The Coquitlam Express surrendered the first eight goals of the game en route to a 9-2 loss to the Surrey Eagles, Sunday at the South Surrey Arena.
The game between the BC Hockey League Coastal division rivals went off the rails quickly for the visitors. Surrey’s Ty Brassington scored after just 30 seconds had been played in the first period and by the time the frame was half over, it was 4-0 for the Eagles.
That’s when Coquitlam’s starting goalie, Adam Manji, yielded to backup Ethan Simcoe. But the team’s fortunes didn’t improve.
The Eagles led 6-0 at the end of the first period and 8-0 after 40 minutes.
The Express finally got on the scoreboard in the third period. Jackson Krill scored his ninth goal of the season 6:38 in and less than three minutes later Jake Manfre scored unassisted.
Josh Wessels rounded out the scoring for Surrey with less than four minutes left in the game.
The Eagles, which have lost only five times in regulation this season and lead the Coastal division, fired 41 shots at Coquitlam’s two goalies.
The Express responded with 25 shots at Surrey netminder Colton Jugnauth.
With the score out of reach, the game took an ugly turn in the third period when Express captain Drew Garzone was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct for an illegal check to the head. Coquitlam forward Sebastian Bradshaw was also tossed from the game while Surrey’s Savek Brar was given a two-minute minor for roughing along with a misconduct.
The Express play a home-and-home series against the Chilliwack Chiefs beginning Friday, 7 p.m. at the Poirier Sport and Recreation Complex. The return match is scheduled for Saturday in Chilliwack.
