Tonight will be a big test for the Express as they continue the interior swing in Salmon Arm. The old stomping grounds of Jacob Bonkowski are the third stingiest team in the BCHL in the goals allowed department, so for a team looking to reignite the fires of offence, there are few better occasions to rise too.
The Silverbacks look to ride the momentum off their 4-1 win over the Smoke Eaters last night in a rugged showing. Salmon Arm is a well oiled defensive machine but their offence has also slowed down production of late. They find themselves in a .500 stretch of hockey through the last 10 in games mostly against the lower half of the interior. There may be some frustration lingering that the Express will need to parse their way through at the beginning of this contest.
The Shaw Centre is up there for tough road barns to play in within the BCHL. A beautiful facility that teems with rowdy fans every time the Silverbacks defend home ice. Taking the crowd out of the game early will be key to establishing the tone. Coquitlam have done this well this campaign with great showings at the Chilliwack Coliseum which sports a similar brand of passionate fanbase and big barn feel.
Last night was a version of the Express we need to see on the regular heading into the playoffs. The defence clearing pucks away from the opposition to mitigate 2nd and 3rd chance opportunities, the offence using the speed to attack the outside and work quickly into the zone, no hero puck as the team movement is well oiled, and the powerplay finding ways to chip in and capitalize.
That powerplay goal last night was absolutely beautiful. For a guy like Jackson Krill who has a wicked shot, to see him utilising his passing ability to that level turns him into the multi level threat he truly is. The Express need to buy in more and more to that mentality of personal sacrifice, at least in being the one to score, to lift the team overall. Chipping in with physicality, speed and passing are the pieces to the puzzle for Coquitlam to elevate their offensive game to the level we saw prior to the winter break.
The last time these teams squared off was all the way back at the BCHL showcase in Chilliwack during the 2022-2023 season. A 4-0 win for the Silverbacks that Michael Rubin and Luke Vardy will likely remember. Expect a chip on their shoulders as well as Jacob Bonkowski’s as the Express venture for a 2-0 interior sweep. Catch all the action on FloHockey with Zach Stewart, 6pm opening faceoff.
– Ian Wilson
