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OCT 23RD: Stateside to start the Showcase!

The Express are heading stateside to Seattle for the start of the BCHL Showcase! The Kraken Community Iceplex is the site of what should be a great showdown between Coquitlam and the Vernon Vipers. The 3rd seed in the Interior Conference was on a 6 game win streak before dropping a rematch to the West Kelowna Warriors on home ice. Expect the Vipers to come out guns blazing as they look to restore the momentum and pick up a few more points as they jockey for top position on their side of the league. As for Coquitlam, they’re rocking a 2 game win streak following some impressive gritty wins versus Chilliwack and Powell River. The dogfight for middle-of-the-pack standings in the Coastal Conference continues as with a win, the Express could move up to 4th place.

Both teams have had differing success in the offensive department thus far with Vernon netting 37 goals on the campaign including 4 games where they had 5 or more. On Coquitlam’s end they have only mustered 25, but their defense has made up for it in many of the tight contests they’ve come across. Expect the Vipers to look at getting out the gate early such that Adam Manji doesn’t have time to get comfortable in the new rink. Manji is coming off his first career BCHL shutout against Chilliwack, so expect him to be fired up to carry that momentum into a tough Vernon clash.

Speaking of the new barn, with this being the showcase, usually there is at least some familiarity with the facility as Chilliwack usually hosts at the Coliseum. Things are very different this time around. The Kraken Community Iceplex is fresh territory for all these teams so seeing which side can adapt to the style of play that sheet of ice will allow for is critical. The lights will surely be shining bright as scouts from across the NCAA descend on Seattle to see the best the BCHL has to offer. Expect to see some interesting lineup combinations both ways as players get their chance to show what they’re made of.

The broadcast for the game is available as always on FloHockey where Graham Turnbull of the Vipers will have the call.

LEADERS

COQUITLAM

Jake Manfre – 4G 6A

Drew Garzone – 3G 7A

Adam Manji – 2W 4L / 2.97GAA / .917SV%

VERNON

Hank Cleaves – 4G 8A

Julian Facchinelli – 5G 7A

Colin Reay (Expected Starter) – 2W 0L / 2.50GAA / .914SV%

BOXSCORE

– Ian