The Surrey Eagles (1-17-2) took on the Nanaimo Clippers (12-7-2) on Saturday, and things got off to a strong start for Surrey as they jumped out to a 2–0 lead. Despite the Clippers successfully killing off two Eagles power plays, Surrey capitalized with goals from Lucas DiGiantommaso and Easton Jacobs. New Eagles goaltender Finn Marshall was perfect through the first frame, stopping all nine shots he faced and giving Surrey hope—especially since their only win of the season had also come after leading in the first period against Powell River.
Nanaimo, however, came out firing in the second, scoring just before the media timeout courtesy of Hayden Fechner. The Clippers didn’t stop there. Elliot Perreault added a power-play marker after Max Davidson was assessed a high-sticking minor. The second period ended with Nanaimo leading the shots 24–23 and sitting at a perfect 4/4 on the penalty kill while going 1/3 on the power play. Most importantly, the score remained tied 2–2.
The third period started hot for Surrey, with Owen Fitzgerald converting on a double minor to restore the Eagles’ lead at 3–2 early in the frame. The next ten minutes were a back-and-forth battle, with Surrey killing off two penalties and Nanaimo killing one of their own. But the Clippers found an answer again. After a Tadeas Mack holding call, Clippers defenceman Garin Ludwig scored his first of the season, tying the game at 3–3 with under five minutes to go. The period closed with shots 34–32 in favour of Nanaimo.
Overtime began with chances at both ends. Surrey’s Nishaan Parmar had a great look in the slot early, but Clippers goaltender Dryden Riley turned him aside. Moments later, Tanner Bruender raced down the near side and sniped one past the blocker of Finn Marshall, ending the Eagles’ hopes with a 4–3 final.
Lucas DiGiantommaso earned FortisBC Energy Player of the Game honours. OT hero Tanner Bruender was named the third star, Surrey forward Owen Fitzgerald took second-star recognition, and first-star honours went to the man who forced overtime, Garin Ludwig.
The Eagles are back in action on November 28 against the Spruce Grove Saints. Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. MST.
