Feels like Deja-vu as the Coquitlam Express make their way down to South Surrey Arena once again to take on the Eagles. This will be the sixth time these teams face off as the Express look to find some way to topple one of the BCHL’s best.
They always say that in order to beat the best you have to be the best. Some look at the schedule and despair that you have to see some teams so many times more than others, but for an Express side looking to find their groove, there is nothing better than playing Surrey eight times this season. Some of Coquitlam’s best hockey execution and effort wise has been against Surrey, despite not coming out with the win in the end for four of five so far in 2023-2024. The play they inspired in those games has carried over into future contests, with every game following a Surrey contest this season being a win. Perhaps the trend will continue tonight.
With so many new additions as of late to the Express roster it’s only a matter of time before play-styles start to mesh and Coquitlam has a whole new dynamic to explore with their roster. Several of the new additions have already introduced themselves in impactful ways.
Matheson Mason got a big assist in the Nanaimo contest and has looked exceptional moving the puck. The Toronto product has already seen himself interjected into some key moments for the Express including extra attacker time.
Matthew Frost has a goal and assist in his three appearances including the game winner versus Nanaimo on January 6th.
Last but certainly not least is Oliver Gabrielson, who could be the Express’ secret weapon. The former Surrey Eagle had an assist this past Sunday and notched one the game prior versus Nanaimo. A player as familiar with Cam Keith’s systems as Gabrielson will certainly continue to be a boon as Coquitlam works to unravel the intricacies of Surrey’s game.
More importantly for the Express will be to find the scoring touch that has emerged into their game as of late. The Eagles are an airtight defensive unit backstopped by one of the best netminders in the league in Ajeet Gundarah. Patience will be an ultimate virtue as they probe for opportunities. They can’t get frustrated and start rushing their offence, which gives the Eagles chances to explore the counterattack.
And if it hasn’t already been said enough, stay out of the penalty box. The special teams scored the backbreaker in this past Sunday’s game with Ryden Evers finishing off a wicked display of passing between he, Caden Cranston and Aaron Schwartz. Surrey also sports the second best powerplay unit in the BCHL with 26 goals and a 27% conversion rate coming into tonight’s game.
Expect another exceptional night of hockey in South Surrey. There’s still time to make your way down and cheer on the boys on the road!
– Ian Wilson
