For the third game in a row, the Coquitlam Express take on the divisional opponent Surrey Eagles. While the Express got the better of the Eagles in both the prior matchups, Surrey now have the distinct advantage of home ice, on a rink that’s much larger than Poirier Arena.
While for Coquitlam it’s been 3 straight games against Surrey, the Eagles have played Langley twice in between the games against Coquitlam, and won both matches. Surrey have played some of their best hockey as of late, and have overtaken Langley for 4th place in the Coastal East division.
The Eagles latest win over the Rivermen on Oct. 27th saw the Eagles get scoring from 3 different forward lines as their depth continues to be the brightest point of the year.
Tonight, Surrey boast a wild card in between the pipes: Matthew Wong. The 2009 born goaltender proves that experience can’t always beat out elite talent, as he’s managed to snag a full-time role here in Surrey. Coming from Delta Prep in the CSSHL, he posted an astonishing 15-1-1 record en route to a playoff berth, where in the postseason he had a .951% save percentage!
So far for the Eagles, he has a 1-1 record with a jaw dropping .926% save percentage in the BCHL. He’ll look to be a deciding factor in turning around Surrey’s season.
As for the Express, for the first time in what feels like an eternity, it’s a fully healthy forward group with no AP’s in sight. Right Winger Bradley Schmidt was acquired in a trade from the Langley Rivermen, and he will make his Express debut tonight on the 4th line.
Daniel Morozov draws back into the lineup after dealing with a minor injury, and he’ll be thrown straight onto the top unit with Ivanusec and Valliant.
Charles-Antoine Girard gets the start for Coquitlam, he comes in tonight sitting 5th in the BCHL among qualified goalies for save percentage with a .917%
Coquitlam will look to extend a four-game win streak tonight, with puck drop at 7pm from South Surrey Arena.
Broadcasters Zach Clarke and Markus Gill have the call on FloHockey!
