EXPRESS LET FAST START SLIP AWAY

Max Kaufman battles Jake Brien - Photo courtesy of Damon James

In the first meeting of the season, the Express allowed a quick start slip through their hands as quickly as they got it and fell 6-2 to the Langley Rivermen Wednesday night in Coquitlam. Click here for boxscore

Alex Ambrosio celebrates his 1st BCHL goal - Photo courtesy of Damon James

Alex Ambrosio scored his first BCHL goal to open the scoring for the Express. That was quickly followed 28 seconds later by a goal by Austin McIlmurray after Colton Kerfoot and Jackson Cressey couldn't convert a 2 on 1 and the Express were on their way with a 2-0 lead.

Rivermen Head Coach Bobby Henderson quickly got the hook out on Nick Trenciansky after 2 goals on 5 shots. He was replaced by Bo Didur.

That sequence woke the Rivermen up. 18 seconds after the McIlmurray goal Justin Szeto potted home a loose puck in the crease. That goal was followed 43 seconds later by a goal by Jason O'Niell to even the game.

The Rivermen wave didn't stop there. Justin Fregona scored Langley's 3rd goal in less than 3 minutes when he came out from behind the net and beat Lawson Fenton with a backhand.

This game had a number of key moments that turned the game in favour of the Rivermen. The first one was the goal by Szeto shortly following the 2-0 Express goal.

Max Kaufman (23) had 4 points in the win - Photo courtesy of Damon James

The next one came in the final seconds of the 1st period as the Express took their foot off the gas knowing the 1st period was winding down. But Max Kaufman made the most of his limited time and whipped a shot from the right wing past Fenton just before the buzzer for a 4-2 Langley lead after 20 minutes.

The Express entered the second period looking for a chance in momentum. But it was denied when Cameron Ginnetti blasted home a slap shot just 1:37 into the middle frame.

Looking for a spark Head Coach Barry Wolff did do some line juggling in the 2nd period.

Late in the period came the last key moment in the game for the Express. They had a 5 on 3 for 1:36. They needed to strike once if not twice for a real shot at a comeback. That big goal that was needed never came. The best chance coming off a one timer by McIlMurray from the left circle but Bo Didur came to his right and made a shoulder save.

Bo Didur made 24 saves in relief - Photo courtesy of Damon James

Fregona rounded out the scoring adding his 2nd of the game on a third period power play. That goal capped off 6 unanswered Rivermen goals. 10 players for the Rivermen hit the scoresheet. Max Kaufman lead the way with 4 points 1 goal and 3 assists.

Bo Didur had 52 minutes of shutout hockey coming off the bench making 24 saves.

Lawson Fenton allowed 6 goals on 30 shots. It was a tough night for the Express netminder. He's done an admirable job filling in for the injured Tyger Howat. But Wednesday's game was one where they felt the absence of their number one goaltender.

Up next the Express hit the road for a pair of games Friday and Saturday in Prince George. The Express don't have to wait long to see the Rivermen again next Friday in Langley.

Forward Matt Michie - Photo courtesy of Damon James