This weekend is a big matchup. Innisfail and Stony Plain are tied on points heading into the final game of the regular season. Each team has eight points a piece. We have had a bit of everything so far this year. Lets look at how we got to this point:
Games 1-4:The season started out in wild fashion. It was a wild west type of game for game one as both teams would combine for 13 goals in what was a wild 7-6 OT win for Stony Plain. Game two would see Innisfail skating away with a 4-2 win in Stony Plain. Each team would showcase a roster full of rookies for the first two games, however each one would stand the test. Game three Innisfail would take it 8-5 ion another high scoring affair. Innisfail would go up big early in this one, however Stony Plain would add some late goals to pull it close. Game four Stony Plain would get its revenge as it would knock off Innisfail 9-3. A reversal of the previous game as it was Stony Plains turn to pour on the goals early and often. Up to this point in the season, Innisfail would have the slight edge in the overall standings 5-4 on points. Games remained competitive despite some high scoring games.
Games 5-8:Another close game to start the new year, with Innisfail taking this one 7-5. A pattern is starting to emerge in the series as the team who often puts up the better first period often comes away with the two points. Game six Stony Plain would take it 6-2 in waht was a tremendous performance in net for Stony as the netminder would face close to 60 shots and only let in two. Game Seven would be postponed to this weekend due to the arctic cold that decided to visit. What would be Game 8 went the distance in what was a classic battel of the birds that fans have become accustomed to. A thrilling 3-2 shootout win for Stony Plain, which in this game had it all. Tremendous goaltending, great hits, great shots, and the passion we expect from two old rivals.
Feb 17th Game:Feb 17th at 3pm Innisfail will host Stony Plain in what will decide home ice for provincials, as well as the regular season champion. Each team is tied at 8 pints a piece with Stony currently on top due to the head to head wins with four to Innisfail's three. Things will only heat up from here as each team looks to establish themselves and push for one of only four spots in the Allan Cup Challenge in April.
INNISFAIL EAGLE.
STONY PLAIN EAG.
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