Adaptability. That was the word used by Assistant Coach Kyle Johnson in the post game interview that rung true for tonight’s contest. It was coined to describe the effort of our newest Express Thomas Zocco in his BCHL debut but it summed up so many aspects of Coquitlam’s game. Whether it was keeping the offensive consistency through heavy physical defence by Prince George, denying the PG powerplay on several opportunities, including a 5-on-3, or scoring three different special teams goals of their own, Coquitlam rose to the occasion tonight.
In the first period the Express had to dial in defensively with the aforementioned 5-on-3 coming before any of the scoring damage had started. Prince George moved the puck well once they got offensive zone possession but Coquitlam made it a difficult process for the special teams to even set up. Challenging players at the blueline made for several breakups and quick counterattack chances. That was the story all night for the penalty kill crew that went a perfect five for five.
Soon after the Express killed off their second penalty of the period, James Shannon broke the goose egg. Captain Coquitlam knocked a clearing attempt clean out of the air and strode right down main street to beat Carter Wishart clean. A few minutes later, in the final moments of the opening frame, the Express got their turn on the powerplay. They wouldn’t waste the chance afforded to them as Joseph Odyniec tipped home a slap pass from Sam Frandina right on the front porch.
Period two was a back and forth affair with Prince George continuing to outshoot the Express and generate chances. Nothing they tried could beat Eric Young who made some key stops including denying Brock Cummings on a shorthanded breakaway.
Coquitlam tacked on two more in the third period and both came through the powerplay as the special teams continued to hum. James Shannon wired home his second of the game on a one timer from the left circle. You could see the frustration on his face when a one timer early in the contest didn’t strike true. If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again. Then the penultimate goal for the Express materialized off a great rush from Nick Wellenreiter. The Dundas, Ontario product went for a tour of the attacking zone and tore behind the net before dropping a beautiful centring feed into the slot. Zocco was waiting in the right place and banged home his first career BCHL goal.
Linden Makow nabbed the lone goal for the Spruce Kings after an Express turnover resulted in a three on one. Eric Young stopped the first shot but Makow was there to deposit the rebound. The Prince George fans came to their feet and it was good to see the home fans get some excitement on their opening night.
Commitment to doing the tough things on the ice shift after shift has gotten Coquitlam where they are in this early season. Tonight was no exception as the Express built from the backend and it payed off in spades. The offence has yet to feel forced this campaign with players trusting one another and facilitating as opposed to rushing or trying to take matters into their own hands. A team that plays together, wins together.
Rest, recuperate and get ready to go again for tomorrow as Express vs Spruce Kings 2: Electric Boogaloo is set for 6PM PST.
FORTIS BC ENERGY PLAYER – Brock Cummings
THREE STARS
3rd – COQ – Sam Frandina – 2A
2nd – COQ – Eric Young – 31 Saves on 32 Shots
1st – COQ – James Shannon – 2G 1A
– Ian Wilson
