Sunday, March 3rd vs. Cowichan Valley
The Eagles had a relatively quiet week following their island road trip last season. The team was given a couple of days off before getting back to work at practice on Wednesday. Surrey had just one game this past weekend -- a Sunday afternoon tilt with the Cowichan Valley Capitals at the South Surrey Arena. The Birds put in a solid, convincing performance en route to a 6-2 win.
The Eagles wasted this week's save of the week by Michael Santaguida in the first as they couldn't clear the rebound and Garrett Skrbich opened the scoring, but Surrey recovered well to tie the game before the end of the period. The Birds took the lead in the middle frame and never looked back, cruising the rest of the way to the victory. As a result of the win, Surrey moved into a first place tie atop the BCHL standings with both the Victoria Grizzlies and Penticton Vees.
Positives from the Week
The Eagles did what was expected against the Capitals, putting in a solid effort to beat the league's worst team. The Surrey club is also getting closer to being back to full health as Ryan Fraser-Lee, Colton Mackie and William Clark all returned from injuries on Sunday while Tommy Stipancik, Brett Mulcahy and Demico Hannoun are expected back in time for the start of the post-season.
I thought Adam Tambellini was very good on Sunday as well. In my opinion, the game was his most complete as an Eagle. The 18-year-old was an imposing physical presence and used his size to create a number of plays in the attacking zone. He laid a couple of punishing hits as well and was easily the best player on the ice.
Michael Stenerson had one of his better games of the year too. The Surrey native controlled the play at times and finished with a goal and three assists. Jordan Klimek also had a good outing, scoring one goal from the point and assisting on another after his shot was deflected. I was also impressed by the play of AP Zach Landon. The 18-year-old Major Midget call-up made a number of smart plays with the puck and looked like a seasoned veteran at times.
The Surrey power play went 1-for-3 and continues to look good at the right time of the year.
Negatives from the Week
Despite the victory, Surrey did concede the first goal of the game. Although they were able to come back against a tired Cowichan team who was playing its third game in as many days, the Birds can't afford to fall behind early in games the rest of the way.
Surrey was also reduced to four defensemen in the third period, due to a couple of penalties levied against Devon Toews and Craig Wyszomirski.
Wyszomirski was given a minor penalty and a 10-minute Misconduct for a Blow to the Head, ending his evening. At first, it looked like Wyszomirski might face a suspension because of the number of Blow to the Head penalties he's received this year, and he could have even missed the start of the playoffs. Luckily for the New Jersey native, replay footage showed that he did not contact the head of Skrbich on the check in question, and he'll be back in the line-up this coming weekend.
Toews wasn't so lucky as he was given a major for Boarding and a Game Misconduct after a risky check on the side boards. As a result, the Abbotsford native was given a two-game ban and won't be back until Game 1 of the post-season.
Goal of the Week
Joel Gaudet's 5-1 Goal vs. Cowichan Valley
See it by clicking here.
Save of the Week
Michael Santaguida's Stop on Dane Gibson vs. Cowichan Valley
See it by clicking here.
3 Stars of the Week
1. Adam Tambellini
2. Michael Stenerson
3. Jordan Klimek
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