Eagles head down the homestretch

LOVELAND, Colo –  With only nine games left in the 2009-10 season, the Colorado Eagles have clinched a playoff spot and are looking to solidify a high seed in the Northern Conference come playoff time.

A very mediocre 8-6 record in February for the Eagles allowed a streaking Rapid City Rush to surpass Colorado in the Northern Conference points race. The four games between the two teams in February resulted in a shoot out win, two overtime losses,  and a regulation loss, netting seven points for the Rush and only three for the Eagles.
The last month of the season opens with Rapid City leading Colorado by four points in the race for Northern Conference domination. Odessa remains in first place in the Southern Conference with the expansion Allen Americans right on their heels.
With the Governors Cup for the best regular season record still very much undecided, the last games of the season will see a playoff-like atmosphere develop. Several teams have an opportunity to earn home ice advantage for the playoffs; the real prize that also comes with the league’s best record.
Seeking to strengthen their blue line, Colorado Eagles GM Chris Stewart signed former Odessa Jackalope, Mario Joly. After his first game as an Eagle on March 3rd, a 6-3 win against his former teammates, Joly had this to say about what he brings to his new team.
“I bring my whole game; I try to play defensively and not get scored against,” Joly said. “I make sure my teammates are protected, that’s why we are a team. Everybody steps up for each other…that’s why it is great to be here.”
Joly dropped the gloves with Odessa tough guy Will Bodine, right at the opening puck drop of the game, hoping to send a message to both his old team and his new team.
“It’s my old team and I wanted to get it done and show what I am all about. I am here for one reason and that’s to win,” Joly said afterward.
Adding Joly gives the Eagles defense a late season boost; Andrew Penner’s return from a stint in the AHL solidifies the goal tending situation and with Kevin Ulanski, Riley Nelson and Ed McGrane comprising three of the top five scorers in the Central Hockey League on the front end, the Colorado Eagles appear to be well situated for a long and successful playoff run.
Contact the author/photographer at terrysanford@prohockeynews.com