Day 2 of the island roadtrip is underway and the Express are preparing for a familiar opponent in the Victoria Grizzlies. Familiar in the way that they have had historical success against these particular islanders, but also in that last Saturday night it was an OT clash with this very adversary.
It was an exciting game at the Poirier just one week ago with defence and goaltending being at the forefront in a contest that was 2-1 heading into the dying moments. Thomas Zocco was the man of the hour, tying the game with under four seconds to go in regulation and giving the Express the ultimate boost they needed to come away victorious.
So what did we learn from that contest? For starters the Grizzlies lived up to the billing as a team that is loaded for bear, no pun intended, and ready to compete with the best. Victoria did start the season on a 5-0 run after all. They have a combination of size and skill that not many teams can field, or at least match with their own physicality. As well, with the addition of Kyle Kelsey, their goaltending tandem is one of the better in the BCHL. The recipe for success is there, and also the key to beating them.
The Express matched the physicality of the Grizzlies and then some last weekend. If that is not something a bigger team is prepared for it can catch them off guard, and it forced Victoria to adapt and change their playstyle as the game progressed. Physicality is what wins puck battles and, in general, can force your opponent out of their comfort zone. Coquitlam will need more of that tonight, especially with the home crowd expected to fuel the Grizzlies even further.
Last night in Cowichan, the Express had a pair of highlight reel snipes that changed the outlook of the game in the second period. While they were wicked, the allure of finding more cannot distract Coquitlam from making the high percentage plays and crashing the crease. They will need to be in the grill of whichever tender they face tonight as neither give many rebound opportunities. Sticking to what makes you successful and getting teammates involved is imperative tonight, but the odd attempt at blasting a water bottle won’t be frowned upon.
Lineup-wise it will be fairly similar to yesterday for the Express with a notable change up front. With the injury to Joseph Odyniec, the way is paved for Ryder Riedel to slot in for tonight’s contest. Riedel is signed for next season with the Express but he is a familiar face. He started this season with your Express before just barely missing the final cuts. Since then, he has been lighting it up in the JPHL with Coquitlam HC 18U. He has accrued seven goals and eight assists in 13 games while being a general X-factor out on the ice.
The FloHockey broadcast will be live as always. Be sure to tune in around 5:45 PST as the Express and Grizzlies go for round 2 at the Q.
FLOHOCKEY BROADCAST (Select “Away” Stream)
– Ian Wilson
