Final Home Game a Success for Eagles’ Overagers

Article by I. Schoonderbeek & N. Schoonderbeek/Media by C. Archer & N. Schoonderbeek

When the Eagles defeated the Stayner Siskins 4-1 in their second round-robin matchup of the Schmalz Cup tournament on Saturday evening, it was more than the last home game of the season for some. For the four Eagles overagers, Connor Davies, Dawson Manning, Carter Watkins, and Bryson Kelloway, it was the last game of their junior career at the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex.

In a classy move, Baumhauer included all four of the Eagles’ overagers in the starting lineup on Saturday and invited their parents into the dressing room before the game.

“Parents invest a lot of time and money in this game,” said Dean. “When you watch your kid’s last game, and I was in that position last year, it leaves a bit of a hole in your gut. It’s the least I can do for those four boys and their families. Especially in this league where you’re also managing a life outside of hockey. These kids are full-time students or working full-time jobs on top of coming to the rink four times a week. I really admire kids that do that…it’s not easy.”

Carter Watkins, the longest-tenured player on the Eagles blueline this year certainly appreciated the gesture. “It was great for Dean to give us a nice send-off in front of the home crowd like that,” said Carter. “It’s a moment I’ll remember forever. It’s been a great three years playing for a special coach, and it’s been a pleasure playing with those three guys. They’re brothers I’ll have for a long time.”

You can read more about our overagers in our previous story, but more importantly, you can come cheer them on in Woodstock as they battle for the Schmalz Cup. The next game is on Friday, May 12 at 8:00 p.m. at Southwood Arena. It will be a rematch of last season’s Schmalz Cup final game against the Lakeshore Canadiens. The semi-final and final games will take place Saturday and Sunday. Fans can check the team website and social media for schedule updates.

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