Friday night the Stony Plain Eagles flew into town looking for revenge. Just a few weeks ago Innisfail handed Stony their first loss of the season during their home opener. The Northern Birds are still flightless since and are hungry for that first win of the season, but came away empty-handed when Innisfail defeated them 2-1.
In front of the second-largest crowd of the season the Penhold Air Cadets marched out Herman Thorsen to the delightful sound of the Innisfail Legion Pipe Band. In preparation for Remembrance Day the Eagles honoured local veteran and hockey legend Thorsen. He was recognized for his contribution to our community and our country on Friday night. Numerous local minor hockey children and parents were on hand to witness this presentation.
After all the presentations were complete it was time to get down to business. The Battle of the Birds is back and better than ever. The first period had plenty of end to end action. Both goaltenders were tested time and time again but were able to turn everything away in the first period. Shots on goal were 10 -7 in favour of Innisfail after the first period with the score tied at zero.
The second frame was a little lively. Stony jumped out of the gate opening the scoring at 15:06 of the second on the power play. They were able to hold onto their lead for almost 10 minutes. With 6:13 to go in the period Cody Cartier found the back of the net for the Birds. Clark Lowry and Randy Graham were awarded with helpers on the play. The white-shirted Eagles were not done scoring yet. Mat Ponto found the twine from the blue-line with 4:53 to go in the second. Andrew Buote and Dan Shermerhorn both received an assist on the play. Jasen Kipling stood tall in net turning away nine of the 10 shots he faced.
The third period was scoreless but showed how good these teams are defensively. It was strictly a battle of goaltending and defence in the third. Eagles netminder Kipling faced another 10 shots in the third while the Birds peppered Stony's tender with 16 shots and could not find the twine. Innisfail ended the game leading in the shots by a count of 45-26 and on the scoreboard by a score of 2-1.
