Pre-Game Report: Game 1 - Eagles vs. Bulldogs

The BCHL's Coastal Conference Final will begin on Friday night at the South Surrey Arena as the Surrey Eagles host the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series. The two teams played each other twice in the regular season. The Dogs won 5-4 at the SSA on September 23rd, and the two teams played to a 4-4 tie in Port Alberni on February 23rd.

The Birds enter the third series of their post-season run after getting three days off, following a second round sweep of the Chilliwack Chiefs. Michael Stenerson was a big key for the Eagles in the series win over Chilliwack, scoring the winning goals in both Game 2 and Game 3. The Surrey penalty kill has been very good in the post-season, preventing the Chiefs from scoring on the power play throughout the second round. Michael Santaguida has been phenomenal as well. The Ontario native has the best save percentage in the BCHL playoffs.

Alberni Valley is coming off a Game 5 overtime win over the Victoria Grizzlies on Wednesday night that allowed them to advance. Affiliate player and Surrey native Mak Barden had the winning goal. The Dogs also needed five games to defeat the Nanaimo Clippers in the first round, meaning that they've played 10 games in the last 14 days. Evan Tironese has led the offense for the Bulldogs in the post-season. The 17-year-old has two goals and eight assists.

Where: South Surrey Arena

When: Be there at 7:00pm

How to listen: Eagles Broadcast or on 88.7FM in the arena

How to watch: Fast Hockey

Head-to-Head Breakdown