Its an early one for the Express as they kick off the final day of the BCHL showcase with a 10:50am puckdrop against the Merritt Centennials. The game against Vernon on Monday is one that Coquitlam did not expect with the recent form they showed going into the contest. But like Ted Lasso always says, “Be a goldfish”. Early season adversity breeds continued determination to improve, so to be humbled once in awhile isn’t a bad thing.
Over the last 5 seasons the head-to-head is in Coquitlam’s favor at 3-0-1 but expect a very different Centennials squad this year. With the new regulations surrounding rosters and import players with the BCHL going independent, there’s some interesting talents on the Merritt side. Of note is Zachary Losier, as the Niagara Falls native has 9 goals already this season, an impressive start to the rookie campaign. Merritt’s kryptonite has been their defence, however. While they have been able to put up goals at an impressive rate, 43 total which puts them 4th in the interior and would be second in the coastal, they are in a tie for second most allowed in the league with 48. If the Express can capitalize with the balanced scoring they’ve relied on this season, it could end well for them.
Coquitlam is going to have to batten down the hatches defensively if they hope to come out on top. With the aforementioned offensive potency of Merritt, they’ll need to stick with their assignments and dig-in in front of their netminder to keep things visible. Expect to see Ethan Simcoe this morning, as is tradition with the showcase teams will give both their goalies a game each. Simcoe’s last game out was the 3-2 home win against Powell River that saw Simcoe turn aside 31 of 33 enroute to his 2nd BCHL start and 2nd BCHL win.
The game is available live from the Kraken Community Iceplex on FloHockey!
STATS
COQUITLAM
Jake Manfre – 4G 6A / Drew Garzone – 3G 7A
Ethan Simcoe – 2W-0L / 3.00 GAA / .913SV%
MERRITT
Michael Felsing – 4G 11A / Ryan Spinale 5G 9A
Andrew Ballantyne – 2W-3L / 4.84 GAA / .873SV%
– Ian
