Score for Cancer Night has arrived at the Train Station as the Alberni Valley Bulldogs are in town for one last tango prior to the Holiday Hiatus.
To date, the initiative started by former Express Captain Ryan Tattle has raised over $150,000! Tonight should be a fantastic way to enter the break on a high note. There’s a $1000 guaranteed 50/50 jackpot as well as an online auction that goes live tonight at 5PM PST with all proceeds going to Score for Cancer. Tattle will be in the building tonight as well to drop the ceremonial puck.
This will be the third meeting of the season between Coquitlam and the Bulldogs with both prior games going Alberni’s way. The Express dropped a 4-1 decision at the Dawg Pound on October 26th and then it was a wild 4-3 OT finish at the Train Station November 15th. It’s a 2nd versus 6th matchup tonight but that gap isn’t all too large. Only four points separate the two sides and grabbing some more momentum heading into the winter break never hurt anyone.
The Express made great strides in battling the Bulldogs during their second showdown of the year. Some will look back on that game and remember the unfortunate calls, or lack thereof, from the officials down the stretch but Jeff Wagner made it clear after the game that Coquitlam put themselves in a situation for that to happen. The Express led 3-1 heading into the third period and then gave up two goals five-on-five. They have to keep their the foot on the gas pedal if they can establish an advantage and make sure that the defensive mentality is at the forefront. Especially important is taking away the Bulldogs’ transition game. Those two goals in the third to tie the game November 15th both came on rush plays.
Two very different types of seasons have befallen the combatants tonight as well. Alberni has been battle-hardened by several close games, coming away victorious to get their current 2nd place seeding in the Coastal Conference. Coquitlam on the other hand keep finding themselves in offensive showcases. Just look back to the 8-6 game last Saturday for the Teddy Bear Toss. The Express have gobs of firepower despite missing a few key pieces at present but they just need to find a way to lower opponents’ goal totals.
Coming into tonight, expect Alberni to be bent on getting back on track as yesterday they dropped a 4-1 decision on the road in Surrey. That will be a juxtaposition to the Express who are trying to maintain momentum having won three of their last four.
Come on out and cheer on the boys as we raise money for an incredible cause once again! If you can’t make it in person be sure to tune in to the broadcast live on Flohockey and check out the online auction.
– Ian Wilson
