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Post Game Thoughts – Coquitlam Express vs. Vernon Vipers (11/19/22)

The Express defeated the Vernon Vipers 2-1.

First Period:

The first period had back and forth opportunities as both teams looked to open the scoring.

At 12:14 Anson McMaster was called for holding and gave the Express their first power play. The Vipers managed to kill it off.

Shots through 20 minutes were 11-10 in favour of the Vipers.

Second Period:

As the period began we saw a goalie change with Adam Manji taking a seat and Brady Smith coming in.

The Express got another early opportunity on the power play as Lee Parks was called for hooking at 1:42. The Express would generate chances but couldn’t bury one.

Gavin Giesbrecht took the Express’s first penalty at 8:25 as he was called for tripping.

At 10:03 the Vipers capitalized on the power play to make it 1-0 as Reagan Milburn found the back of the net.

The Express would pick up another penalty as Drew Garzone caught his man up high as he went to chase the puck and was called for a high-sticking minor, but they managed to kill it off.

Evan Brown would pick up his first BCHL goal at 16:09 off a passing play from Buttazzoni and Dixon to tie the game.

Less than 40 seconds later Gavin Giesbrecht received a pass from Gallucci and went top shelf on a hard angle to give the Express the lead.

Third Period:

The Vipers got an early power play opportunity as Colton Alexander was called for high-sticking 19 seconds into the period, but they blocked shots and managed to keep the 1-goal lead.

At 2:51 goaltender Ethan David was called for roughing as he knocks Buttazzoni down in front of him. The Express held zone time but could not capitalize.

At 12:06 both Buttazzoni and Brandes got offsetting minors to make it 4 on 4.

The Vipers pulled the goalie late and were forcing shots through, but the team stood tall and managed to secure the win.

Post Game Thoughts:

With the injury to Manji, Brady Smith came in and played a calm game which allowed the Express to make simple plays and remain level-headed.

Evan Brown with his first BCHL goal was a focal point and despite scoring, his play making abilities shine with the amount of chances he generated and space he opened up.

The penalty kill was strong and didn’t give up any high-danger chances which was balanced by the lack of scoring on the power play.

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