The game began on a sour note for Surrey when new addition Troy Paterson left the game with an injury less than three minutes into the first period after taking a heavy hit from Express forward Malcolm McKinney, leaving the Birds with only five defenseman. The two teams traded chances in the opening period but both Santaguida and Express net minder Cole Huggins kept the game scoreless after 20 minutes.
The Eagles took control of the game in the middle frame, out shooting the Express 27-4 and scoring twice. Craig Wyszomirski -- fresh off his commitment to Merrimack College -- netted his sixth of the year at 4:26 when his wrist shot from the left point was tipped by the stick of Coquitlam forward Luca Leone and past Huggins. Surrey doubled the lead later in the period when Mason Blacklock tipped a Nic Pierog backhander from the slot into the Express' goal.
Coquitlam had a couple of chances to get on the scoreboard early in the third, including a golden opportunity for John Siemer when he made a beautiful deke to the backhand but missed wide of the net. Santaguida kept the Express at bay throughout the remainder of the third, and the Eagles built off that momentum, shutting the game down and closing out the victory.
Santaguida has now pitched 146 minutes and 25 seconds of shutout hockey. The last goal he allowed came in the second period of Friday's win over Chilliwack. Cole Huggins also had a phenomenal game, despite the loss. The Englewood, Colorado native made 60 saves on 62 shots -- the most the Eagles have fired at an opposing goaltender all season.
Surrey will head out on the road next weekend to play games in Trail and Penticton on Friday and Saturday.
Official 3 Stars:
1. Michael Santaguida - Surrey
2. Cole Huggins - Coquitlam
3. Devon Toews - Surrey
My 3 Stars:
1. Michael Santaguida - Surrey
2. Cole Huggins - Coquitlam
3. Devon Toews - Surrey
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