INNISFAIL - With two road games remaining before the Christmas break, the Innisfail Eagles are looking to finish the first half of the season on a strong note.
That's how the Birds began the 2016-17 Chinook Hockey League season in October and despite struggling at times to find the back of the net, they have what it takes to go far this season, noted general manager Ryan Dodd.
He added they are determined to improve where they need to.
"Our defensive game has really been strong. We're holding teams to 20 to 25 shots a game," said Dodd. "We're getting a lot of shots in a game (50 to 55). We got to start putting some of those pucks home.”
They'll look to key established offensive players to pick up some of the scoring he said, adding a couple of new faces are expected in the second half of the season.
“Things are definitely going to look good in the new year," he added.
Several key members of the team, both on the ice and behind the bench, have contributed to the team's strong standing this season.
"Brian (Sutter) is such a key component to our team," said Dodd. "He commits so much time and dedication.”
On-ice contributors include veterans Tyler Beechey, the Vandermeer brothers, Tyler Haarstad and Mark Bomersback, among others, he noted.
"They're leading the way for our younger guys. It's great to have the youth and the veterans to lead them."
Goaltending has also been a key strength for the team. Dan Dunn sits in second place in the league with a 2.35 goals against average and a .915 save percentage. Mike Muir rounds out the top five with 3.82 and .894 respectively.
"Our goaltending has been strong,” said Dodd. “These guys come in every night and they want to battle. Both Muir and Dunn are competitors.”
The Eagles currently sit in third place in the five-team league with 10 points in 10 games. Dodd said they will continue to work hard in the second half of the season.
"These guys work well on and off the ice,” he noted, adding their commitment to the game. "Between injuries and guys going to work, you need a strong 30 guys. I think we've got a great core of guys right now.
"They're giving up their evenings and their weekends to travel and play,” he added. They're all a very committed group and we're lucky to have them all here."
They anticipate the new year will be a good one.
“We're just going to keep playing a hard, physical game," said Dodd, noting the completion of the team's new dressing room. "They guys are going to have a home and it's going to build that team camaraderie. You're going to see these guys develop even further.
"Things will start changing for us,” said Dodd. "It's going to be an excellent second half."
Ryan Dodd
"Things are definitely going to look good in the new year."
