The Express suffered a defeat at the hands of the Cowichan Valley Capitals in tonight’s home opener at Poirier Sports and Leisure Complex.
Rookie forward Igor Silchenko started his BCHL debut hot, scoring on his first shot of the game. However Cowichan Valley responded quickly, Brendan Finley equalizing just six minutes later.
Then, in a sign of things to come, Cowichan Valley struck on the power play to get their first lead of the night, which they never relinquished.
The second period saw two more power play goals for the Capitals, as their struggling man advantage came to life against the Express.
Coquitlam were able to rally somewhat in the third, drawing within two goals from an early Morozov tally, but that would be the last tally for the offence until the final few minutes of the game.
It felt like the Express had a chance when an unusual double-minor was assessed to Roan Burgess for Illegal Equipment, but the special teams issues continued to plague them as the power play failed to generate a goal. In a last ditch effort, the Express pulled netminder Girard, then the Capitals scored an empty netter to effectively seal the deal.
Michael Munroe scored his first of the season to get the Express back within two, but it would prove too little too late, as the final score finished 5-3 Capitals.
Several positive takeaways for the Express included a second line that looked much more threatening than prior games, and an excellent debut for Igor Silchenko, but no doubt special teams will be a big focus for tomorrow’s rematch against the Chiefs.
Coquitlam play again on home ice tomorrow night at 7pm, come visit the Train Station or catch the game on FloHockey with broadcasters Zach Clarke and Markus Gill!
