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Express bounce back from first loss with home ice wins

The familiarity of home turned out to be just the salve the Coquitlam Express needed after suffering their first loss of the season.
Ryan Tattle
Coquitlam Express forward Ryan Tattle is squeezed by Prince George Spruce Kings goalie Nick Bochen and defenceman Nick Bochen in their BC Hockey League game, Sunday at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex. The Express defeated the defending league champions, 5-1.

The familiarity of home turned out to be just the salve the Coquitlam Express needed after suffering their first loss of the season.

Coming off a 6-1 drubbing by the Langley Rivermen Friday in Langley, the Express bounced back with home ice wins Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday, the Express defeated the Chilliwack Chiefs, 3-2, in their home opener at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex. Then, on Sunday, they handed a 5-1 beat down to the defending BC Hockey League champions, the Prince George Spruce Kings

Both teams in Sunday’s game were playing for the third time in as many days. The Spruce Kings were at the tail end of a compacted road trip while Coquitlam was hitting its stride in an extended homestand that will carry them through to the end of the month. 

The disparity showed, as the Express outshot the visitors 35-13.

Neither team scored in the first period, despite Coquitlam holding a 14-0 advantage over the Spruce Kings on the shot clock.

James Bohn cracked the goose eggs 4:36 into the second period with his first BCHL goal to give the Express a 1-0 lead. Bradley Ong and Danny Pearson also scored to put Coquitlam up 3-0 at the intermission.

Pearson’s second goal of the game early in the third period, this time while shorthanded, gave the Express a four-goal advantage before the Spruce Kings got one back halfway through the frame.

Cooper Connell’s first goal of the season rounded out the scoring for the Express, which registered its fourth win of the season against only one loss.

Saturday, defenceman Noah De La Durantaye scored with less than four minutes left in regulation time to break a 2-2 tie, and give the Express a 3-2 win over the Chiefs in the team's home opener. Tyler Schleppe scored both of Coquitlam's other goals, while Clay Stevenson stopped 31 of 33 shots he faced in net.

The wins put Coquitlam atop the Mainland division standings, two points ahead of the Surrey Eagles.

The Express’ home swing continues Wednesday, when they host the Merritt Centennials, 7:15 p.m., at Poirier.