Varsity Hockey v. Vermont Flames

1/3/2017

The Varsity hockey team boarded the busses to head north on Interstate-89 to take part in a two-game series with the Vermont Flames. To kick things off, the boys were excited to play at the historic Gutterson Fieldhouse for the first game of the weekend. Eaglebrook knew they were up against a talented Flames team and the game would prove to be a back-an-forth event with both teams trading chances throughout the first two periods. The Eagles ran into a red-hot Flames goaltender, whom made crucial acrobatic saves down the stretch to stymy the Eagles attack. Late in the frame, the Flames would bury a power play goal, which would prove to be the game winner. The Eagles pulled the goalie and sent out an extra attacker, but a key turnover allowed the Flames to extend their lead by two. They were able to add two more insurance goals within the remaining 90 seconds of the game to secure the victory. Although the scoreboard was not the result the Eagles had hoped for, they understood what needed to be addressed for better success the following day and knew they needed to compete until the final whistle no matter what the circumstances were.

However, before they two teams met for their second battle, the team was in for quite the treat Saturday morning. The boys were lucky enough to meet Coach Sneddon, the current UVM hockey coach, to take a tour around Gutterson Fieldhouse and get a glimpse behind the curtains of a Division 1 program. It was an unbelievable experience, as the boys got to tour the training facilities and meet some of the UVM players in the lockeroom before their pre-game skate against Union College. (Attached is the picture)

Following the tour, the team traveled southeast to the Waterbury Ice Center for the concluding game against the Flames. Looking for redemption, the boys were determined to dig deeper and put forth a 45-minute effort. The Eagles’ attack was relentless on the day during both even strength and on special team opportunities. As a result, the boys were rewarded with a pair of goals. The Flames were able to match the Eagles 2-goal production and the game would eventually head into overtime. The Eagles controlled much of the play and even were able to go on the man advantage late in the frame. Although they generated multiple chances, they couldn’t get the bounce they needed to bury the go ahead goal. Despite the tie, the Eagles were proud of their efforts considering the short bench throughout the weekend.

On behalf of Eaglebrook, we would like to extend a special thank you to the hospitality of the Flames and UVM teams, as they delivered a first class weekend. The boys will take away a lifetime of memories and look forward to returning from break as they head into the second half of the season.

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