Far from home will the Powell River Kings be as they make the journey to the mainland to take on the Coquitlam Express. 7pm puck drop is scheduled this evening for the two Coastal Conference sides as the Train Station looks to keep the energy and momentum high after this past Sunday’s fantastic game against Chilliwack. A lot of good certainly came out of the win versus the Chiefs, but the big question is can the Express convert those excellencies into consistency.
Over the last 5 seasons Coquitlam and Powell River sport a head-to-head in favour of the Express of 11-9 but this Kings squad has looked to turn over a new leaf this year. Little time is wasted when the opening puck is dropped, as they have been excellent at breaking the ice so to speak, opening the scoring in every single game so far this season. How the Express handle that early pressure will be a huge tell-tale for how this affair could finish.
For Coquitlam, continuing the positives from Sunday’s bash will be massive, especially considering they were a perfect 5/5 on the penalty kill as one of those big pluses. That was largely in part to Adam Manji earning his first career BCHL shutout as the Burnaby Brick Wall stopped all 35 attempts on goal, but also the shot blocking was furious. Early season standing jockeying is at stake with the Express sitting in fifth and hoping to move within 1 point of Alberni Valley with a win. Powell River are hot on their tails sitting in 6th, just one point behind Coquitlam with a game in hand.
Jake Manfre (3G-5A) and Drew Garzone (2G-6A) lead the way up front for the Express as they look to continue a solid offensive streak of play. Manfre is currently on an impressive 6 game point streak dating back to the Express’ first road game of the season out in Chilliwack, Sept 27th. On the Powell River side of the equation, Anthony Yu has been an early season facilitator notching 2 goals and 11 assists.
Grab your tickets online or stop by the box office and come pack the Train Station before the boys leave for a 3 game road-trip that includes the BCHL showcase in Seattle. Live broadcast for tonight’s game as always is on FloHockey.
– Ian
