The Coquitlam Express squandered a two-goal advantage late in the third period and gave up the game winner 17 seconds into overtime to lose to the Powell River Kings, 5-4, in their BC Hockey League game, Friday at the Scotia Barn in Burnaby.
Despite the setback, the Express remains atop its pod with five points in four games. The Kings and Surrey Eagles each have four points.
Like the first time Coquitlam and Powell River played — last Friday’s season opener that was won by the Express, 7-6 — Friday’s game was wide open as the teams combined for 84 shots, 48 of them by the Kings.
But it was the Express that held a 2-1 advantage heading into the third period, on goals by Tyler Schleppe and Keeton Oakley.
Ryan Tattle extended Coquitlam’s margin to 3-1 with a power play goal 6:17 into the final frame. It was his fifth goal of the pod season.
After Ben Brunette got Powell River back to within a goal, Tattle set up Danny Pearson to restore the Express’s advantage.
But it only lasted 90 seconds, when Ethan Riesterer got Powell River back to within a goal with just over five minutes left in regulation time.
It was Kings’ sniper Josh Kagan who proved to be Coquitlam’s Rosebud, as he netted his seventh of the season to tie the game with two minutes to go, then again in extra time.
Tattle and Schleppe led Express scorers, each with a goal and an assist, while Jaden Little took the loss in his first start in Coquitlam’s net.
The Express next play against the Surrey Eagles, Sunday afternoon at the Scotia Barn.
BCHL withdraws from CJHL
The BCHL announced Friday evening it has withdrawn from the Canadian Junior Hockey League, the governing body for the 10 Junior A hockey leagues in Canada.
In a statement on its social media accounts, the BCHL said it would, however, continue its partnerships with Hockey Canada and BC Hockey.
The CJHL responded with a statement of its own, affirm its commitment to the nine remaining leagues under its umbrella, as well as participation in the Centennial Cup national championship, the World Junior A Challenge tournament and its annual prospects game.
While it’s immediately unclear what the BCHL’s move means, reports in recent weeks had suggested a new affiliation with the Alberta Junior Hockey League as well as the 14-team US Hockey League may be in the works. Neither of those organizations has made any kind of announcement.
Express general manager Tali Campbell confirmed BCHL governors will be meeting this weekend and more information will likely be forthcoming after that.
