by Eddie Gregory
The powerplay struck three times to pace the attack as the Express won their 15th straight game and 22nd in the last 23 by a 4-3 score over the West Kelowna Warriors.Click here for boxscore
Friday’s game kicked off a three game road trip for the Express. And it was their first visit of the season to an Interior division opponent that wasn’t part of the BCHL showcase.
Max Bulawka gave the Warriors a 1-0 lead that carried into the second period.
Massimo Rizzo pulled the Express even early in the second period converting a cross ice pass on a one timer to tie the game at one on Rizzo’s 11th of the season from Will Margel and Connor Gregga.
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Just over three minutes later the Warriors took their second lead of the night. They won a draw in the Express zone to start a powerplay. And 8 seconds into the advantage Wyatt Head snapped a shot past a surprised Clay Stevenson for a 2-1 Warriors lead.
The Warriors lead lasted only 15 seconds as the Express forced a turnover deep in the Warriors zone and Greg Lapointe was set up in the slot and he buried his 22nd goal of the season.
His 22 goals are second in the entire BCHL. And the St. Lawrence committed forward has goals in three straight games. And is riding a 7 game point streak with 5 goals and 6 assists for 11 points in that time.
The game remained tied until past the midway mark of the third period when Adam Trotman was credited with the goal ahead goal by having a Drew Cooper slapshot deflect off the Express forward and past Brock Baier for the second poewrplay goal of the night.
Three minutes later Trotman finished off a pretty passing play on the rush for the third Express powerplay goal of the game assisted by Greg Lapointe and Drew Cooper. For Trotman he hit double digits with his 10th of the season. He along with Drew Cooper and Greg Lapointe had two point nights for the Express. The powerplay was a perfect 3 for 3 Friday night.
Lucas Cullen scored with 20 seconds left to make it a 4-3 game, but that would be as close as the Warriors would come for a comeback tonight.
Clay Stevenson finished with 30 saves to extend his personal winning streak to 17 games.
The road trip continues Saturday night in Vernon before concluding Sunday in Salmon Arm.
