(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Jason Reckseidler

Senior AAA Hockey

Innisfail Eagles lose 7-6 in OT to Stony Plain Eagles

Oct 23, 2023 | 5:14 PM

The Innisfail Eagles hosted their longtime Senior ‘AAA’ rival Stony Plain Eagles on Saturday evening in Innisfail.

Stony Plain came out on top 7-6 in overtime in what was a fast action-packed game in front of a very supportive crowd at the Innisfail Twin Arena. Stony Plain jumped out early scoring 48 seconds in as veteran Jordan Ceh finished off a brilliant pass from Kruise Reddick to beat Chance Griffith who was getting his first Chinook Hockey start. Innisfail replied only 22 seconds later with Dan Vandermeer putting a quick shot past rookie Stony Plain goaltender Colton Iwaschuk. Quinton Lisoway then put The Birds up 2-1 before Stony Plain replied with 2 to end period one at 3-2 for the Northern Eagles.

Both teams got 1 each in the second period as rookie Braiden Leth got his first as an Innisfail Eagle showing his quick release finishing a nice pass from Ty Clay to be Iwaschuk cleanly. Griffith held Stony off the board with some brilliant saves before being replaced by veteran Chance Clark at the half-way mark. Griffith finished his action with 16 saves on the night.

The third period saw plenty of action as Stony extended their 4-3 lead to 5-3 only 45 seconds in as Cruise Reddick scored. It took Innisfail 10 minutes to beat Iwaschuk as Innisfail’s power play finally got an opportunity with Ryan Denton off for roughing. Mike Marianchuk got his first of two on the power play with local products Josh Gette and Riley Simpson assisting. The Birds local presence is strong this season which shows the benefit Senior ‘AAA’ hockey has been to the town.

Stony Plain regained their 2 goal lead at 6-4 with only 7:58 left in the third period. The relatively large Innisfail crowd stayed in the game and got their Eagles going with some positive energy during the thirds they were in it to see the locals bring this game back. With 3:53 left on the clock, Dan Vandermeer and Chad Robinson assisted Marianchuk for his second of the night. Down by one and pressing Iwaschuk hard, Vince Connon shot one past the Stony goalie to even the game back up with only 1:27 on the clock. Legacy Eagle Corson Waiting picked up the assist for his first point of his Chinook career. Clark held Stony Plain off with some brilliant saves of his own.

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Overtime was a 5 minute session of 3-on-3 and both teams had chances but both goaltenders were solid. The 3-on-3 went end to end and was one of the more exciting periods seen between these longtime rivals. Jacob Hiemstra ended the Southern Birds’ comeback as he potted the rebound off a Chad Hohmann show off the shoulder of Clark to give Stony Plain the win. Iwaschuk stopped 51 shots on the night for Stony Plain and Clark stopped 15 in his 30 minutes of action.

The Eagles next travel north to Stony Plain to face the Northern Eagles Saturday October 28th at 7:45 pm. The next home game for Innisfail is November 4th with puck drop set for 8:00 pm. Both teams will be competing for the Allan Cup which has already been announced for the 2024 championship season. Powell River Reagles make their return to ‘AAA’ competition out of BC as well which will provide plenty of entertainment this season in ‘AAA’ hockey.

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