Last Saturday night the Innisfail Eagles headed north up the highway to the small town of Bentley to face off against the always powerful Generals. This was the first game of the New Year for both teams. Both teams were looking forward to getting their first win of 2012.
But despite the heroics of Eagles netminder Wade Waters the Generals prevailed for a 6 ñ 1 victory.
The Eagles came out a little sluggish is the first period. The slow start allowed for a couple of good chances for the Generals, which they capitalized on and took an early two-goal lead.
The Eagles' game quickly took shape and the team soon played well against the Generals. But Bentley scored their third of the game with just over five minutes remaining in the period. Waters, the Eagles beleaguered netminder, was busy stopping 16 of 19 shots.
The Generals continued their dominance in the second but had troubles trying to solve Waters. Ian Brander scored the Eagles lone goal of the game off a weird bounce. An assist on the play was given to Scott Murphy.
The Generals finished off the period by scoring their second power play goal of the game. Waters was unbelievable in the second period, keeping the game interesting by stopping 12 of 13 shirts.
The Eagles struggled with the penalty box in the third but managed to kill all penalties without a puck crossing the goal line. The Generals were, however, able to capitalize on two long shifts by the Eagles to take the game 6-1.
Waters had all eyes on him during the game. He made save after save in a valiant effort to keep his team in the game and keep the score close. He made 16 of 18 saves in the third for a three-period total of 44 shots. Waters was awarded the star of the game for his magnificent performance.
Coming up this weekend the Eagles will be hosting two games against the Lloydminister Border Kings. Game one of the weekend will go Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. Doors and beer gardens will open at 8 p.m.
Game 2 will have a 1:30 p.m. start on Sunday with doors opening at 1 p.m. Also on Sunday the Innisfail Eaglets will be strutting their stuff between the first and second periods. The Eaglets will have a 10-minute scrimmage to show off what they have been learning at practice all season.
Till next week
