The Coquitlam Express battled back from a 3-0 deficit but ultimately fell short, 4-3, to the Chilliwack Chiefs Friday (Jan. 28) at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex.
The Chiefs scored three times in the first period, but a power play goal by Ryan Tattle four minutes into the middle frame started the home team on the comeback trail.
Mateo Dixon’s goal 4:28 into the third period — also on a power play — got the Express within a goal then Jayden Sison tied it less than five minutes later.
But it only took the Chiefs 23 seconds to regain the lead, this time for good, when Kienan Draper beat Express goalie Brayden Melnyk, a call-up from the Chilliwack Jets of the Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL) who was making his first start for Coquitlam.
Melnyk made 34 saves, while Chiefs goalie Grant Riley faced 29 shots.
The loss was the second in a row for the Express after a pair of wins over the Chiefs last weekend.
Coquitlam was defeated 4-2 by the Langley Rivermen on Wednesday (Jan. 26).
The team hosts the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Sunday afternoon (Jan. 30) at 3 p.m.
