Sunday, February 24, 2013

Eagles End Road Trip With OT Win

Brady Shaw scored in overtime as the Surrey Eagles wrapped up their island road trip with a 4-3 win over the Cowichan Valley Capitals at the Island Savings Centre on Sunday. As a result of the victory, the Birds moved into tie for first place in the BCHL standings with the Victoria Grizzlies, although the Grizzlies have played one less game.

Surrey went ahead early in the first as Michael Stenerson scored for the second straight game, knocking the puck past Cowichan goalie Connor LaCouvee after Trevor Cameron threw the puck to the goalmouth. The Capitals pulled onto even terms in the final minute of the opening frame when Jesse Neher rippled the mesh, beating Brenden Sharp who was making his first BCHL start for Surrey.

The Eagles went ahead again in the second period on a 6-on-5 due to a delayed penalty as Nic Pierog wired a quick shot into the Capitals’ net from the left circle after Drew Best got the puck loose on the end boards and fed to him in front. Sharp stopped all eight Cowichan shots that he faced in the middle frame, and Surrey took the one goal lead to the dressing room after 40.

Less than two minutes into the third, Best extended the Surrey lead when he shoveled a puck across the goal line after Cameron sent the puck to the net from a sharp angle. But the Capitals mounted a late comeback to force overtime. Neher tallied his second of the game just after Stefan Burzan stepped out of the penalty box, and with 2:30 to go, Luke Gordon scored on Sharp after Neher got him the puck in front of net. The Eagles couldn’t retake the lead before the end of the period, and for the third straight day, Surrey went to beyond 60 minutes.

Shaw ended the game on the first shot of the first overtime period when he skated down the right wing and fired a slapper that beat LaCouvee cleanly, giving the Birds the win.

Surrey out shot the Capitals 44-30. Both teams were 0-for-3 on the power play. Sharp made 27 saves for the victory. The Birds finish the weekend with five of a possible six points on the road trip and don’t play again until Sunday, March 3rd when the Capitals visit the South Surrey Arena to complete the season series. The game begins at 4:00pm. For tickets, call 604-531-GOAL (4625).

Pro4 Sports 3 Stars:
1. Jesse Neher - Cowichan Valley
2. Drew Best - Surrey
3. Luke Gordon - Cowichan Valley

My 3 Stars:
1. Jesse Neher - Cowichan Valley
2. Michael Stenerson - Surrey
3. Brenden Sharp - Surrey

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