The Express are back from Prince George and are ready to continue the win streak. An impressive 4-0 start to the campaign will face an ever tough test in the Chilliwack Chiefs.
Tonight is further filled with emotions as Coquitlam host their Breast Cancer Awareness game. Everyone knows someone that has been impacted by cancer, whether it is a family member, friend, colleague or even you yourself. The boys will all be playing for someone tonight. The Express are proud to continue helping towards finding a cure and supporting initiatives that aid people during their battle. Tonight, $2 from every ticket sold is being put directly towards the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation’s Areola tattoo clinic.
In their home opener against the Chiefs, Coquitlam used their structure and defence to wear down the high-flying Chilliwack squad and force them to try and win a war of attrition that heavily favoured the home side. The Chiefs overall had a rough start to the season, losing their second contest on opening weekend to the Spruce Kings before bouncing back on the road this past weekend. They beat Nanaimo 4-1 and pulled out a tight OT victory in Alberni 4-3.
The Express are fielding an impressive group so far this season. The special teams are firing on all cylinders and the five-on-five pace has been breakneck. They will need all the speed and pressure they can muster tonight as Chilliwack will be feeling good heading into the rematch, but so will Coquitlam. Momentum is a huge boon in any hockey season, and both sides will be bringing theirs to bear tonight at the Poirier.
Speaking of momentum, James Shannon was an honourable mention for the BCHL three stars of the month for September. The Coquitlam Captain netted five goals and added two assists across four games. His leadership defensively is one of the major driving forces for this team’s early success. The offence taking a leap this season has been a wonderful evolution of his game given that he now sees a much larger attacking role five-on-five and with the top powerplay unit.
Eric Young will also be a tough puzzle to solve for the Chiefs as the pride of Mill Bay, BC has started this year in incredible form. Starting each of the Express’ four opening games, the record is perfect and he boasts a 2.00 GAA and 0.937SV% with his percentage being third among netminders who started at least three games so far. Look for more big saves from the 19 year old to shift the momentum in key moments this weekend.
Will the Express improve to 5-0? Only four undefeated teams remain in the BCHL after the first two weekends of competition. Coquitlam look to be the last one standing starting tonight against their old rival.
– Ian Wilson