Oyen Eagles downed in ECSHL finals

By Jordan Parker

It was a sterling campaign, but the Oyen Eagles’ fight in the East Central Senior Hockey League season is over.

They were bested over the weekend in Saturday night action by the Provost Combines, who were named the league champions.

In a 7-2 match in Provost, Oyen just couldn’t seem to find their footing.

“I think it’s a long season. It was a grind. All the guys on the team committed to the team. They worked hard. Some guys even showed up if they didn’t play. It was tight-knit,” said rookie Cullen Bradshaw.

“It was tough to lose, but we gave it our all. We can keep our heads held high. We didn’t give up, it wasn’t in the cards.”

It was a game in stark contrast to Monday’s 9-3 defeat by the Eagles in their hometown arena. They tied the series 1-1 after losing Game One 7-4.

“We had some issues with being banged up. We had some injuries. They made it difficult on us. When you go to their barn and they have the chance to win the championship, the crowd is with them,” he said.

“They just took it to another level in the second and we couldn’t match it. Just a tough thing to see in the playoffs. You just tip your cap to the other team in these situations.”

Despite the loss, it was a season that saw the ECSHL Eagles put up a solid effort. The regular season ended with them in first place, sporting a 13-1-1-1 record and 27 points.

“The overall season was a huge success. It brought our community together. Being a teacher and working in the high school, I talked hockey with kids,” said Bradshaw, who teaches in Oyen but is from Medicine Hat.

“All the sponsors and community were behind us. It’s amazing to be a part of it as someone who isn’t from there. It was an amazing experience. Having success was awesome. I’ve won championships and it’s hard at any level. In this last series, bounces didn’t go our way. They wanted it and they played well.”

Their star forward Cullen Bradshaw – a rookie – sported 53 points in the regular season – 25 of them goals – to lead the league.

He was also named MVP of the regular season by the league, and helped his team immensely.

“It’s always nice to be recognized. But it’s a testament to my teammates. You can’t win these things without a great team and support from coaches,” he said.  “With this amazing team, it was easy to get the puck in the back of the net. But it was definitely an honour.”

Despite a difficult playoff loss, the Eagles are looking forward to next season, and hoping they can rekindle some of the same magic.

“I think the team is going in the right direction. We have young guys coming up and veterans to the team. Going through trials and tribulations of losing only push you harder,” he said.

“If I’m around and they’ll have me back, it’ll be the quest to redeem ourselves. Now we know what it takes, and witnessing how hard you have to play, it’ll help us next year.”