INNISFAIL – The Innisfail Eagles came out flying at the Arena on Nov. 10 in a show of offensive dominance, handing the Fort Saskatchewan Chiefs a 9-3 thrashing.
“We won the last game 3-2 and we had more shots on net the last game than we did tonight. It's been like that lots of nights,” said Brian Sutter, head coach. “We're going to get lots of chances to score. We do every night.”
The Eagles outshot the Chiefs 61 to 28 through three periods.
Innisfail opened the scoring early in the first frame Friday with a goal from Mike Winther, followed by goals from newcomers Matthew Houston and Riley Simpson that gave the Birds a 3-2 lead after 20 minutes.
But the scoring did not stop there.
Kyle Dorowicz netted the Birds fourth goal of the night, just past the halfway mark of the second period. He played in several playoff games last season and is again making an impact for the team this year.
In seven games he's had three goals and three assists.
“Tonight the floodgates opened a bit. There's definitely a lot of skill on this team,” said Dorowicz. “We got a lot of guys that can contribute and I think with this group there's going to be different guys doing it every night.”
Innisfail also saw goals from Sam Lawson, Dan Vandermeer, Ty Clay, who netted two goals and two assists that night, and a short-handed marker from Chad Robinson.
New goalie, Kraymer Barnstable made his debut for the Eagles on Friday. He spent the last several years in net for the Red Deer College Kings and the Lacombe Generals.
“It was good. It makes it a lot easier when the team scores nine goals in your first game,” said Barnstable of his debut. “The first period was a little bit shaky but after that I settled in and got to know my teammates. It was a good first night.”
Sutter had praise for both Barnstable and returning goaltender Jake Mullen.
“He made some huge saves tonight and that's how it was the last game,” said Sutter. Jake (Mullen) was like that the last game and played incredible out there. He needs a veteran guy like (Barnstable) to help out.”
Barnstable said he is happy to be in Innisfail.
“It's good to be here and good to be wearing red, white and black. It's good to be an Eagle,” he concluded.
The Innisfail Eagles return to the Arena Friday, Nov. 17 to face the Stony Plain Eagles in their annual stuffy toy and toque toss game. Puck drop is 8:00 p.m.
Kyle Dorowicz, forward
"We got a lot of guys that can contribute and I think with this group there's going to be different guys doing it every night."
