PORT McNEILL — Even before playing its first game, the North Island Eagles peewee rep team had its share of ups and downs.
Last weekend, the Eagles had another of each.
On Saturday, the peewees rode the goaltending of Nyck Ruel and a tiebreaking goal by Josh Walkus to a 2-1 win over Alberni Valley at Chilton Regional Arena. On Sunday, the squad traveled to Comox where it suffered a penalty-plagued, 9-2 loss and also saw one of its few returning veterans, Jake Heller, lost in the third period to an arm injury.
A few weeks earlier, the peewees were faced with the possibility of scrapping the season due to a shortage of players. The program got commitments from enough players to enter the Vancouver Island Hockey League's placement round with the idea of reviewing its viability following those five games.
Entering the weekend, it seemed the Eagles were ready to commit for the season.
"The kids decided they want to play," coach Brian Heller said after Saturday's comeback win over Alberni Valley. "The program's a go."
If the early results are any indication, they squad's defence and goaltending will keep them competitive. The peewees split their two opening games on the road, allowed only two goals in each game.
On Saturday, Ruel was touched for a score in the first two minutes of play, but kept Alberni off the board the rest of the way as his mates commenced their comeback.
Kenton Browne got the Eagles even, converting off an assist from Tyrell Davidson late in the first period.
Walkus came through with the game-winner on a pretty individual play midway through the second. He carried the puck in along the right wing, crossed in front of the goal and deked before lifting a backhand top shelf.
Ruel, Browne and Davidson are among the few returnees, along with Jake Heller and Sean Pineda, on a team made up mostly of first-year rep players. Some of the newcomers are second-year peewees making the move from house play; others are stepping up from the atom house level.
The Eagles program has not fielded an atom development team for three years.
"You can see how quickly these kids are picking up the intensity, and they're coming together well as a team," Brian Heller said. "There are rough spots, of course, but I'm pleased with what I've seen so far."
The first-year players agreed they like playing the rep game.
"It's a lot faster and a lot harder," said Brandon Tobin of Port Hardy. "It's a lot funner."
And it has its intangible benefits as well.
"You have more contact, and it's way more serious," said Tim Alfred of Port Hardy, who then reached up to adjust the knot on his tie. "Also, I like dressing up."