The first elimination game of the series is upon us as the Coastal Conference Quarterfinal rolls into the Train Station for Game 6. The Coquitlam Express won back-to-back in Games 4 and 5 and they now have the chance to punch their ticket to the conference semifinals.
Last night saw the lowest shot totals of the series by far as the Bulldogs and Express played perhaps the best defensive games we’ve laid eyes upon in the head-to-head. Adam Manji and Callum Tung both faced 24 each and earned first and second stars of the game respectively for their part in keeping the final score 2-1. Bodies were sacrificed on both teams to get down in front of the shooting lanes and the positioning to find loose pucks after the rebounds were given, if at all, was excellent.
In a series like this, every goal matters. Every night the scoring totals have slowly dwindled down with the teams becoming so well versed in playing one another. Familiarity breeds great hockey with the excitement ramping up each game.
Last night was electric at the Dawg Pound. One of the toughest barns to play in around the BCHL lived up to its reputation and fed the home side with the energy required to go stride for stride with an Express team bent on keeping their momentum from Game 4.
The shoe is on the other foot now as the Bulldogs come to the Train Station and the tighter confines are going to benefit the team that can execute quickly and efficiently. Last time out at the Poirier, Alberni really struggled to find their offensive stride. The Express closed out well on their opponent and forced rushed plays and quick attempts rather than the more methodical puck possession approach Alberni Valley is capable of. With the Bulldogs only scoring twice in the last two games, that’s going to create some frustration. Can they channel that into solid play or will it boil over into bad decisions and poorly timed penalties
The Express will likely be shorthanded again tonight on the backend. We will see if any of their three injured D-men will be available to return but there will be at least one reinforcement joining the squad. Zeyd Boltakke of the Coquitlam HC U18 team gets the nod to suit up for Game 6.
The pride of Qualicum Beach, BC has made seven BCHL appearances this season including three with the Express. In 25 games with Coquitlam HC in JPHL action this year he notched 16 points. Prior to that he has over 80 games of experience in the VIJHL across various teams. He is a solid stay-at-home defender who can get involved offensively when called upon.
Coquitlam will need to dig deep again tonight. Playing shorthanded for the second half of a game is one thing, it’s another to do that for the full 60. Being smart with their play and ensuring quick changes are held to will be imperative to keeping the energy levels up for when the game gets down to the critical junctures. Full buy-in from the entire group is what will take them to victory. If the forwards can keep play alive at the other end for longer and be smart with their passing and possession to limit odd man rushes and other high danger chances, that lessening of the pressure only serves to benefit the shortened rotation.
Neither team scored on the special teams last night so the penalty killers did their job but there were only 5 penalties called in the game overall. With the weight of an elimination game on the minds of both sides, there will likely be more tonight.
Alberni Valley is no stranger to being in an elimination scenario. They were down 3-2 against the Surrey Eagles in the conference semifinals and came back to win in Game 7. Croucher, Wismer, Nicholson, Kursonis, Braden Blace, McIsaac, Beneteau and Tung were all a part of that group that completed the comeback and went on to the Fred Page Cup finals so they have the poise and experience to get the job done if the Express aren’t careful.
The box office is already open at the Poirier so head down and grab your tickets or purchase them online here.
If you can’t make it out be sure to tune in to the broadcast with myself and the Starlide Productions crew, beginning around 6:45pm PST.
– Ian Wilson
