Pre-Game Report: Eagles at Smoke Eaters

The Surrey Eagles will begin a two game Interior Division road trip on Friday evening when they visit Cominco Arena to face the Trail Smoke Eaters. It will be the second and final meeting of the season between the two teams. The Birds took the opening match-up 5-4 in double overtime on October 21st in Surrey. Devon Toews had a hat-trick including the winning goal.

The Eagles enter Friday on a three game winning streak after victories over Chilliwack and Coquitlam last weekend. Michael Santaguida has been playing his best hockey of the season between the pipes of late as he hasn't allowed a goal in his last 146 minutes and 25 seconds of action. The race for the Mainland Division crown will now begin in earnest with the Birds sitting only one point behind Chilliwack for the top spot in the division. The Chiefs also play on Friday as they host Coquitlam.

Trail will return from the holiday break on Friday. The Smokies last played on December 18th, picking up a 4-2 win over the Merritt Centennials, and find themselves in a race for the final playoff spot in the Interior Division. Trail currently sits in fifth, one point behind fourth place Salmon Arm, but the Smokies have played three more games than the Silverbacks. Up front, Trail is led by Brent Baltus who has 37 points in 33 games this season.

Where: Cominco Arena

When: 7:30pm

How to listen: Trail Broadcast

How to watch: Fast Hockey