The Surrey Eagles received a belated Christmas present when general manager Matt Erhart reeled in the biggest fish at the B.C. Hockey League's annual trade deadline Jan. 10.

Erhart sent forward Mason Blacklock and future considerations to the Vernon Vipers in exchange for Adam Tambellini at the conclusion of the league's annual swapfest. The 6-foot-4 forward made an immediate impact with the Eagles, scoring five goals and adding a pair of assists in his first two games with Surrey.

"He was at the top of everybody's list," Erhart said. "The past few years we've done most of our tinkering in November and December but we decided to make an offer because it's not everyday you can get a first line centre who is a goal scorer and can make your power play dangerous. We made an offer that Vernon accepted and managed to pull it off."

Erhart also sent Eric Chevrier to Brooks of the Alberta junior league and picked up defenceman Ryan Fraser-Lee from Langley, both for future considerations. On the ice, Erhart's moves paid off as the Eagles knocked off defending national champion Penticton 2-1 at South Surrey Arena Friday before hammering the Rivermen 10-2 in Langley Sunday. Surrey opened the week Wednesday with a convincing 6-2 win over visiting Coquitlam.

The Eagles have taken over sole possession of first place in the BCHL's Mainland Division. Surrey is back in action this weekend with a home-and-home set with the West Kelowna Warriors beginning Friday at 7 p.m. at South Surrey Arena.

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