The Coquitlam Express have defeated the Surrey Eagles 5-2 in BCHL action.
Coquitlam took to the road for the first time this season. But the Express didn’t let the road crowd get to them. As it was another fast start for Coquitlam as Erik Wittwer would get his first BCHL goal just 5:17 into the opening frame. Coquitlam would then run into some penalty trouble. Taking back to back calls eventually leading to Nishaan Parmar tying the game up for Surrey, with his 3rd on the season. Both goalies would stay solid for the remainder of the first. As the Express found themselves tied up after 20 minutes for the first time this season.
The Express would look to take over in the second period. And would get another early goal as Todd Kilpela sent a seeing eye shot from the point for his first career BCHL goal. Coquitlam then had to kill off another penalty, but the PK remained strong, holding off Surrey’s offence, who would finish the period with 12 shots on goal. It was a tight game after Kilpela’s marker, but with Cole Bieksa speeding down the wing he would snap it post and in to score his first career BCHL goal. Coquitlam would hold onto the 3-1 lead heading into the 3rd period.
Coquitlam would be short handed to kick off the final frame, but yet again the PK comes up strong for Coquitlam. They’d come up big once again as the Express would wind up with a 5 on 3 penalty kill. Coquitlam did all they could to get it back to 5 on 5, and right as they did. Surrey would take their first penalty of the game, giving the Express a man advantage opportunity. Justin Ivanusec would cash in on the powerplay for his 3rd on the season to make it a 4-1 game. The Eagles would look for a late push, and would get it. As with the goalie pulled Lucas DiGiantommaso would cut the lead back to 2. Surrey would continue to press and get their goaltender back to the bench, but Erik Wittwer would pot an empty netter to make it 5-2. Ryan Parker would hold on for 33 saves in the win, as the Express improve to 3-0 on the regular season.
The Express return to action on Friday, October 3rd to host the Langley Rivermen at The Train Station!
