The Coquitlam Express lost their second straight game at the Western Canada Cup as they dropped a 5-3 decision to the Dauphin Kings on Thursday night in Manitoba.
The Kings jumped out to a 4-0 lead, as they opened the scoring in the game's first minute and scored another late in the first period to take a two goal lead after 20 minutes. The Kings scored the first two goals of the second period before Zack Hodder got the Train back on track. Hodder was the trailer on a 4-2 break and he slammed home an Adam Rockwood pass from the high slot. The goal was originally scored as unassisted and later changed to credit Rockwood and Bo Pieper with the assists.
The Express entered the final period trailing the Kings 4-1 and cut into the lead with a goal in the first minute of play.
Mark Whiteley scored at 38 seconds with Canon Pieper and Adam Rockwood drawing the assists.
It was a hard fought battle to the end with a empty net goal by the Kings sealing the deal in the game's final minute. A Jace Hennig goal with just 15 seconds left rounded out the scoring, Jackson Cressey and Mark Whiteley picked up the asssists.
Express Captain Ryan Rosenthal took a regular shift during the game but he was clearly at less than 100 percent.
The Express will now play against the Spruce Grove Saints on Saturday afternoon at 2pm Central (12pm Pacific). The winner moves on to play the loser of the game between the Manitoba teams as Dauphin plays the Winnipeg Blues on Saturday night.
