Birds Clipped 5-2 in Nanaimo

The Surrey Eagles lost their second straight game, falling 5-2 to the Nanaimo Clippers at Frank Crane Arena on Sunday afternoon. The loss marked the first time that the Birds have dropped two games in a row in regulation time this season.

Surrey jumped out to an early lead in the first minute of the game when Demico Hannoun beat Nanaimo goaltender Jayson Argue on the short side with a shot off the left wing. However, the Clippers evened the score just after the midway mark of the period when Michael Fretz, a call-up from the Oceanside Generals of the PIJHL, netted his first BCHL goal to tie the score.

Nanaimo took control of the game in the second period, out shooting the Birds 16-11 and scoring twice. Trevor Fitzgerald gave the Clips the lead at 7:39, and less than four minutes later, Brenden Forbes put them ahead 3-1. Brady Shaw had a golden opportunity to score for Surrey late in the middle frame but was robbed by Argue to maintain Nanaimo's two goal lead.

Surrey had a number of chances to get back into the game early in the third. Shaw had three breakaway opportunities but was stopped by Argue each time. The Birds finally broke through at 6:14 when Trevor Cameron buried his sixth of the season to pull Surrey to within one, but Nanaimo ended any hopes of a comeback for the Eagles when Kyle Kramer and Michael McNicholas scored 34 seconds apart to give the Clippers a commanding 5-2 lead that they wouldn't relinquish.

For the second consecutive day, the Surrey power play was unable to convert, going 0-for-3. Glenn Ferguson made 40 saves in goal for the Eagles. With the win, the Clippers snapped a three game losing streak.

The Birds will now return home to play the Powell River Kings on Friday, December 14th. Get your tickets to the game to help support Kidsport Surrey White Rock as partial proceeds from each ticket will go towards funding that helps under privileged children play organized sports. For tickets or to donate, call 604-531-GOAL (4625).

Official 3 Stars:
1. Michael McNicholas - Nanaimo
2. Jayson Argue - Nanaimo
3. Trevor Cameron - Surrey

My 3 Stars:
1. Jayson Argue - Nanaimo
2. Michael McNicholas - Nanaimo
3. Trevor Cameron - Surrey