Surrey Eagles vs Victoria Grizzlies Pre Game Report

Looking For A Bounce Back

Surrey, BC – The Surrey Eagles (15-18-2-4) are getting set to play their 3rd game in 3 nights this weekend, and this afternoon they’ll be going up against another team playing their 3rd game of the weekend, the Victoria Grizzlies (15-26-0-0). The Eagles lost a tough game last night, falling 7-2 against the Langley Rivermen, while the Grizzlies have given up 16 goals in their previous 2 games (8 apiece against Wenatchee and Penticton). This sets up a pivotal meeting for both of these teams as they’ll try to end the weekend on a high note.

Tommy Scarfone is still questionable for this afternoon’s game, and if he isn’t ready to go look for a bounce back performance from Cal Schell. As for tonight’s full roster, you’ll need to check our social media channels later today.

Who To Watch Out For

It’s a battle of 2 teams with a combined 30 wins on the season,  but the Eagles dominated the last time these 2 teams met in Victoria, coming away with a 6-3 victory. Now, both teams have the larger ice surface to play around with as these squads look to bounce back. Look for the best players to be the best players today as these teams look to get back into the win column.

Surrey Eagles: Cristophe Tellier

Tellier has been a monster all season, and he had a beautiful goal in the losing effort last night. Tellier’s 19 goals and 41 points lead the Eagles this season, as the Quinnipiac commit has continued to elevate his game as the season has progressed. Tellier had 2 assists the last time these teams met, and will look for a little more this afternoon to lead his team to a victory.

Victoria Grizzlies: Cody Monds

For the Grizzlies, they also have a player at the 40 point mark this season, with Providence College commit Cody Monds. Monds is an electric player with a ton of skill, and is dangerous whenever he’s on the ice. His 40 points lead his team, and can’t be taken lightly.

3 Keys To The Game

After a tough Saturday night, both teams will look to come out with a much better effort. The Eagles played a strong opening 40 minutes in Langley last night before crumbling in the 3rd. Against another struggling team, the Eagles will need to follow these 3 keys in order to rebound from a disappointing finish.

  • Play The Full 60: With how good the Eagles have been since November, this hasn’t been an issue for a majority of that stretch. Last night, the Eagles ran out of gas in Langley and couldn’t find the last gear needed to finish out the game. Look for the Eagles to keep their effort up through all 3 periods in today’s game against Victoria.
  • Special Teams: The Eagles were awful last night against the Rivermen with the man advantage, going a paltry 0 for 8, and gave up 2 powerplay goals as well. The Eagles are 0 for 11 with the man advantage this weekend, and that needs to change.
  • Tighten Up Defensively: The Eagles gave up too many high quality opportunities last night, and the Rivermen made them pay. Surrey needs to tighten up defensively, and not allow the Grizzlies to run wild on whichever goaltender starts this game. Expect better coverage from the forwards if the defensemen jump up into the play, and smarter pinches from those blue-liners to help make life easier for their goalie.

Summary

An early Sunday game at the South Surrey Arena will see 2 teams battle for redemption after a rough Saturday night. For Surrey, it’s imperative they make up the ground they lost in the BCHL’s Mainland Division race, while the Grizzlies are looking for revenge from earlier this year. It’ll be an exciting afternoon at ‘The Nest’ regardless.


Tickets are still available for tonight’s game! You can walk up to the box office starting at 3:00pm 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 3:50pm. Puck drop for tonight’s game will be 4:00pm.