The Coquitlam Express hosted the Langley Rivermen Friday night at the Train Station. Unfortunately, the Rivermen would take this one 3-2.
The first period was an intense and emotional one, with the Express coming out very strong after dropping their previous two outings against the Rivermen. Langley opened the scoring on their first shot of the game just over two minutes into the game, but it was Matthew Campbell who would come up with a big tying goal shortly after. The rest of the period was fast-paced and physical, but it was the Express who would find a goal shorthanded with under a minute left in the period courtesy of Jayden Sison. The Express would take that 2-1 lead into the first intermission.
The second period was a scoreless frame, but it was a fast one. Both teams traded chances as the neutral zone was up for grabs for both clubs. Odd-man rushes were abundant and the fans in attendance enjoyed the show. After 40 minutes of play, the Rivermen were outshooting the Express 28-25. The Express went to a powerplay late in the frame, and they took 23 seconds of it with them into the break up 2-1.
The third frame was an exciting one, but the Rivermen would find two goals just seven seconds apart with just over seven minutes elapsed. The Express pushed for the remainder of the period and came very close, finding iron twice, but they just couldn’t find twine.
Connor MacKenzie was fantastic in between the pipes for the Express, making great saves at pivotal points of the hockey game to keep close throughout. Upfront, Sison was terrific for the Express, chipping in on both of the Express’ tallies with a goal and an assist.
The Express deserved a victory Friday night, but it just wasn’t in the cards. Overall, they played strong throughout and came as close as they have all season to a full 60-minute effort – that seven second lapse was a killer.
The Express are back in action Saturday night when they host the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. They need to build off of their strong play Friday night and not let the loss deflate them heading into Saturday’s contest.
#AllAboard | #WeAreAllExpress
