70 years ago the Trail Memorial Centre opened its doors for the first time, tonight they are open again as the Smoke Eaters look for their 20th win of the season, as they host the Surrey Eagles.
Regular Season season vs Surrey
Oct 13th @ South Surrey Arena 3-2 SOW (BOXSCORE)
November 30th @ Trail Memorial Centre @ 7pm
The Smoke Eaters come into tonight’s test in full confidence after a 9-2 trouncing of the Merritt Centennials on Wednesday night. It was the power play that lead to Merritt’s demise as the Smoke Eaters went 6/6 in the first period and finished 7/10 on the night. It was the big guns too that lead the way, Kent Johnson put up six points while Philippe Lapointe registered five points including his first BCHL Hat-Trick. The Smoke Eater power play that has jumped to first thanks for Wednesday’s performance will relish the chance at any opportunity tonight. Surrey’s penalty kill sits sixth in the league at 82%. When the Smoke Eaters last saw the Eagles the powerplay went 1/5 on the afternoon with the crucial goal in the third from Micheal Colella to tie the game at 2. They were also on the back end of a 3-in-3, this time the Smoke Eaters will be the fresher of the two teams with just the lone game this weekend. They’ll also get a boost as former Eagle Cody Schiavon will make his return from injury as well. Following the game the five Smokies vying for a spot on Team Canada West’s roster for the World Junior A Challenge will depart for Calgary.
Smoke Eaters leading scorers:
Johnson (22-36-58)
Colella (14-27-41)
Ozar (13-26-39)
Ghirardosi (14-13-27)
Lapointe (11-16-27)
The Surrey Eagles come to town following a strong 4-3 performance against the Vernon Vipers last night as Cristophe Tellier scored the winner with 3:38 left in the third. Former Smoke Eater Kieran O’Hearn had a three point night and has had nine since being traded to the Eagles. Prior to last nights game the Eagles took the league leading Coquitlam Express to overtime but just couldn’t take the extra point. The Eagles are without their leading scorer however as Holden Katzalay received a three game tryout with the Vancouver Giants of the WHL, which has kept him away from the team. The Eagles have need, and have got scoring from the rest of the lineup, while they fill what they hope is a temporary void for their leading scorer. Cal Schell was fantastic in the goal the last time these teams met, and with Scarfone playing last night in Vernon, Schell has a good chance of playing tonight against the Smoke Eaters.
Surrey Eagles leading scores:
Katzalay (16-17-33)
Tellier (15-16-31)
Schandor (10-19-29)
Santa Juana (7-14-21)
O’Hearn (1-12-13)
Remember its also “Stuff the Bus”. Bring a food donation in support of the Salvation Army. The Stuff the Bus will be parked in front of the Trail Memorial Centre.
The City of Trail will also be acknowledging the 70th Anniversary of the Trail Memorial Centre with some special guests to commemorate the event.
If you aren’t able to join in the festivities at the Trail Memorial Centre tonight catch the game on HockeyTV or Mixlr starting at 6:50pm with Ben Phillips.
