Coming off of back-to-back victories on the road to start their 2021-22 preseason campaign, the Coquitlam Express are looking to make it a three in a row with a win in their first home game of the season! The Merritt Centennials are in town and the puck is dropped at 7:00PM.
Express GM,Tali Campbell says that fans in the building are especially impactful in these strange times,
“We are excited to welcome fans back in the Train Station tonight. Our players are pumped, our staff are pumped, it’s a great day to be an Express. Although it is only exhibition, we are looking to build on the success of fans in the building during the 2020 playoffs.”
This is an Express team that has been offensively potent through two games, potting 12 goals, including four powerplay markers. Head coach Brandon Shaw is hoping to continue this trend tonight,
“The offence has been really nice to see. The guys have been going to the right areas and have been rewarded for it.”
It’s been the returning players who have really been leading by example for this young group – players like Matthew Campbell and Dante Berrettoni, who have both had multi-goal games . Shaw says this has a trickle-down effect on the newer, younger players,
“The expectation for our returning players and veterans is to lead by example. We are more worried about the process and how we play. When you play the right way with effort and attention to detail, you get rewarded. The younger guys always look up to the guys who have been there and when they play that way, it builds the right culture.”
Shaw’s team has been perfect on the road so far this preseason, but tonight is a whole new experience with fans in their own building. It’s an experience that will be new to a lot of the players in the lineup. Shaw says that it’s a very special experience,
“Playing in front of fans is special and a great memory for every junior hockey player. It’s great to have our fans back at the Train Station. It’ll be great for our new players and staff to see it for the first time in a very long time!”
For the visiting Centennials, this is their first taste of preseason action.
The remainder of the Express’ preseason schedule looks like this:
- Sept. 24 vs Surrey – 7:00PM
- Sept. 29 vs Langley – 7:00PM
- Oct. 1 @ Chilliwack – 6:00PM
#AllAboard #WeAreAllExpress
