The Coquitlam Express sit atop the Western Canada Cup Standings after a 2-1 win over the Winnipeg Blues on Monday night.
The Express are now in first place, the only undefeated team, with a 2-0 record and have already secured a spot in the Saturday elimination round play.
Once again it was Captain Ryan Rosenthal who got things started for the Express as he opened the scoring, going wide with speed, beating Blues goalie Byron Spriggs high on the blocker side at 14:49 of the opening frame, his third goal of the tournament.
The Winning goal came in the final minute of the period, off the stick of Brendan Lamont. Lamont pounded home the rebound off a Zach Hodder shot, Marc Biega drew the second assist.
The Express took a 2-0 lead into the second period, and the Blues cut the lead in half during the middle frame sending the teams into the third period with the Express holding a 2-1 lead. The Train, led by Player of the Game, Gordie Defiel, held the Blues scoreless in the third to close out the contest. Each team recorded 33 shots in the game.
Express Captain Ryan Rosenthal left the game mid-way through the second period and made a brief return to the ice in the third before heading back to the dressing room.
The Express will now enjoy a day off Tuesday and are back in action against the Yorktown Terriers of the SJHL on Wednesday night at 7pm Central, (5pm Pacfic).
