The home opener for the Eagles might not have ended with a win, but the team showed us they are ready to work hard this season.

Less than two minutes into the game, Hudson Ogle caught the Panthers off guard and put the Eagles on the board with the first goal of the season. Before the first quarter ended, the Panthers pounced back, tying the game at 1 – 1. 

During the second quarter, an Eagle penalty allowed West Ottawa to get on the board for a second time. The score remained 1 – 2 until 32 seconds into the fourth quarter when the Panthers netted another, putting them up by two.  

Two minutes later, Arie Teitsma fed a bit of life back into the team by finding the back of the net off a solid pass from Evan Rusticus, bringing the Eagles back within 1. Unfortunately, penalties plagued the team throughout the remainder of the game and the Panthers scored their fourth and final goal with five minutes left in the game.  Although the team continued to fight for every ground ball, and every opportunity to score again, they were unable to answer back.

Evan Bolt took all draws for the team, facing four different players throughout the game winning possession 60 percent of the time.  Jake Benoit was in net for the Eagles – facing seven shots on the night.

The final score does not truly reflect all the hard work and tenacity that the team showed throughout the game. As a whole, the team had eight caused turnovers and 25 ground balls.

The next game is at Noon, Saturday at Eagle Stadium against Forest Hills Northern.