid, the Vees are still an excellent group, and the Eagles will have their work cut out for them in their attempt to win their 3rd game in a row on home ice. Here are tonight’s 3 keys to the game.

  • Discipline: The Eagles penalty kill has been solid for most of the season, but they were torn apart while shorthanded in their last game versus the Chilliwack Chiefs. If the Eagles want to come out of tonight with a win, they’ll have to keep their emotions in check and play a sound game. The Vees powerplay comes into tonight sporting an 18.1% powerplay, but with all of their weapons, they could still easily turn the tide of the game.
  • Make Schell’s life easy: The Eagles had some moments in their last game where traffic in front created problems for both Tommy Scarfone and Cal Schell. Tonight,  it’s imperative they clear the front of the net and let their goaltenders see as many shots as possible. Bad nights don’t normally happen for the Eagles goaltenders, and Schell will look to bounce back to the form that saw him shut the door for a home win in his last start at ‘The Nest’.
  • Crash and bang: The Eagles final key to this game is to continue to play hard, and get physical. The Vees are a super skilled team, and will look to run teams out of their own buildings. If the Eagles can stay positionally sound, win their battles along the boards, and make the Vees’ goaltender’s life a living nightmare with traffic in front, they’ll find the success they’re looking for. It won’t be easy, but going up against a team like this never is. They’ll have to be willing to put in the work to come away with 2 points tonight.

Summary

It’s a new month for the Eagles, a chance to start off strong like they did in September, and beat one of the best teams in the BCHL. It’s going to be a war at the South Surrey Arena, but the Eagles played strong in October throughout most of the month, and will look to start winning more games as the season continues. The Vees are one of the toughest tests a young team can face, but the Eagles will look to answer the call and soar to a victory tonight.

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.