Oct. 23 – Week 7 of the BCHL regular season served up a light schedule in terms of games for the Express, but the single game against division rival, Prince George, implied a two game swing. It was the first matchup of the season between these two teams, who were separated by only one point going into Saturday. The Spruce Kings came into Coquitlam riding a three game winning streak and the hot hand of goaltender, Kirk Thompson, who was coming off BCHL Player of the Week honours. The Express had a mini two game winning streak of their own and were excited to be in position to leapfrog the Kings.
Saturday night was a busy one at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex, with over 1,000 fans on hand to see the "Battle for 1st". They were entertained by a back-and-forth 1st Period. Both goaltenders turned aside some challenging opportunities and the offenses were buzzing. With four minutes remaining in the frame, Beau Orser was able to rickochete a puck past Thompson from the point, giving the Express a 1-0 lead.
The Spruce Kings made some intermission adjustments and came out in the 2nd with a more give-and-take approach in the defensive zone. They were able to squander many of the high-scoring areas in their end, while doubling up the shot total, 12-6, over the Express. New Express players, Brandon Morley and Philip Zeilonka, moved around the lineup, trying to find a connection with new teammates. The unfamiliarty was somewhat apparent due to the frequency of turnovers in the frame. Strong play by Cole Huggins kept the Express on top heading into the 3rd.
Prince George capitalized early in the frame, when Matthew Bissett shoveled home the game-tieing goal during a scrum in front of the net. Kirk Thompson continued his stellar play down the stretch, showing the Coquitlam faithful why he was voted P.O.W.. Then, with less than a minute and a half to go, former Express player, Cam Lawson, snapped home the go-ahead tally, deflating the building while elating his bench. The Spruce Kings transitioned to shut down mode and pulled out the victory.
At the conclusion of Week 7, the Express sit in 3rd Place in the Mainland Division, 3-points behind Chilliwack and Prince George for 1st. Next weekend features two home games, Friday at 7pm against the very Chilliwack Chiefs that the Express are pursuing, Sunday's game goes 2pm against the Langley Rivermen.
Saturday night was a busy one at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex, with over 1,000 fans on hand to see the "Battle for 1st". They were entertained by a back-and-forth 1st Period. Both goaltenders turned aside some challenging opportunities and the offenses were buzzing. With four minutes remaining in the frame, Beau Orser was able to rickochete a puck past Thompson from the point, giving the Express a 1-0 lead.
The Spruce Kings made some intermission adjustments and came out in the 2nd with a more give-and-take approach in the defensive zone. They were able to squander many of the high-scoring areas in their end, while doubling up the shot total, 12-6, over the Express. New Express players, Brandon Morley and Philip Zeilonka, moved around the lineup, trying to find a connection with new teammates. The unfamiliarty was somewhat apparent due to the frequency of turnovers in the frame. Strong play by Cole Huggins kept the Express on top heading into the 3rd.
Prince George capitalized early in the frame, when Matthew Bissett shoveled home the game-tieing goal during a scrum in front of the net. Kirk Thompson continued his stellar play down the stretch, showing the Coquitlam faithful why he was voted P.O.W.. Then, with less than a minute and a half to go, former Express player, Cam Lawson, snapped home the go-ahead tally, deflating the building while elating his bench. The Spruce Kings transitioned to shut down mode and pulled out the victory.
At the conclusion of Week 7, the Express sit in 3rd Place in the Mainland Division, 3-points behind Chilliwack and Prince George for 1st. Next weekend features two home games, Friday at 7pm against the very Chilliwack Chiefs that the Express are pursuing, Sunday's game goes 2pm against the Langley Rivermen.
