The Canmore Eagles are playing their best hockey of the season at exactly the right time, according to team general manager and head coach Andrew Milne.
After a lackluster performance in game one of the AJHL southern division playoffs, the Eagles exploded for 16 goals over the next three games to handily defeat the Drumheller Dragons three games to one to advance to the second round of the playoffs.
“I thought our game one was one of the poorest efforts of the season. After that, we settled into the routine and it was successful. They were committed to the system and now their confidence is high,” Milne said.
In the pivotal game four (March 14), the Eagles exploded for six goals. Adam Tisdale, Brett Schimmel, Braiden Doucette, Lane Olson, and Brett Radford scored in a 6-1 victory.
In Game 3, Forchuk took over the match, scoring two goals and two assists to lead the Eagles to a 5-3 win.
“Forchuk took control of that game. In games one and two, he got caught up in the extra curricular stuff, and he was mad at himself about that; but give him credit for making up for that in game three,” Milne said.
Game two was a penalty-filled affair and Canmore’s powerplay finished off the Drumheller attack early, leading to a 5-2 win.
The Eagles will now face the AJHL southern division championships Brooks Bandits. The two teams haven’t met in the playoffs since 2011, and the Eagles will be in tough against the Bandits. Brooks won the season series with a 5-1 record, outscoring the Eagles 32-12.
Milne said the stat is misleading, as two lopsided wins came at the beginning of the season, when the Eagles didn’t have much of a goaltender. When all sides were equal, both squads played very close, one-goal games.
“We think they are beatable,” Milne said. “They haven’t played competitive hockey in a while, without a meaningful game since January. We have played competitive hockey.”
By no means is he underestimating the Bandits. Milne said the Eagles will have to play their best hockey if they are to win against the ‘amped up’ Bandits.
“We are playing with depth, and we’re still without Risling, Biccum and Pauls. It will be tough for them to draw into the lineup the way we are playing,” Milne said.
Brooks will bring a high-powered attack, as they had five players top 60 points on the year (Dylan McCrory, Jared Cockrell, Tyrell Mappin, Derek Lodermeier, Jeff Malott) and one with 59 points (Landon Welykholowa). Canmore native Tristan Thompson also plays for Brooks, and is always successful when he returns to his hometown.
“Our defence will have to be strong to contend with their attack. We know that,” Milne said.
The first two games of the series are scheduled for March 18-19 at Centennial Regional Arena in Brooks, with the action shifting back to Alex Kaleta Arena in Canmore on March 21-22. Game five would March 25 in Brooks, with game six if required, in Canmore on March 27. Game seven would be back in Brooks, March 29.
