It was the first meeting of the season between Coquitlam and the Vernon Vipers. The unfamiliar foes treated the energetic Sunday crowd to physical game full of scoring opportunities.
Marc Biega opened the scoring on the powerplay with his 2nd goal in as many games. Vernon forward Michael McNicholas would answer 33 seconds later, preventing the Express from building on the powerplay momentum.
Jared Wilson would give the Vipers a 2nd Period lead, with an assist coming from former Express defenceman, Jason Bird. Bird would mix it up later in the period challenging Ben Israel, after a solid hit by the Express assistant captain.
Ryan Rosenthal managed to tie the game at 2-2 on another powerplay early in the 3rd. 6 minutes later, the Express worked the puck around the offensive zone, before Israel stepped into an Adam Rockwood pass, sending a slapshot through a screen and to the back of the net. Canon Pieper added the empty net goal to seal the 4-2 victory.
Scotiabank 3 Stars:
1. Marc Biega, COQ
2. Corey Mackin, COQ
3. Demico Hannoun, VER
With the win, the Express were able to move within 6 points of Prince George for 2nd in the Mainland Division. The next home game is this Friday, December 13th, when the Express host their annual Teddy Bear Toss game. Joey Coquitlam hosts a pre-game BBQ starting at 5:30pm. Puck drop against the Naniamo Clippers goes at 7:00pm
