Unfortunately for the Express after game 2 at home, the monkey remains on their back. A 4-1 final score that feels like Deja Vu of the night before: several opportunities generated by controlling the flow of play but the opposing team’s goaltender wins the day as they get hot and stay hot throughout the night. Ajeet Gundarah had a statement game with 39 saves on 40 shots to backstop the Eagles to the victory. Then on the offensive side of things Caden Cranston lead the Eagles counterattack with force, scoring the opener after he slipped behind the defence on a brilliant lob feed from Josh Wessels. Cranston would have another similar play later on in the game, but ended up feeding Aaron Schwartz for his first of the season.
For the Express, Adam Manji had 42 saves in his own right so all credit is due there. The offence just didn’t have enough punch to support those saves. Jackson Krill had another extremely effective game producing chances and moving the puck as his early second period rush saw it conclude with a wicked pass across the crease to Drew Garzone to pot Coquitlam’s lone goal. Michael Adamek looked very good on the blueline, leading several rushes as well as showing off a rare hipcheck at centre ice. His efforts earned him the Fortis BC energy player of the game honours.
Up next for Coquitlam is a road trip that sees them take on a few mainland opponents in Chilliwack and Langley before heading to the island to see Victoria and Cowichan. Perhaps history will be destined to repeat itself as this time last year the Express were also left with some unanswered questions after home opener weekend. What would happen next is a resurgence after they headed out on the road.
You can grab tickets to the next home games here. As the Express will next look to defend home ice in October when they once again host Surrey October 13th.
Mariner Brewing 3 Stars
3: Drew Garzone (1G)
2: Ajeet Gundarah (39 Saves)
1: Caden Cranston (1G, 1A)
– Ian
