This time the shutout was on the other foot.
After being held scoreless for two consecutive games, the Coquitlam Express unleashed six goals on the Surrey Eagles in a special BC Hockey League afternoon game Thursday at the South Surrey Arena. Better yet, Express goalie Brock Hamm didn’t allow any of the 41 shots he faced past him to earn his first shutout of the season.
In fact, the Express were firing on all cylinders to earn their third win over the Eagles — who sit in second place in the Mainland division — in their last four meetings as five of their goals were scored on the power play. The last time Coquitlam scored that often with the man advantage in a game was Dec. 16, 2011 when they defeated the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, 8-2.
Jonathan Sheardown set the tone for the afternoon five minutes after the opening faceoff when he scored his first BCHL goal while Surrey’s Ryan Brushett was serving a minor penalty for slashing. His goal was also the first time the Express had opened the scoring in six games.
Joshua Wildauer put the visitors up 2-0 with the first of two goals he scored in the game when he pounced on a loose puck in the crease and stuffed it past Surrey keeper Daniel Davidson
13:28 into the period. Again the Express were on the man advantage as the Eagles’ Owen Norton was in the box.
Another power play goal by Wildauer was the only scoring in the second period.
The Express sealed their winning afternoon with three more in the third.
Jack MacNab scored the game’s only goal when both teams were at full strength at 7:36 and William Lawrence and Christian Sanda finished off with power play markers.
Jordan Schulting totalled four assists for the Express, while Wildauer added a helper to his two goals to lead Coquitlam’s attack. Lawrence also had two assists in addition to his goal.
The Express fired 37 shots at Surrey’s net.
The win puts the Express seven points ahead of the Cowichan Valley Capitals for the league’s final playoff spot. Coquitlam has played one more game.
The Express are in Wenatchee, Wash., tonight for a game against the Wild and then they travel to Trail to face the Smoke Eaters on Saturday.
Their next home game is Wednesday, when Salmon Arm visits the Poirier Sports and Leisure Complex at 7 p.m.
