Eagles felled in playoff action

By Jordan Parker

Despite an auspicious start to their playoff series against Sedgewick, the Oyen Eagles’ season ended last week.

They beat them in the first game of the series but would lose two straight as their opponent moved to the second round. The Sabres finished Oyen off 5-1 on February 27, 2022.

“It was really disappointing to lose. It came down to that final game too,” said coach Levi Westerlund.

“It was definitely a difficult thing. Any season where your last game is a loss, you won’t be happy. But the boys gave it all.”

Oyen went 3-8-0-1 in season play, though Westerlund says the team really began to come together as they gained chemistry.

“The guys were ecstatic to be able to play every weekend. We really hope the pandemic and everything that came with it is behind us,” he said.

“Hopefully, we can move forward. There seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel and more excitement for next year.”

As for the series against Sedgewick, he says it just came down to being outworked.

“We had a good Saturday game but couldn’t bring it home. We really ran out of legs on Sunday,” he said. “We aren’t used to three games in a weekend, and we ran out of gas.”

He said Sedgewick really wanted it, and the team as a whole did a lot of things right.

“They kept getting pucks on net and were winning battles in dirty areas. We ran into penalty trouble on Sunday, but for the most part, I’m happy with how the team played,” he said.

Right now, the team is looking to help as much as they can for the Benefit for Garrett Hauck, a fellow Eagle.

“He couldn’t play this year. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and went through treatments,” he said.

“But they didn’t get it all, so he has to go for another treatment in a month or two. We have a fundraiser set for April 2.”

The benefit will feature Duelling Pianos, followed up by a dance with DJ Philly P. All proceeds on the night will go to the Hauck family.

“There will be a dance after Duelling Pianos, we have a supper from Didy Smoke It, and there are plenty of items donated from companies in Oyen and the province for our silent auction,” he said.

“We have reached out to companies, teams, and former NHL players, with proceeds going to the family. No one stands alone in the community, and we take care of our own.”

Tickets are available at Oyen Flowers & Giftware.