Eagles veterans step up in big win

INNISFAIL - The Innisfail Eagles improved their record on the season with a well-earned 3-2 victory over the Fort Saskatchewan Chiefs at home on Friday.

The Eagles now have three wins, two losses and two overtime losses in seven games so far this season.

The Eagles got on the boards early in the first period with a power-play goal from veteran Ty Clay and six minutes later increased their lead to 2-0 with a goal from Mark Bomersback.

That lead held until eight minutes into the third frame, when the Chiefs got on the boards with a power-play marker. The Birds regained their two-goal lead with their own power-play goal five minutes later from Justin Cox, who made his first appearance this season in Friday's game.

It turned out to be the game winner.

"The guys did a great job at helping me out and I was fortunate enough to hit the back of the net," said Cox. "To be able to beat them felt good."

It was a night for the veterans as Mark Bomersback also pitched in for the victory at home.

"Some days you have the young guys going and it helps you out and then there's times where the older guys got to step up and try to make a difference," said Cox. You got to give (the Chiefs) a lot of credit, they didn't let off the gas on that side and they came after us right to the end."

Bomersback said it was a great effort from the entire team.

"You need that to win games. You need everyone on board and everyone chipping in," said Bomersback.

"We lost to these guys last weekend so it's nice to get a little payback and a big win before our break," he added. "It was a tough game tonight.

"It's not easy to win any game in this league if you're not your best."

The Eagles return to action Nov. 25 with a game against the Stony Plain Eagles at the Innisfail Twin Arena. Puck drop is 8:30 p.m.