BURNABY, BC — SFU is back in action at home this Family Day long weekend as the Eastern Washington Eagles skate into Bill Copeland on Saturday night and the Vancouver Island Mariners makes their return to Burnaby for an afternoon game on Monday.

SFU (12-6-1) comes into Saturday’s game with points in their last four games, most recently a 5-3 win over the top team in the BCIHL as Trinity Western University (16-4-0) made their way to the Bill Copeland Sports Centre last Saturday. It was a combined effort as ten SFU players notched a point.

While Eastern Washington (1-17-1) has struggled — losing ten consecutive games and having been officially eliminated from playoff contention — head coach Mark Coletta emphasizes that SFU must not underestimate their opponent Saturday.

“They have one of the more dynamic players in the game in Beau Walker and they’ve got some good young talent coming,” he explained. “They’re good, they’re competitive, they play hard and we expect our guys to do the same and not take anybody lightly.”

Eagles fans should be proud of the fact that on Monday Walker was named the BCIHL Player of the Week due to his excellent four-goal performance against UVic last Friday. Walker has continued to light up the league in his fifth season, putting up a league-leading 14 goals in 16 games.

Monday afternoon Simon Fraser will host the Vancouver Island Mariners (11-8-0) on what should be a fun Family Day for hockey fans at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre.

In their first season in the league, the Mariners have clinched the fourth and final playoff spot — and are only three points back from SFU.

“They’ve jumped in with both feet and they’ve done well,” said Coletta of VIU. “Obviously, they’re in a playoff spot, and making the playoffs in your first year is always a good thing. It’s a good thing for our league, good thing for their program, good thing for their school, and bodes well for the future.”

At the Bill Copeland Sports Centre, tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and free for children under 6 or for SFU students with valid ID. The games will also be streamed live on HockeyTV. Puck drop is at 7 pm on Saturday and at 4 pm Monday.