Gazette staff
Ethan Bono scored five goals and Tyler Roper added a hat trick as the North Island Eagles atom development hockey team kicked off the 2014-15 season with an impressive 11-4 road win over Campbell River B Saturday.
New goalie Griffin Handley picked up the win in net for the squad, made up of a mix of newcomers and veterans who claimed last season’s Vancouver Island Division 4 title.
Evan Manke added two goals as the Eagles rolled to a 5-0 lead through one period.
Ethan Fuller contributed a second-period goal off one of Bono’s three assists on the day. Roper had two assists, and individual helpers were registered by Matthew Datos, Kai Verbrugge, David Hurley and Manke.
The atoms will begin their placement-round schedule this week, then host their home opener Oct. 4.
Bantams win
The Eagles bantam club also found success on the road, posting a 4-2 win at Comox.
After two more road games this weekend, the bantams will open their home slate Oct. 4.
Peewees drop pair
The Eagles peewee squad open their round of placement games with a pair of tough road losses on the weekend.
On Saturday, the Eagles dropped a narrow 7-6 decision at Sooke. On Sunday Oceanside skated to an 11-5 win over the peewees in Parksville.
The peewees play their home opener Saturday in Port Hardy.