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Express bounce back with big win in Langley

First they took Vernon, then they took the Rivermen. The Coquitlam Express became only the second team to defeat the Langley Rivermen at home Saturday when they beat the leaders of the BC Hockey League’s Mainland division 3-1 at George Preston Arena.
Express coach
The Coquitlam Express have posted three wins, two losses and a tie since new head coach Jason Fortier took over behind the bench.

First they took Vernon, then they took the Rivermen.

The Coquitlam Express became only the second team to defeat the Langley Rivermen at home Saturday when they beat the leaders of the BC Hockey League’s Mainland division 3-1 at George Preston Arena. It was the team’s third win in four games, including a victory over the league-leading Vernon Vipers last Wednesday. Their only blemish in that run was a 4-2 loss to the Chilliwack Chiefs, Friday at the Poirier Sports and Leisure Complex.

Coquitlam’s win in Langley, who lead the last-place Express by 26 points in the standings, came on the strength of two third-period goals and a strong performance by goaltender Brock Hamm, who stopped 32 of the 33 shots he faced.

Joshua Bruce gave the visitors a 1-0 lead 5:38 into the first period when he forced a turnover at his own blueline, then beat Langley keeper Braedon Fleming on the subsequent breakaway with a shot over his shoulder.

Coquitlam’s advantage held until 15:15 of the second period as the Express’ penalty killers weren’t able to weather a four-minute disadvantage after defenseman Landon Fuller was assessed a double minor for roughing and a game misconduct for a scuffle with Langley’s Ethan Leyh. Colin Bernard’s one-timer sizzled over Hamm’s shoulder three minutes into the power play.

The Rivermen outshot the Express in the frame 14-6 and the home team continued to pour on the pressure in the third period. But Hamm was up to the task, steering away a deflection by Leyh early and then benefitting from a goal post after a shot by Trevor St. John eluded him.

Alex Ambrosio scored the winner with just a little over five minutes to play in regulation when he converted a pass from Joshua Wildauer. Colby Pederson’s fifth goal of the season into an empty net provided the insurance for the Express’ sixth win of the season, and third under new head coach Jason Fortier since he took over behind the bench on Nov. 27.

The win was a big bounce-back for the Express after their disappointing setback to the Chiefs in front of one of their biggest home crowds of the season — 1,257.

Neither team scored in the first period. Joshua Wildauer staked Coquitlam to a 1-0 lead 5:42 into the second shortly after Chilliwack’s Bryan Allbee returned to the ice from serving a two-minute penalty for hooking.

The advantage on the scoreboard lasted less than two minutes. Ryan Miotto scored the first of four straight Chiefs’ goals until Doug Scott was able to beat Chilliwack keeper Daniel Chenard with 30 seconds left to play in the game. It was too little too late.

The Express will host Prince George on Friday and Powell River on Saturday before getting almost two weeks off for the Christmas break. Their season resumes Dec. 29 with a game in Merritt.