After a close overtime loss to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs on home ice Saturday (May 11), Surrey Eagles are headed back to the island for at least one more playoff game.
Leading the Bulldogs 3-2 in the Round 3 BCHL (British Columbia Hockey League) series, the Eagles had hoped to win the Coastal Conference championship in Game 5 on home ice, but after tight game that ended in a 3-2 overtime loss, Game 6 is set for Monday (May 13) in Port Alberni.
“We’re BACK in Port Alberni tomorrow night for Game 6 looking to finish the series!” the Eagles posted on X.
After a Bulldogs power play goal in the first period, the South Surrey-based squad answered back with a goal from the league’s 2023-24 top scorer Caden Cranston in the second, before the Alberni team scored another power play goal in the first minute of the third.
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Eagles answered back with a goal from Massimo Fazio just a few more minutes in, before regulation time ended in a 2-2 tie.
Bulldogs’ Brady McIsaac scored the game winner with just over two minutes left to play in the first overtime period.
The two teams will face off at 7 p.m. Monday on the island, with the Eagles out for revenge against the Bulldogs, who bounced Surrey from the playoffs last season.
The series champ will face either Penticton Vees or Salmon Arm Silverbacks for the B.C. championship.
In the league’s Alberta Cup championship, Brooks Bandits are battling Sherwood Park Crusaders, with the Bandits leading the series 2-0, winning the first game 8-6 on Friday (May 10) and the second, 5-1 on Saturday (May 11).
They next face off on May 17.
– with files from Tom Zillich