The Surrey Eagles and Victoria HA treated fans to a goal-filled spectacle, with the home side emerging with a hard-fought 7-5 victory. The game was defined by a blistering first period from the Eagles, who exploded for five goals to take a commanding lead. Austin Aulak got the party started for Surrey, followed quickly by a pair of goals from the red-hot Xander McQueen. Brayden Bains then netted what would stand as the game-winner, and Nyxton Sunner added a power-play marker to cap off a dominant opening frame that saw the Eagles outshoot Victoria 16-6.
Victoria refused to go quietly, mounting a fierce comeback in the second period. Niko Stamatakis and Dominic Quast scored early to cut into the deficit, and Stamatakis struck again to bring Victoria within two goals. However, Surrey’s special teams proved crucial in halting the momentum. Xander McQueen completed his hat-trick with an even-strength goal, and Nyxton Sunner responded with a shorthanded tally, his second of the game, to restore Surrey’s multi-goal cushion. The period was a back-and-forth battle, with Victoria clawing back into contention but never quite drawing level.
The third period saw Victoria’s Niko Stamatakis complete his own hat-trick to keep the pressure on, but the Eagles’ defense and goaltending held firm down the stretch. Despite being outshot in the final frame, Surrey goaltender Austin Wilson and his team weathered the storm to secure the win. The game was a showcase of offensive firepower, with Surrey’ McQueen and Sunner and Victoria’s Stamatakis delivering standout performances, but it was the Eagles' explosive start and timely responding goals that ultimately made the difference.