Eastern Washington University and the University of Victoria Vikes opened the 2015/16 BCIHL regular season this weekend in Cheney, WA and split a two-game series at the EWU Recreation Complex.
The Friday night match-up went to the Eagles way in the end despite the Vikes leading by a goal after both the the first and second periods. But the Eagles offense exploded in the third period with three unanswered goals to secure the win.
The Eagles were paced offensively by Beau Walker, Jesse Collins, and Chase Wharton, while Austin Brihn made 26 saves for the win. Zack Wear took the loss for the Vikes while Luciano Somerville lead the Vikes with a goal and assist in a losing effort.
The Saturday night game saw a much different looking score despite more shots by both teams and a very good pace for the first two periods, as UVic got the better of a goaltending duel with a 3-1 win.
Overall, the Eagles put 34 shots on Vikes goalie Zach Wear through two periods only scoring one time. Meanwhile, Tyler O'Donnell stopped 30 of the 33 shots he faced in the Eagles net but ended up taking the loss in a game where the other goaltender was probably the best player on the ice for both teams.
Riley Hunt picked up two assists for the Vikes and Jack Palmer the eventual game winner on a power play goal in the second period.
The Eagles have next week off before the depart on their first road trip of the year to face Trinity Western University and Simon Fraser University on October 16/17.
VICTORIA
SIMON FRASER
VANCOUVER ISLAN.
LOGAN LAKE
OKANAGAN
