The Coquitlam Express have defeated the Vernon Vipers 2-1 in BCHL action
Coquitlam rolled into Abbotsford for the first of back to back games at the 2025 BCHL Showcase. The Express would fall shorthanded early as Cole Bishop would take a cross checking penalty just 47 second into the game, but Coquitlam would kill off their first of 7 penalties of the night. The goaltenders controlled the first period. With Vernon’s Oliver Kanat finishing the period with 12 saves, and Ryan Parker with 7. Leaving the Express and Vipers scoreless after 20 minutes of play.
Coquitlam would then see their first powerplay opportunity of the night early in the middle frame, but Vernon’s penalty would also come up strong for them, killing off their first of 3 on the night. The Vipers would finally be the team to solve one of the goaltenders as Tyler Chiovetti would get his 3rd of the season beating Parker from the slot. Despite more powerplay chances, a post, and a disallowed goal due to the whistle being blown. The Express would find themselves down 1-0 heading into the final 20 minutes of regulation
It was a make or break 3rd for the Express with their win streak on the line. But the offence just wasn’t able to find an answer. Coquitlam would find themselves shorthanded again after a too many men call, but once again a big penalty kill began to swing momentum into Coquitlam’s favour. With Ryan Parker making his was to the bench, the Express would turn it up a notch to try and get the game tied late. And with 28 seconds left in the 3rd Justin Ivanusec would finally get Coquitlam on the board. Tying the game up at 1 and sending the Express to overtime for the first time this season
The Express would start overtime shorthanded after a late penalty from Nolan Dupont, but it was once again the penalty kill coming up huge, followed by a massive right pad save from Ryan Parker. It took almost the entire extra frame, but it’d the Captain Cooper Wilson icing the game in overtime with his 1st on the season. Giving Coquitlam the 2-1 victory.
The Express are right back at it tomorrow to take on the Blackfalds Bulldogs to wrap up their schedule at the Showcase.
