The Coquitlam Express may be 0-5 in exhibition play, but none of that will matter when the team starts playing for keeps this weekend.
The British Columbia Hockey League club starts their 58-game schedule on Saturday against the Chilliwack Chiefs, a team the Express lost to last weekend in a pre-season matchup.
While roster spots are still being firmed up, Coquitlam coach Barry Wolff will get a chance to see how his team performs when there are two points on the line, wins the team will desperately need if it hopes to be on the right side of the playoff bar come March.
The Express had a tough showing last week as the team slogged its way through a five-game exhibition schedule.
On Saturday, in the final pre-season match, Coquitlam fell 4-2 to the Surrey Eagles at the South Surrey Arena. The team also had a difficult time in last Thursday’s matchup against Wenatchee — the BCHL’s newest franchise.
The American squad put up six goals while Coquitlam was not able to garner any offence.
While the regular season will be under way starting this weekend, it will be a while before any local fans get a taste of the action.
The Express are not scheduled to play at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex until October 3, when the club is expected to take on the Cowichan Valley Capitals.
PANTHERS
The Coquitlam Express are not the only junior hockey team gearing up for the season.
The Pacific Junior Hockey League’s Port Moody Panthers are also set to launch their 44-game junior B season this Saturday when the Ridge Meadows Flames come to the Port Moody Arena.
The Cats have won a game and lost a game to the Flames during exhibition play, a four-game series that saw the club go 1-2-1. Aside from the loss to the Flames last week, the club also dropped a 3-0 decision to the Grandview Steelers on Friday.
Saturday’s Port Moody Panthers home opener will start at 7:45 p.m. at the Port Moody Arena. For more information go to www.portmoodypanthers.com.
