OVERVIEW: Week 6 of the BCHL season saw your 1st place Express take to the road for two games against the Interior Division. It kicked off Friday night in Trail with matchup against the Smoke Eaters. Rookie goaltender, Daniel Urbani, set the tone for the Express by turning away all 39 shots he faced in a 4-0 shutout.
The following night the Express paid a visit to the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm for a "knock 'em down, drag 'em out" showdown with the Silverbacks. After spotting an early 2-0 lead, the boys from Coquitlam steamed back with 3 unanswered tallies and eventually took the game 4-3.
Oct. 12th: The first stop on the interior swing lead the Express into Trail Smoke Eater territory. Coach Calvano called on rookie goaltender, Daniel Urbani, to man the crease. Urbani answered the call turning away all 39 shots he faced, to earn his 1st career BCHL win and shutout. It's the 3rd shutout of the season for the Express.
The boys from Coquitlam jumped on the Smokies early, when Alexander Kerfoot tallied just 1:14 into the game. Despite the long trek to the interior, the Express were able to carry much of the play, maintaining the lead through the 1st.
The 2nd period was often back and forth until rookie forward, Luca Leone was able to break free from the corner and feed John Seimer, putting the Express up 2-0 14:49 into the frame. Justin Georgeson was able to extend the lead to 3 before the end of the frame when he capitalized on a Smokies turnover while killing a Kerfoot slashing minor.
Urbani was able to stand tall the rest of the way, earning himself 1st Star honours. Adam Rockwood added an insurance marker, and a beauty at that, when he found himself alone in front of Smokies goaltender Lyndon Stanwood.
Oct. 13th: Despite coming out fresh on Friday, the travel seemed to catch up with the Express come Saturday night at the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm. Two early penalties resulted in a short bench and numerous chances for the Silverbacks. Alex Gillies slid a powerplay marker past Cole Huggins at the 7:31 mark, giving a lead to the home side.
Brock Balston put the Silverbacks up by 2 early in the 2nd, forcing the Express to refocus in an attempt to claw back into the game. Huggins was able to make some difficult saves which reinvigorated his teammates, resulting in 3 goals in less than 5 minutes. Mitch Nardi gave the Express a 3-2 lead, on the first goal of the season for the 19-year-old Captain.
A determined Salmon Arm squad came out to start the 3rd frame. Brandon Mistal evened the game up on an even strength goal 3:11 into the 3rd. An Express powerplay at 13:55 provided the oppourtunity Coquitlam was looking for. Brady Shaw was able to capitalize with his 2nd goal of the game, putting the Express ahead 4-3. Strong defensive play the rest of the way secured the victory, extending Coquitlam's unbeaten road streak.
Highlights: John Seimer finished the weekend with 4 assists and a 3rd Star mention in Salmon Arm… Adam Rockwood recorded 1 G and 1 A in his 1st two games of the season… Brady Shaw put home 3 points on Saturday, earning 1st Star honours in Salmon Arm… Mitch Nardi tallied his 1st goal of the season…. Daniel Urbani records his first BCHL win and shutout of his young career.
On Deck: Mainland Division rival, Prince George Spruce Kings come to town Saturday, in a battle for 1st Place.
