This past weekend saw the Eagles host the Lloydminster Border Kings for a double header. With Lloyd hosting the Allan Cup this year the boys knew they were in for a challenging weekend.
By the end of the weekend the challenge proved too much for the Eagles as they dropped both games - 4 – 0 on Saturday night and 7 – 2 on Sunday afternoon.
Saturday night's game got off to a slow start for the Birds, giving up a goal two minutes into the opening frame when a Lloyd player snuck one past goalie Evan Miller.
Less than three minutes later the Border Kings got another one past Miller putting the Birds down 2-0, less than five minutes into the first period.
The second period was full of action, with lots of end-to-end play. Both teams gave it all they had and were able to keep each other off the scoreboard, ending the period still 2-0 for the Border Kings.
Innisfail would come out firing on all cylinders in the third, but Lloyd's goaltender stood on his head and turned away all their shots.
Lloyd would be able to convert two more plays to go up 4-0 over the hometown Eagles.
The game would end 4-0, marking the first time that the boys have been shut out all season.
Sunday afternoon's matinee game started out a little slow for both teams. It looked as if both teams were still a little fatigued from the 8:30 p.m. start the night before.
Lloydminster started to gain a step on the Birds five minutes into the period when they would sneak one past starting goalie Wade Waters.
Lloyd ran into penalty trouble half way through the opening frame, but unfortunately for the boys they weren't able to convert on the power plays.
Lloyd, however, was able to capitalize on a couple of breakdowns and score two short-handed goals on the boys. They would finish the opening frame with a power play goal, putting the Eagles down 4-0 through 20 minutes of play.
The Tim Bits Eaglets program entertained the crowd during the first intermission of Sunday's game, showing off the skills they have been working on all year. Seven of the “Big Eagles” helped out with the play, keeping the puck in play and defending the nets, quite poorly I might add. All the kids appeared to have fun showing their skills and skating with some of their local heroes.
The second period seemed to be filled with penalty after penalty. Both teams were able to capitalize on their power play opportunities, combining for four total power play goals in the period.
Lloyd was able to convert three more times in the second, all on the power play to Innisfail's one marker. Veteran forward Daryl Blais would find the net off of a redirected shot coming from rookie defensemen Jared Lenz and Scott Kallis. The period would end with a score of 7-1 in favour of the Border Kings.
There wasn't very much emotion in the third period for either team. Innisfail was the only team to find the back of the net in the period. Ryan Kallis was able to stuff one past the Lloyd goaltender, on the power play with the assists going to Jeff Clazie and Sean Neumeier.
Next weekend will also see the boys at home twice, hosting the expansion Carstairs Red Hawks on Friday night and then Fort Saskatchewan Chiefs on Saturday night. Both games will be 8:30 p.m. puck drops, with beer gardens opening at 8 p.m.
The Eagles have started their annual Cold As Ice Beer Fridge Raffle. Tickets are on sale through all Eagles players and Board of Directors. This year's price is a one of kind fully stocked mini fridge.
The Eagles are also in the process of planning their fourth annual pub night and silent auction. This year's event will be held on Feb. 4 at the Fox and Hound's Basement. Many items and prizes will be up for grabs.
Till next week.
