The Peninsula Eagles Midget A hockey team is through to provincials after winning a hotly contested three-game series.
The Eagles faced two back-to-back games, Feb. 23 and 24, losing the first 2-1 in double overtime at Campbell River and then winning the second 5-1 at the Panorama Recreation Centre, backed by a large local crowd.
The following week they returned to the site of their loss in Campbell River and avenged their defeat running out 8-3 winners, thanks to fluid patterns of play and taking advantage of some slick power-plays.
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“The boys are so excited, the level of excitement and enthusiasm is at an all-time high,” said Coach Paul Warmenhoven.
Only the champions of each district, after battling through the playoffs, get to go to provincials and it is only the second time in 12 years that the Midget Eagles have earned a place.
Warmenhoven puts their success down to talented players and the team ethos the coaching staff have looked to instill.
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“We ask the players to put the logo on the front first and the number on the back second,” he says.
The players head out knowing that they could make history, as the best Eagles team in the past achieved a third placed finish.
Warmenhoven is upbeat, “We expect the games to be tight as they are all good teams. Anyone has a chance.”
The Midget A Tier 2 B.C Provincial Champonships are held in Vernon, March 16 to 20.
nick.murray@peninsulanewsreview.com
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