The Innisfail Eagles are off to a winning start as they look to defend their Vanberg Cup title.
The Birds began the 2025-2026 regular season in the North Central Hockey League with an 8-6 triumph in Tofield on Saturday, October 4th over the Satellites.
26-year-old forward Jeremy Klessens (1999) from Innisfail scored twice while making his debut for the Eagles. Forward Dave Nippard (1988) from Newfoundland chimed in with five assists, forward Mike Marianchuk (1992) from Innisfail contributed a goal and three assists, and defenceman Colten Hayes (1990) from Okotoks tallied once and set up two others.
A total of nine teams are competing in the senior men’s AA league this year and they will play a 16 game regular season.
The Eagles will visit Camrose on Saturday, October 11th and Stony Plain on Saturday, October 18th before the home opener at the Twin Arenas in Innisfail on Sunday, October 19th at 3pm versus Wetaskiwin.
Innisfail captured the league’s the best-of-seven Vanberg Cup championship series by a four games to one margin over the Lacombe Generals last season.
