The Innisfail Eagles needed a win to stay alive at the 2024 Allan Cup Challenge but fell short.
After a 0-2 start to the tournament in Dundas, Ont., the Eagles were in a must-win situation on Wednesday night against the Southern Shore Breakers to continue their quest for the Canadian senior AAA title.
A win in their final preliminary-round game would have propelled them to the semifinals but were shut out by the Breakers 2-0.
The Breakers took a 1-0 lead in the second period and held onto that through the third period when they put the game away with an empty net goal.
The Eagles pushed in the final frame and had plenty of scoring chances including an open net but were unable to find the equalizer.
Both goaltenders stood on their heads but AJ Whiffen got the upper hand posting a 41-save shutout. Eagles netminder Brodan Salmond also had a big game turning aside 29 shots.
Earlier in the tournament the Eagles lost to the Stony Creek Tigers 5-4 on Sunday followed by a 5-2 setback to the host Dundas Real McCoys on Monday.