INNISFAIL – Early in the new season the Birds of Innisfail are wired into a power surge.
The Innisfail Eagles had their offence in high gear this past weekend by scoring 13 goals in two games. The Birds won Friday night (Oct. 20) at home by an 8 – 5 margin over the Fort Saskatchewan Chiefs and added another five the next night on the road in a 7 – 5 loss to the Stony Plain Eagles.
Leading the way for the Birds was Caylan Walls who had two goals and two assists against Fort Saskatchewan and then another two goals the next night in Stony Plain.
On Friday night, the Eagles outshot the Chiefs 43 – 25, with most directed in the first and third periods. The Chiefs outshot the Eagles 10 – 9 in the second as the Birds found themselves in penalty trouble with six minors but the home team did not give up a shorthanded goal. In fact, the Eagles' Riley Simpson scored a powerplay goal just two minutes in to give the home team a 4 – 2 lead.
The Eagles dominated the final period by outshooting the Chiefs 18 – 7, and outscoring them three goals to two.
The following night in Stony Plain, Innisfail's offence was once again humming, largely due to the many chances they had on the power play. However, Innisfail only connected once in 10 chances, despite outshooting the home team 42 – 31, including 15 – 5 in the penalty-filled third period.
Stony Plain was only slightly better, going one for six on the power play. The northern Birds led 2 – 1 after one period, 5 – 3 after two frames and built a 7 – 4 lead by the mid-third before Innisfail's Dylan Wallace closed out the scoring to make the final score 7 – 5 for Stony Plain.
Innisfail's next game is against the Rosetown Red Wings at home Sunday, Oct. 29. Puck drop is at 5 p.m.
