The Train Station is ready for another weekend of action as the Express come home to host their annual Black History Month game, honouring the history of the African American pioneers for this great sport. They do battle with the Trail Smoke Eaters tonight, with this being the first time the Smokies have come to the Poirier since Dec 6th, 2019. The Express picked up a 4-1 win those four years ago, how will they fair this evening?
The Smoke Eaters find themselves fifth in the Interior Conference at present with 40 points to their name and a -10 goal differential. Much like the Express they have had to score by committee this season with most of the damage being done by Mathieu Cobetto-Roy. The Montreal, Quebec product has 19 goals and 17 assists so far this campaign and will be heading to RIT after this season. Coquitlam will need to keep the savvy veteran in check tonight who has points in 11 of his last 13 including a big three-point game against Vernon last weekend.
Coquitlam will certainly have the last game between these sides on their mind as they head into the contest this evening. The Express were on a late season upswing last year when they took a road trip to the interior and found themselves in Trail. Adam Manji was having a career year and ended up with a season ending injury in that very game. Expect a big performance tonight out of the Burnaby Brick Wall with redemption on the mind after he’s worked so hard to find his form again.
The Express are still trying to find solid footing in the New Year following their now 2-8 start to the second half of the season. Of those losses, five have come by two goals or less. So to say the Express’ start to 2024 is deceptive is not wrong. There is some solid talent on this roster that is working still to mesh since the moves during the holiday break. They do have some cushion to work with still sitting sixth in the Coastal Conference and are 10 points clear of Cowichan and Langley. It has been clear from talking with management and the coaching staff that this is far below where they feel they should be at this stage.
When Coquitlam plays to their strengths with a 60-minute consistency there are few teams that rival their intensity in this league. Finding something to fight for in every single game is crucial to lighting that competitive fire needed to climb back up the standings. One area of note from the game against Langley that needs to be addressed is clearing bodies out of the shooting lanes. Multiple goals in the game Wednesday came off tips in the slot. The Express can ill afford to be beat to the hard areas and outworked for important positioning in the net-front.
Watch out for extra energy out of Cale Colwell this evening who will be playing against his former team for the first time. The Langley local spent a combined 13 games with Trail last season between the regular season and playoffs. As we saw with the Cole Melady vs Gavin Giesbrecht show last weekend and then the Logan Morrell staredown on Wednesday, playing against your former club means so much to these players.
It’s a rare chance to see the Smoke Eaters at the Train Station so grab your tickets for the 7pm puck drop or tune in for the broadcast on FloHockey!
– Ian Wilson
