The Express are currently one of the hottest teams in the BCHL, and are poised to win their 5th straight game Friday night. Over that stretch they have out scored their opposition 24-10, and have also received some timely goaltending from both Gordie Defiel and Pierce Dushenko. With at least 21 more goals than any other team in the league, the Express offence has been an a attractive ticket all year. However, in the last weeks they have been good in all aspects of the game, and the results are a clear indication. As head coach Barry Wolff explains it, “we are putting together as close to a 60 minute performance as we have all year, and are getting team play from every one, goalies, d-men and forwards”.
The Merrit Centennials are also on a win streak of their own, coming off back to back impressive wins over Vernon and Penticton. Devin Kero was stellar in net for the Cents in both games, and will most likely get the start on Friday, as he will be well rested. University of Connecticut committed forward Jeff Wight has averaged a point a game this season and alongside his line mate Scott Patterson, will be a tough test for the improved Express defence to handle.
Currently, Coquitlam is only six points out of 2nd place in the Mainland Division and just a few wins away from clinching a playoff birth. It is an exciting time in the season with the team coming together, but for now, Wolff is focused on the task at hand. “Our next 3 weeks are going to be tough, and we have to just take it game by game, and chip away and steal some wins”, he explains.
The evening gets underway at 6:30pm with a Chinese Dance performance. Spectators will also be treated to Korean Drummers and an Iranian Dance performance throughout the evening.
