|
Sports: Eagles dominate Pirates, keep top spot in East Division
|
Pirates goalie Todd Rodgers (hidden behind all the Lakeland and Pirates players) faced 43 shots on net.
|
|
Pirates’ captain Jason Bouchard recovers after a rough hit in the second period, as Tyler Shantz manhandles Pirates defenseman Danny Dubois.
|
Emily Plihal
for Smoky River Express
Lakeland Eagles were out for blood last Thursday as they battled the Falher Pirates to maintain top position in the East Division.
The Eagles, who had a rough start to the season (one win was lost due to illegal players), have been battling back, playing strong defensive hockey in recent games.
Along with a sound, well-rounded hockey game, the Eagles have been throwing the body, throwing other teams off their game.
Their strategy in the Dec. 3 game was no different, with the Eagles’ top players ensuring the Pirates could not get out of their zone to capitalize on major opportunities.
Pirates only had 15 skaters on ice, including goalie Todd Rodgers, compared to Lakeland’s 20 man roster.
Lakeland ruled the first period, despite taking three penalties throughout the 20 minutes.
Scoring was opened up by assistant captain Tyler Shantz on the power play at 4:27. Assists were awarded to Allen Anderson Jr. and Jay Anderson.
The Eagles scored just 30 seconds later even strength, with a tally marked by Darwin Payou. Goal was assisted by Dale Payou and Caltin Marshall.
Falher’s goalie was pummelled in the second with 17 solid shots on net. Rodgers had little chance to prevent the goals, as the Eagles worked hard to ensure a win.
The Eagles scored three even strength goals in the first ten minutes of the second period, with goals by Joey Anderson, Jay Anderson, and Craig Anderson. Assists were earned by Dale Payou, Tyler Shantz, Craig Anderson, and Jay Anderson.
Scary moment for the Pirates, when captain Jason Bouchard took a hit in the second. Bouchard was down on the ice for five minutes, but luckily no injury resulted from the hit.
Pirates managed to score on the power play following the hit, with a goal by Jason Bouchard with just under ten minutes left in the period. Assists were awarded to Shawn Hicks and David Gelinas.
Lakeland put the final nails in the coffin with just under five minutes left of the second, with goals by Chris Noskey and Dale Payou. Assists were notched by Shantz and Joey Anderson.
Falher managed to dominate the third period of play, but just a fraction to late.
Pirates goals were scored by Matts Maisonneuve and Denis Rochon, with assists by Shawn Hicks and Shawn Gervais. Both goals were scored on the power play.
Lakeland scored even strength to top off their 8 – 3 victory over the Pirates. The final Eagles goal was scored by Mitch McGillivray, assisted by James Tallman and Caltin Marshall.
Eagles fired a total of 43 shots at Pirates goalie Rodgers, while Cannon Cunningham faced only 28 shots in Lakeland’s net.
Eagles and Pirates do not face off again until Jan. 2.
Home
|
