The Innisfail Eagles took a well-deserved holiday break after winning three of four games against their Chinook Hockey League opponents.
“Before the Christmas break we had the opportunity to play the Bentley Generals, Fort Saskatchewan, the Stony Plain Eagles and the Okotoks Drillers,” said Sutter. “Out of those four games, we lost to the Generals 2-0 in a tough game that we had a chance to win but in the others we played well and seem to be coming together as a team.”
The home team took on the Fort Saskatchewan Chiefs on Dec. 19 winning 6-3 on home ice on a strong effort that saw the team score three unanswered goals in the third frame. Good defence from the Eagles kept the game out of reach for the Chiefs despite a more than two-minute power play for the opposition.
Fresh off a victory, the team took on the Drillers and continued their scoring streak, pushing it to six unanswered goals on three third period notches from Mark Bomersback, Justin Cox and Darrin Robak.
Between the two games, the Eagles outshot their opponents 98-63 with Mark Bomersback scoring three goals with three assists, Brendan Baumgartner scored once and assisted twice and Joe Vandermeer assisted on three against the Chiefs.
“We are seeing some of the guys come out to play that we expected in the beginning of the season,” said Sutter. “It is making a difference in our locker room and on-ice performance. Over the last four games we have only allowed two five-on-five goals, which says lots about our defence.”
The coach noted that regular goalie Stephen Stamford is injured and Travis Ziegler has played well in relief.
“Travis has played outstanding for us,” said Sutter of his league leading save percentage goalie. “His shutout of the Drillers was fantastic.”
Sutter added the Eagles are doing the little things well, which has made an incredible difference.
“In this league you need 30 guys to make a good team and we are getting that now,” said Sutter. “With only 10 games left until playoffs we are in a good position to make a run at the Chinook Hockey League championship.”
The Eagles' next action is against the Stony Plain Eagles on Jan. 3 in Stony Plain and the first home game of 2015 is on Jan. 9 when the Bentley Generals come to town.
Go to www.innisfaileagles.com for more information.
Brian Sutter
"We are seeing some of the guys come out to play that we expected in the beginning of the season."
