The Coquitlam Express are heading out on the road for a pair of games against the Chilliwack Chiefs and Surrey Eagles, bruised from a 4-2 loss to the Eagles last Saturday at the Poirier Sports and Leisure Complex.
The Express spotted the visitors a 2-0 lead in the first period before Joshua Wildauer got one of those back with a shorthanded goal set up by Devon Mussio and Joshua Bruce. Coquitlam was also outshot, 16-4.
The Express came to life in the second period, outshooting the Eagles 14-11. But they couldn’t beat goalie Daniel Davidson.
John Wesley put Surrey up 3-1 just 27 seconds into the third period. Eric Linell’s sixth goal of the season got the home team to within a goal but any hopes of completing a comeback were dashed just over three minutes later when Ryan Brushett scored to put the Eagles back up by two.
The Express play in Chilliwack on Saturday and in Surrey next Friday before they return home to host the Eagles again on Nov. 11.
Express and BCHL looking out for players
The Express, and other teams in the BC Hockey League, have partnered with Together We Can (TWC) recovery and addiction centre to help raise awareness addiction and mental health issues.
League commissioner John Grisdale said the relationship will help players cope with setbacks they might encounter like injuries and concussion.
“The pressures of junior hockey can give some the idea they have failed and if an injury, particularly a concussion, is added to the equation it can be hard to cope with,” Grisdale said in a release.
In fact, two former junior players now working for TWC in their intake services department are living examples. Steve Bull and Nathan MacMaster both played junior hockey whose struggles with being away from home and injuries led to cycles of substance abuse.
“While many athletes may have experienced addiction in their lives, we also know that sports play an important role in the healing process,” said TWC’s Christopher Steffler. “Participation brings people together to work towards a common goal and encourages physical fitness, both of which are integral to leading a healthy lifestyle and building a life of sobriety.”
