For many around the Coquitlam Express organization, April is still fresh on the mind. A grueling seven game series against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs went the way of the Islanders with the Express battling to the last moment, down plenty of bodies to injury. Today will see the main event of “Hockey Day in PA” consist of two very different versions of these teams, however there are still a handful of familiar faces who will be fired up.
Grayson Badger, Lenny Greenberg, Zeke Nicholson, and Brady McIsaac are just some of the names returning to the Bulldogs this season and they have all taken big steps in their respective games. Countering for Coquitlam are the likes of James Shannon, Sam Frandina, David Brandes, Joseph Odyniec, Nate Crema and Jackson Krill. Motivation can come from many places and for the Express, the aforementioned seven game series finished off at the Alberni Valley Multiplex. To be back there in what should be a packed house will likely jog some competitive memories and make for an exciting matchup.
This season the Bulldogs have been a bit polarizing on the scoresheet. They sit third in the Coastal Conference despite possessing a -9 goal differential as they either have lost by large margins or won close games. To make their 7-4-1 record even more impressive, they currently have the least goals scored in the conference, and third least overall in the BCHL. The Bulldogs know how to play in close games which is a dangerous commodity for other sides to deal with. The key for Coquitlam will be to keep the offensive momentum moving forward. If they can overwhelm the Bulldogs with successive goals, Alberni haven’t shown the pedigree to keep up in games where the gunslinging is at the forefront.
Defensively, the Express need to be better tonight. 16 goals allowed over the last three games is not a trend they will want to continue. Sure the offence has proven they have the ability to dig the team out of a hole, but eventually the shovel is going to break. The identity of the Express has still remained to frustrate opponents with their defence and allow that to turn into offence. That disappeared for the first period but reappeared for the final two frames. Several of the Express goals last night came from due care and attention to the little things and getting teammates involved as a result. Winning battles on the half boards at both ends of the ice, making safe passes D-to-D, and being mindful on the breakout were all top of the list of things the Express cleaned up.
Watch for Coquitlam to come out aggressively on the road tonight fuelled by that desire to leave the first period woes behind them from the last three games. As well, keep an eye on a call-up for Coquitlam making their BCHL debut. Nathan Hillmann is on their way to the island to join the team for tonight’s contest. The Coquitlam HC 18U defender has eight points in 10 games in JPHL action this season and last year contributed 29 points, including 11 goals, for Langley HA at the 17U level. A skilled, puck moving defender that will have a chance to showcase what they can do at the next level. It won’t be an easy task though as Alberni are a tough team to play against even for established, older BCHL veterans. Matching physicality with the Bulldogs will be a must. It will be exciting to see what the 18U captain can do with this chance.
“Hockey Day in PA” will be quite the spectacle so be sure to tune in on FloHockey for all the action. Puckdrop is scheduled for 7PM.
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– Ian Wilson
