A shorthanded Express squad consisting of 16 skaters and 8 regulars out of the lineup due to various reasons (injuries, WJAC Camp commitments and suspension) they were able to get it done knocking off Langley 3-1.
The list of players out of the lineup included Biega, McKinney, Bird, Fyffe, Kerfoot, Morley, Pryzbek and Orser. And the ones left all stepped up and help fill the void left behind.
It started with goals from 3 key veterans John Siemer, Justin Georgeson and Mitch Nardi. Cole Huggins was his usual calming presence between the pipes. And other players took advantage of the additional opportunity.
The Express had good energy right from the drop of the puck. All the lines were creating chances in the Langley zone. The line of Nardi, Siemer and Cook had some good energy when they were out there together. Will Cook had a very strong game for the Express. Using his strength along the wall. He helped create scoring chances. One of his best came in the first period when he put a shot off the post.
The Express opened the scoring 12 minutes into the game following a turnover by the Langley defence and John Siemer pounced on it and snapped the puck past James Barr.
Langley's best chance of the period came when youtube sensation Austin Azurdia cut into the Express zone with speed threw the puck at the net and it bounced off a leg then hit the post but stayed out. Another good chance for Langley came in the opening seconds of the second period as Mario Puskarich was set up alone in front of Cole Huggins but the Express netminder turned him back.
The second period had some entertaining back and forth play. The Express struck again following a lengthy scramble around the Langley net and finally Justin Georgeson was able to slide the puck home assisted by Dillan Walker and Phil Zielonka.
In the third Will Cook was rewarded for his strong play as his shot from the circle was stopped by Barr but Nardi was there to cash home the rebound by standing in the blue paint to poke home the puck.
The Express did a good job of containing Langley's top line of Evan Campbell, Mario Puskarich and Mitch McClain throughout the game. The best chance for that trio came while shorthanded and Puskarich had a breakaway but Huggins shut the door.
Puskarich did get a measure of revenge moments later. He took a centering pass from behind the net from Evan Campbell and snapped it past Huggins to snap his bid for a 3rd shutout this season.
The Express brought it the rest of the way home to snap their 5 game home losing streak. And pick up their second win this season vs. a Mainland division opponent. It was also a vital win from the standpoint of Langley had a chance to overtake the Express in the division standings.
Now the Express will head out on the road for games in Powell River, Alberni Valley and Cowichan Valley starting Friday.
The list of players out of the lineup included Biega, McKinney, Bird, Fyffe, Kerfoot, Morley, Pryzbek and Orser. And the ones left all stepped up and help fill the void left behind.
It started with goals from 3 key veterans John Siemer, Justin Georgeson and Mitch Nardi. Cole Huggins was his usual calming presence between the pipes. And other players took advantage of the additional opportunity.
The Express had good energy right from the drop of the puck. All the lines were creating chances in the Langley zone. The line of Nardi, Siemer and Cook had some good energy when they were out there together. Will Cook had a very strong game for the Express. Using his strength along the wall. He helped create scoring chances. One of his best came in the first period when he put a shot off the post.
The Express opened the scoring 12 minutes into the game following a turnover by the Langley defence and John Siemer pounced on it and snapped the puck past James Barr.
Langley's best chance of the period came when youtube sensation Austin Azurdia cut into the Express zone with speed threw the puck at the net and it bounced off a leg then hit the post but stayed out. Another good chance for Langley came in the opening seconds of the second period as Mario Puskarich was set up alone in front of Cole Huggins but the Express netminder turned him back.
The second period had some entertaining back and forth play. The Express struck again following a lengthy scramble around the Langley net and finally Justin Georgeson was able to slide the puck home assisted by Dillan Walker and Phil Zielonka.
In the third Will Cook was rewarded for his strong play as his shot from the circle was stopped by Barr but Nardi was there to cash home the rebound by standing in the blue paint to poke home the puck.
The Express did a good job of containing Langley's top line of Evan Campbell, Mario Puskarich and Mitch McClain throughout the game. The best chance for that trio came while shorthanded and Puskarich had a breakaway but Huggins shut the door.
Puskarich did get a measure of revenge moments later. He took a centering pass from behind the net from Evan Campbell and snapped it past Huggins to snap his bid for a 3rd shutout this season.
The Express brought it the rest of the way home to snap their 5 game home losing streak. And pick up their second win this season vs. a Mainland division opponent. It was also a vital win from the standpoint of Langley had a chance to overtake the Express in the division standings.
Now the Express will head out on the road for games in Powell River, Alberni Valley and Cowichan Valley starting Friday.
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