The North Island Bantam Eagles hit the road last weekend for a two-game series down island, and they ended up coming back home with two big wins to start off league play on the right foot.
The Eagles first game was against the Tier 2 Victoria Racquet Club Kings, who they ended up defeating 7-1. Goals were scored by Liam Norman, Tyler Roper (x2), William Grant, captain David Klatt, Cole Klughart, and Mannie Brown. Assists went to Grant, Aren Kufaas (x2), Roper (X2), Klatt, Kai Verbrugge, and Kale Hunt (x2).
“I thought we maybe played our best game of the season against the Tier 2 Victoria Racquet Club,” said coach Ryan Handley after the game. “We were dominating in every area of the game, out shot them 48-12, out hit them, and we looked hungry.”
The Eagles had their next game Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. against the Tier 2 Juan De Fuca Grizzlies, who they beat 5-2, with goals coming from Grant (x2), Mardell, Norman, and Roper. Assists went to Mardell, Grant, Browne (x2), and Hunt (x2).
Handley said the Eagles “were a bit sluggish Sunday morning after a bit of a late game Saturday, so it was a gritty effort against another decent Tier 2 team.”
He added the Grizzlies “have a couple big boys up front, but we did a good job of minimizing mistakes and keeping them to the perimeter and not allowing many second chances in front of our own net. All in all, it was a great start to the season, and another couple big wins on the road for the Eagles.”
The Eagles will be back in action with their home opener at the Don Cruickshank Memorial Arena in Port Hardy on Nov. 3 at 2:00 p.m. against the Nanaimo Clippers.
Come on out and cheer on the undefeated Eagles!