Birds Eye View

Heading into the “home stretch” for any club that won’t be involved in postseason play can be an exciting time for the fans especially having the chance to watch some up and coming talent.

Such was the case when  the Eagles hosted the Centennials who eventually made their way to the “Nest” after travelling on this night was to steal point from the home team, which isn’t necessarily hospitable.

Surrey started Daniel Davidson while Merritt put Lancaster between the pipes for the full 60 minutes.

The first saw wide open hockey with impressive cross-ice passing from both clubs that left the fans wanting more, which they would receive, but not until the second and third.

The first ended with neither team scoring but saw Surrey send 10 shots at Lancaster, while Merritt delivered 12 on Davidson, with the only penalty of the period being assessed at 10:45 to Masellis.

Starting the second off both clubs had several chances, but the “tenders” played stellar stopping shots from various areas of the ice.

Merritt managed to get on the board at the 9:18 mark with Bell getting the helper from Van Unen only to be followed by one at 10:52 on the PP with Court tipping one in past Davidson.

The second finished strong with Merritt outshooting the Eagles by a 20-6 tally and doubling up  in the shot department through two by a 32-16 margin.

The game to this point was tame with the officials not being overly worked through not only two but the entire game only calling six minors.

Surrey came out with jump and took command of the third not only out shooting, but out scoring Merritt by a 2-1 margin.

With a strong start the Eagles got on the board at 1:19 on a “howitzer” from Davidson with McAvoy and Babichuk setting him up for his 30th of the season making it a 2-1 game.

Merritt struck back but not until the 12:04 mark when Fidanza capitalized while being shorthanded putting Merritt up 3-1.

The Eagles pressured and pulled Davidson for the extra attacker and playing 6 on 5 gave them the advantage on all areas of the ice.

It wasn’t until 18:25 that Fea got his 7th of the season after taking a “sparkling” pass from Westgard and Babichuk getting the Eagles within one.

Pressure mounted and the Eagles continued the onslaught in the zone, but as much as they tried, they were unable to slip one past Lancaster.

Merritt managed to pull off a 3-2 win and head home for their final game of regular season play as they host West Kelowna.

FortisBC Energy Play of the Game goes to Domenic Masellis

Game stars:

1st Darius Davidson` (1 goal)

2nd Nick Fidanza (1 goal)

3rd Cory Babichuk (2 assists)

The Eagles play the final home game of the regular season February 23rd as they face the Penticton Vee’s.

Make plans and plan on attending the Eagles final game with the face-off set for 6:30 pm at the Eagles “Nest” in South Surrey.