With the Spruce Kings arriving in town for a double-header and following their devastating loss in double O/T to the Rivermen, it was time for the Eagles to soar to new heights.
If hopes and dreams come true the Eagles have an outside chance of moving up in the standings, but this double-header with Prince George was essential for any movement.
The Eagles were hosting games on both Saturday evening (7pm) and Sunday afternoon (4pm) in hopes of making ground the final play-off spot overtaking Salmon Arm and currently six points beyond the Silverbacks.
This contest saw Williams suit up between the pipes with GVC Major Midget product Lucas Shaw as the back-up.
Jump isn’t only a song or a game, it was the game plan the Eagles had in mind as they managed to get an early marker 47 seconds in with Jeffrey Stewart collecting his 15th of the season and doing all the dirty work.
PG not being content with being behind managed to tie the game at 2:44 with Russell set up from Hovde.
Eagles forward Ty Westgard got his 5th of the season on the PP with Fea and Burgart working magic allowing the Eagles to take a 2-1 lead to the dressing room after one despite being outshot 18-6.
The Eagles started strong and most likely got much-needed words between the period with Westgard setting up Calder at 1:39 for his 19th of the season jumping out to a 3-1 lead.
While being outshot in the first, shots are only a number, so for Surrey their goal was to turn on the red-light as many times as possible not allowing PG to sweep both weekend games.
Jarod Hovde got them with-in one at 10:16, but it was Darius Davidson who took advantage of a loose puck 20 seconds later (10:36), but got his 29th of the season giving the Eagles a 4-2 lead.
Penalties can and will prove costly and this time it was the Eagles who were guilty of this with Babichuk off for Interference.
Spruce Kings Tyler Anderson got his 18th of the season while on the PP and got them within one at 12:21 of the middle stanza.
Both clubs had several chances, but sending pucks to the net saw the ice tilted and in favor of PG as they outshot the Eagles 13-9 in the middle frame and 31-15 through two.
Ross was tagged for a late minor for high-sticking as the second was coming to an end allowing PG to start the third on the PP.
It was Spruce Kings forward Ben Brar who got the tying goal a short 36 second in, which seemed to ignite the Eagles into overdrive.
If you have never attended an Eagles game in the past you were clearly missing out on virtual excitement with the Eagles not only outshooting PG in the third, but having chances from various areas on the ice.
Being watched by your Captain Jordan Robert, who would much rather be on the ice seemed to be somewhat of a motivational tool for the guy’s and being realistic – isn’t that the role of the Captain?
In out between period interview, he expressed how the team had a “never quit” attitude and it was the fans who gave them motivation and drive and this game they were in overdrive.
Stewart got his 16th of the season and second of the game at 11:04 after Westgard sent him in allowing him to put one over Anagnostopoulos, who had his work cut out for him for the remainder of the game.
With it being a one goal game PG called a timeout giving the much needed instructions to Anagnostopoulos as to when to come to the bench for the extra attacker.
He watched and headed over with just over a minute remaining in the third, giving PG chance after chance only to be turned aside by Williams and crew.
Calder took advantage of a loose puck and sent it sailing down the ice putting it in the gaping hole between the red pipes giving the Eagles a 6-4 lead at 19:39 and a short 21 seconds remaining in the third.
The question of could it be done, never crossed the minds of the Spruce Kings as they continued the onslaught of pucks toward Williams forcing him to make key stops allowing the Eagles to pull of the victory.
To the delight of just under 500 fans, the Eagles proved it can be done moving them up in the standings and knocking off a contender who went home dejected with the outcome.
While being outshot through the first two, the Eagles reversed the shot tally in the third outshooting the Spruce Kings by a 13-10 margin, but falling short in the shot department allowing PG to finish with 41 shots on Williams who played exceptional through 60 minutes, while Anagnostopoulos faced only 28.
Surrey walked away with the game stars and deservingly enough with Landon Fuller getting named FortisBC Energy Player of the Game.
Game Stars:
- Jeffrey Stewart (2 Goals)
- Ty Westgard (1 Goal/2 Assists)
- Ashton Calder (2 Goals)
In conversation with some of the players following the game asking them about team moral, I am told it’s only word and it’s all about focus, something they know first hand.
The Eagles next match-up sees the Chilliwack Chiefs come to town for a Thursday night match-up at South Surrey Arena at 6:30 pm.
The Eagles wrap-up the end of regular season with visits mid-week as they host the Merritt Centennials on the 22nd and Penticton Vees on the 23rd.
