Early in the BC Junior Hockey League season, it seems a visit from the Coquitlam Express may be just what’s needed to give home fans their first taste of victory. At least that’s what happened on Vancouver Island last weekend.
The Express gave up four goals in the third period Sunday and lost their second straight BC Junior Hockey League game on Vancouver Island, 5-3 to the Cowichan Valley Capitals. It was the Capitals’ first win of the season.
The Express also gave the Alberni Valley Bulldogs their first win of the season on Saturday by the same score.
Against the Capitals, Christian Sanda and Hunter Fraser gave the Express an early lead before Andrew Jackson halved it 18:21 into the first period.
After a scoreless second period, Jackson scored again 24 seconds into the third to tie the game. He also assisted on Ty Pochipinski’s power play goal 2:02 later that gave the Capitals their first lead.
But it lasted less than two minutes when Jake Brien was able to bring the Express even on a set up by Mitch Newsome.
But Ethan Scardina beat Express goalie Clay Stevenson with the winner 7:31 into the period and Azzaro Tinling’s power play goal gave the Capitals the insurance they needed to secure the win. The Express have yet to put a mark in the win column, with a tie and two losses.
The Express will try to be less gracious visitors on Wednesday when they play West Kelowna at the Prospera Centre in Chilliwack as part of the league’s annual showcase that brings all BCHL teams together in one location for college and pro scouts. Coquitlam will also play Victoria next Sunday as part of the showcase.
