Fred Ewaniuck & Lorne Cardinal from Corner Gas took part in the ceremonial faceoff Photo courtesy of Garrett James.
The Express returned to action following their Christmas break. They looked refreshed and the return to the lineup of Mitch Newsome, Alex Ambrosio and Christian Bosa gave the Express a boost. Unfortunately for it still wasn't enough to get back in the win column as they dropped a 4-3 decision to the Surrey Eagles.
The return of the three aforementioned forwards allowed Barry Wolff to dress a more balanced lineup up front.
Reid Cooper - Photo courtesy of G. James
But just 15 seconds into the game the Express got a scare as defenseman Jake Brien was shaken up in a collision along the end boards. Thankfully for a team that's had more than it's fair share of injuries this season Brien returned after a short absence in the first period.
Midway through the first period the Express opened the scoring on a power play goal by Keegan Jones. He buried the rebound of a Will Lawerence shot swatting it past Keelan Williams.
Five minutes later Jordan Robert scored with a shot from the slot up over the shoulder of Reid Cooper.
These two teams certainly were no longer in the holiday spirit when they took to the ice. It had it's fair share of chippiness throughout the night. Early in the second period Noah Turanski was given a pair of game misconducts when he was given a five minute major for a check from behind for a hit on Mike Sauer. Turanski's second game misconduct came when he had to answer the bell for his hit dropping the gloves with Tyler Cooper.
Hayden Knight - Photo courtesy of G. James
Darius Davidson gave the Eagles their first lead of the night 8 minutes into the second period banging home the rebound of a Colton Gerlib shot for Davidson's 20th goal of the season.
That goal helped propel the Eagles for a mid period push in play. Paul McAvoy then converted a pass from behind the Express net from Desi Burgart for a 3-1 Surrey lead.
The deficit didn't rattle the Express and just 23 seconds after the McAvoy goal the Express were back within one on a goal from Luca Leone who buried a backhand after taking a drop pass from Sam Kozlowski.
Jake Toor pulled the Express even just over two minutes later snapping home a quick wrist shot from the slot for just his second goal of the season. Both of his tallies have come against the Surrey Eagles this season.
Ashton Calder gave the Eagles the lead early in the third period on a power play goal just 1:38 into the period.
Cooper's best save off Paul McAvoy - Photo courtesy of G. James
The dislike between the Express and Eagles continued in the third. Christian Bosa was shaken up when he was looking back in his own zone and reached up to grab a puck in the air. It was then that he was hit in the back by Nick Minerva torquing his body in an awkward position shaking up the young forward. Immediately Keegan Jones came to his teammates defence.
As the game wound down Reid Cooper rose to the occasion with a number of key stops to keep the Express within one. Cooper finished with 42 saves.
At the other end Keelan Williams turned aside all 13 third period Express shots and finished with 36 saves in the Eagles crease.
Despite another set back they showed a lot of good signs the team can try to build on when they head into Merritt Saturday to conclude 2016.
Brett Mennear scored twice while adding an assist to pace the Prince George Spruce Kings 7-3 win over the Express Friday night.
Jarod Hovde opened the scoring just over four minutes into the game jamming the puck under Reid Cooper after Hunter Luhmann's backhand clanged off the goal post.
Mennear's first of the night came after an Express turnover in their own zone and his shot trickled through the legs of Cooper.
In the second period the Spruce Kings added to their lead converting on odd man rushes. Ben Brar finished off on a set up from Travis Schneider mid way through the period. Then in the final minute Brett Mennear set up Ethan De Jong for a shorthanded goal and a 4-0 Spruce Kings lead after two periods.
Friday's game was the annual teddy bear toss for the Express. The fans got what they came for early in the third period when Hayden Knight scored the first of the night for the Express sending the stuffed animals flying to the ice surface on his 6th of the season.
The excitement from the Knight goal was quickly dissipated as Mennear scored his second of the night with a shot from the right wing over the glove of Cooper just 23 seconds later.
Sam Kozlowski and Luca Leone for the Express and Drew Lennon and Chong Ming Lee for the Spruce Kings traded goals the rest of the way in the third period to round out the scoring.
Prince George outshot the Express 40-22. The Spruce Kings went 1 for 5 on the power play while the Express went 0 for 3.
The Express will look to snap their 19 game winless streak (0-17-1-1) when they play their final game before Christmas Sunday afternoon vs. Nanaimo.
The Rivermen used three goal second and third periods en route to a 6-1 win over the Express Sunday in Langley. Click here for boxscore
It was Langley's 4th win in 5 meetings with the Express this season and third win in three games on home ice.
The best chances for the Express came in the first period with Luca Leone stopped in the slot by Bo Didur, then Leone stopped at the side of the Rivermen net after Sam Kozlowski tried to catch Didur out of position on a wraparound.
The best chance for the Express came on a shot that didn't register as a shot on goal. Cal Babych cut in the slot then slid the puck over the Will Lawerence at the side of the Rivermen net and missed a gaping open net putting in through the goal crease.
From that point forward Langley took over the game. Francis Boie poked home a loose puck in the goal crease 54 seconds into the middle period to open the scoring and send teddy bears flying for Langley's teddy bear toss.
5 minutes into the period Langley made quick work of a power play, after holding the puck in the zone following an Express clearing attempt Cam Ginnetti quickly dished the puck to Angus Crookshank who set up Max Kaufman in the slot who beat Reid Cooper with a wrist shot over his glove.
John Schuldt expanded Langley's lead to 3-0 with another power play goal taking a pass in the slot and hammering a one timer home from the slot. The Rivermen finished 2 for 4 on the power play.
Langley needed just over 5 minutes in the third period to expand their lead to 6-0 on goals by Andrew Dumaresque, Brendan Budy and Cooper Leitch. Buy finished with 1 goal and 3 assists and Ryan Barrow had 3 helpers.
Sam Kozlowski scored the lone Express goal on a breakaway with 6:27 remaining in the third period.
Langley doubled the Express in shots 48-22.
The Express have two games left before the Christmas break hosting Prince George Friday and Nanaimo next Sunday.
Victoria spread the attack around 7 different goal scorers and 7 players with multi point games in a 8-2 win over the Express Sunday afternoon. Click here for boxscore
Nathan Looysen and Jake Stevens led the way with three points apiece. The former scored twice while added an assist.
Victoria playing in their third game in as many days after starting the weekend in Prince George showed little signs of fatigue jumping on the Express in the first period. They had a 2-1 lead after the first period thanks to goals from Looysen and TJ Friedman. Friedman's goal came just 31 saves after Hayden Knight scored his second goal in as many goals for the Express.
Nick Guiney opened up a 3-1 Victoria lead just past the 6 minute mark of the second period. Luca Leone pulled the Express back within one on the power play just two minutes later. Leone like Hayden Knight scored his in his second straight game.
From there Victoria pulled away for good. Cameron Thompson and Jake Stevens scored 1:34 apart and it was 5-2 Victoria after two periods.
The Grizzlies added three more in the third from Keyvan Mokhtari, Looysen's second of the game and Jamie Rome.
The Island division leading Grizzles outshot the Express 45-20. Lawson Fenton took the loss for the Express and Tony Rehm made 18 saves to improve to 3-0.
The Express killed off all three Victoria power plays while going 1 for 3 when the Grizzlies were a man down.
The loss drops the Express to winless in their last 16 games 0-14-1-1. They will host the Wenatchee Wild Wednesday.
N. Turanski & Gavin Payne - Photo courtesy of Damon James
The Express struggles have been well documented since their last victory on October 21st vs. the Wenatchee Wild. The injuries and a short lineups have resulted in some lopsided losses during the last 6 weeks. But there hasn't been a more disappointing loss than tonight's 5-4 double OT loss to the Langley Rivermen. Click here for boxscore
Tonight's set back was as close as the Express have come to posting a victory since October 21st. And now the Express have had their winless streak extended to 15 games with a record of 0-13-1-1.
Luca Leone - Photo courtesy of Damon James
Not much was different for the Express tonight than in their previous 14 outings. They played with 9 regulars out of the lineup.
There was questions prior to the game if Sam Kozlowski was going to be able to play. And by the midway mark of the 2nd period the Express had lost Will Lawrence after a collision along the boards. The Express dressed 5 AP's in an effort to fill the lineup.
With all that in mind the Express battled Langley right down to the bitter end eventually allowing 4-1 lead slip through their hands.
Friday the Express did something they haven't done a lot of this season and that is scoring first as Luca Leone went to the backhand to slide the puck past Bradley Cooper.
Brendan Budy finished off a beautiful 3 on 2 rush to pull Langley even at 13:07.
But the Express quickly responded with Alex Ambrosio ripping a shot up over the glove of Cooper on a two on one just 1:31 later.
Sam Kozlowski then put the Express into some rarified air 1:04 after Ambrosio's goal he buried the rebound of a Brett Cox point shot giving the Express a 3-1 lead after 20 minutes.
Langley is playing with two AP goaltenders with Bo Didur and Brandon Fleming suffering injuries in the same game November 19th vs. Langley.
Bradley Cooper was replaced by Chad Cromar to start the 2nd period after three Express goals in 8 first period shots.
8 minutes into the second Hayden Knight was handed a double minor for spearing for a subtle little jab after the whistle behind the Express net.
The Express bailed out their teammate by killing off the penalties. Then Knight redeemed himself by taking a pass from Erik Udahl and beating Cromar with a shot up over the glove when he stepped out of the penalty box.
The Knight goal had some great numerology to it. It was scored by Knight who wears the number 12 at 12:12 on the 12th shot of the night for the Express.
Angus Crookshank started Langley's comeback beating Reid Cooper on a backhand as he came out of the corner just 1:09 after the Knight goal.
It was pretty clear in the opening moments of the third period the Rivermen were going to force the Express to earn the victory Friday night. They had a strong start to the period which set the tone for the final 20 minutes.
Ryan Barrow cut the Express lead to one on the power play scoring at the side of the Express net converting the rebound of a Cameron Ginetti point shot that was wired off the glass.
Special teams played a deciding factor in this game in the third period. The Express couldn't convert a one minute 5 on 3 in the third period. And a late period power play which would have put the Rivermen away.
Reid Cooper finished with 31 saves - Photo courtesy of Damon James
Langley meanwhile in the final minute of the third period scored their 2nd power play goal of the period with a 6 on 4 advantage when Zac Masson jammed home a loose puck with just 15.4 seconds remaining in the third period. Langley finished 2 for 6 on the power play while the Express went 0 for 5.
The Express were just 15.4 seconds away from finally snapping their 14 game winless streak.
Nothing was decided in a relatively uneventful 4 on 4 first overtime. It was a much different story in 3 on 3. The best chance for the Express to win it was a two on nothing break from centre ice for Udhal and Ambrosio but the Express never ended up registering a shot.
Langley would make no mistake as they went the other way and Cameron Ginetti dropped the puck back for Ryan Barrow who out waited Cooper and tucked it home for his 2nd of the night to give Langley the 5-4 win.
It's not just the fact that Friday's OT loss was the closest the Express had come to posting a victory in their last 15 games. It's the manner in which they lost that makes this one hurt more than the previous 14 games. There have been plenty of blowouts and games where the Express were heavily outshot.
That wasn't the case tonight. They had the three goal lead, were only outshot 36-30 and they battled as close to even as they have to any opponent during this run and still didn't get the result.
This run hasn't been easy on anyone for the Express. Players and coaches especially. Everyone wants them to get the winning feeling again and it's hard not to feel for the team to have them suffer another set back in this manner. All they can do is regroup and get ready to host Victoria on Sunday afternoon.
Lawson Fenton made 27 saves - Photo courtesy of Damon James
Surrey's struck three times in the first period and the Express were unable to recover falling 4-3 Wednesday night.
The Express are now 0-10-1 in their last 11 games. But to be fair the Express still played without 9 regulars and dressing 4 AP's.
Poor puck management on the first Express power play would eventually lead to the Eagles opening the scoring. A neutral zone turnover resulted in a a Desi Burgart chance which was stopped by Lawson Fenton. But that was followed only seconds later by another neutral zone turnover and this time Jackson Ross made the Express pay by scoring his second of the season on his own rebound.
David Giunta - Photo courtesy of Damon James
That goal sparked a Surrey run off offense. The Jackson Ross goal was followed just 1:38 later on a goal by Cole Williams who beat Lawson Fenton with a wrist shot from the point right through the legs of Fenton who reacted late to the screen shot.
Then with Surrey on the power play the Eagles worked the puck around the outside and Darius Davidson scored on a one timer from the left circle for a 3-0 Eagles lead. Surrey scored a shorthanded, even strength and power play goal in a span of 3:15.
Surrey goaltender Daniel Davidson turned aside all 9 Express shots in the first period. But he was shaken up at the end of the period and wouldn't come out to play for the second.
Michael Botiz got the call for Surrey the rest of the way. He was welcomed to the game with a 5 on 3 advantage for the Express with Dario Piva and Jordan Robert in the box for the Eagles.
Erik Udhal in the opening moments of the second period got the Express on the board firing a shot past the glove of Botiz just 1:02 in the frame.
The Express caught a break to help them pull within one. Blake Hayward's dump in from centre ice couldn't be handled cleanly by Botiz and the puck slid through his pads where Cal Babych pounced on the loose puck to cut the Eagles lead to 3-2.
That goal led to some chances for the Express immediately afterwards. But then Surrey quickly went the other way and Mike Sauer finished off a two on one to restore Surrey's two goal lead.
Erik Udhal was consistently the most dangerous forward for the Express. He scored his second of the night four minutes into the third period using Will Lawrence as a decoy on a two on one and keeping the puck and beating Botiz to cut the Eagles lead to 4-3.
As the third period wound down Udhal had some of the better Express scoring chances looking for the equalizer. He was stopped off the rush cutting in from the right wing. He also rang a shot off the post and that's as close the Express would come to tying the game.
In the final 90 seconds the Eagles put the clamp on the Express giving them trouble to break out of their own zone preventing them from pulling goaltender Lawson Fenton for the extra attacker. Once the Express were able to get Fenton to the bench the Eagles forced the Express to the boards in the Surrey zone as the clock ticked down.
The Express hit the road visiting Prince George Friday. Then they're right back in Coquitlam Saturday night vs. Vernon.
Reid Cooper save on R. Risling - Photo courtesy of Garrett James
The Penticton Vees extended the winless streak for the Express to 9 games (0-8-1) with a 7-2 win Friday in Coquitlam. Click here for boxscore
Erik Udahl & Ty Amonte - Photo courtesy of Garrett James
Coquitlam dressed only 10 forwards with 2 AP's being scratched late in the due to to ailments.
The visitors put the Express in a early hole in the first period they couldn't recover from by opening a 3-0 lead on goals from Ty Amonte, Nic Jones and Ryley Risling. The final goal of the first period by Risling coming with just nine tenths of a second remaining in the first period that saw the Vees outshoot the Express 17-8.
Jones struck for his second of the night just 1:33 into the second period for a 4-0 Vees lead. That was followed midway through the period by Risling's second of the night when he bounced the puck in off Reid Cooper at the side of the Express net.
E. Udahl finished with 1 goal and 1 assist - Photo courtesy of Garrett James
The teams traded goals in the third period. Erik Udahl continues to chip in offensively for the Express since his return. He got them on the board to make it a 5-1 game cutting in off the left wing side and sliding a backhand past Nolan Hildebrand. Udahl then showed some of his skill with a nifty one handed pass between his legs to set up Cal Babych who scored his 5th of the season. Udahl has 1 goal and 4 assists for 5 points in 4 games since his return to the Express.
Ty Barnstable and Gabe Bast added third period Vees goals. 6 different Vees had multi point nights led by Ryley Risling and Ty Barnstable each had three point nights. Penticton outshot the Express 45-18.
The Express host the Chilliwack Chiefs on Saturday night.
The Express entered the first meeting of the season with the Chilliwack Chiefs with just 14 skaters, 9 forwards and 5 defensemen. By the end of the night the Express finished with 12 skaters, 8 forwards and 4 defensemen. The final result saw the Chilliwack Chiefs cruise to a 9-1 win in the first meeting of the season between the two teams. Click here for boxscore
The first period saw the Express generate some of their better chances of the night, Sam Kozlowski set up Cal Babych for a one timer that was stopped off the rush by Chiefs goaltender Mark Sinclair. Plus Christian Bosa cut in from the right wing using his speed then cut to the net only to lose control of the puck as he tried to sweep it home.
Kale Kane opened the scoring for Chilliwack by cutting across the middle in the Express zone and his shot deflected off an Express defender and in trickled past Reid Cooper. Then a poor decision to throw the puck up the middle of the ice was picked off by Aaron O'Neill who quickly set up Jake Smith in front of the Express net who roofed a backhand for a 2-0 Chilliwack lead after the first period.
Chiefs captain Jordan Kawaguchi carried on his career torment of the Express early in the second period taking a Kohen Olischefski pass and out waiting Cooper before sliding home a backhand for a 3-0 Chilliwack lead.
For Head Coach Barry Wolff and the rest of the Express they just can't seem to catch a break when it comes to injuries. Defenseman Dominic Masellis only played the first period. Then captain Luca Leone left the game five minutes into the second period when he collided knee on knee with Tommy Lee. The veteran forward tried to will himself as best he could to stay in the game for his team that desperately needs bodies but his knee just wouldn't allow him. He tried his best to walk off and skate off the effects of the collision to no avail.
It was at this point the impact of the depleted Express took over the game. Josh Borynec, Will Calverly and Jordan Kawaguchi a second time scored and it was 6-0 through two periods.
The third period saw the Chiefs get goals from Tommy Lee, Connor McCarthy and Davis Bunz.
Cal Babych scored the lone Express marker from a sharp angle sliding the puck under the pad of a surprised Mark Sinclair.
The shots finished 53-18 in favour of Chilliwack. Chiefs captain Jordan Kawaguchi finished with two goals and an assist. 7 other players had multi point nights. And only 4 Chiefs players didn't register a point.
The Express are now winless in their last 8 games (0-7-1). The Express return home to host the Penticton Vees and Chilliwack Cheifs next weekend.
The Prince George Spruce Kings rode two goal performances from Travis Schneider and Jarod Hovde en route to a 6-3 win over the Express Friday. The latter also helped out with a pair of assists for a four point night. Click here for boxscore
The visitors put the shorthanded Express in a first period hole they could never really dig themselves out of. The Express played without 7 regulars Friday.
Schneider scored his first of the night when the Express lost control of the puck in their own zone and the puck bounced towards the net where Schneider was able to poke home the loss puck 6 minutes into the game.
Friday's game certainly didn't lack opportunities to stay in the game for the Express. Most notably on the power play.
After their third power play of the first period Prince George forward Parker Colley came out of the penalty box and took a pass and fought off an Express defender as he fired a shot that trickled past Lawson Fenton for a 2-0 Spruce Kings lead.
Just over four minutes later it was a 3-0 Spruce Kings lead on Jared Hovde's first of the night.
Alex Ambrosio got the Express in the final minute of the first period. He was able to pounce on the rebound of a Noah Turanski shot for his 6th of the season.
Special teams played a key role in deciding the outcome of this game. The Express finished 1 for 8 on the power play. All of those powerplays came in the first two periods.
Prince George meanwhile only needed three powerplays and converted on two of them to pull away for good. Jarod Hovde scored his second of the night beating Reid Cooper with a wrist shot up over the glove from the left wing. That was followed just four minutes later by Travis Schneider's second of the night burying the rebound of a Hovde shot that was kicked into the slot by Reid Cooper. The Express rookie goaltender started the second period for the Express after Lawson Fenton allowed three goals on twelve shots in the first period.
Erik Udahl returned to the Express this week after leaving the team part way through last season to attend Boston University. He never played a game at BU and has made an immediate impact in his return to the Express. He had an assist Wednesday in Penticton.
Friday he skated miles and was consistently creating chances for the Express. On a late second period power play the Express won the draw and Udahl's shot was tipped home by Christian Bosa for the rookie's first BCHL goal cutting the Spruce Kings lead to 5-2.
Early in the third Udahl had hand in setting up another first BCHL goal. He left the puck for Jordan Schulting whose shot was tipped home by AP Ryleigh Anderson.
Prince George capped off the win with another first BCHL goal off the by Sam De Melo with less than two minutes remaining in the game.
The Spruce Kings finished with a 48-35 advantage in shots. They're now 2-0-1 vs. the Express this season. The loss extended the Express winless streak to 7 games at 0-6-1.
Up next for the Express is a Saturday night visit to the Prospera Centre and the Chilliwack Chiefs.
Coquitlam Express forward Owen Stout was named the BCHL's player of the week for the week of October 17th to the 23rd.
He helped lead the Express to two wins in three games this past week. The West Vancouver native began his week with a pair of helpers in a 3-2 Express win last Wednesday over the West Kelowna Warriors.
That was followed up by a two goal and one assist performance in a 5-4 win over the Wenatchee Wild Friday. Stout's second goal stood up as the game winning goal.
This season he leads the Express in scoring with 23 points (6G, 17A) in 17 games which is 6th in BCHL scoring. His 17 assists are second in the BCHL trailing only Wenatchee's Brendan Harris.
Brandon Kegler save on Luca Leone - Photo courtesy of Damon James.
Brandon Kegler made 22 saves as the the Salmon Arm Silverbacks shutout the Express 3-0 Sunday.
It was the fourth time in the last seven games the Express had failed to score a goal.
Hayden Knight - Photo courtesy of Damon James.
The Express got off to a good start in the first half of the first period, they had an early 8-3 advantage in shots but just couldn't beat Kegler.
Then just 20 seconds into a Cal Walker hooking penalty Carson Bolduc scored on the power play ripping a shot up stairs on Reid Cooper.
Five minutes later Salmon Arm struck again. Grayson Constable's shot was stopped by Reid Cooper, the Express did a good job clearing the rebound immediately, but they didn't see Justin Wilson on the other side who picked off the clearing attempt and snapped it home for a 2-0 Salmon Arm lead.
The Express found themselves getting into penalty trouble in the second period with three minors in just over a five minute span. Mitch Skapski made the Express pay for one of their indiscretions jamming in a loose puck for a 3-0 Silverbacks lead.
R. Cooper & Jake Toor - Photo courtesy of Damon James.
With a 5-2 advantage in powerplays for Salmon Arm entering the third period, things began to even up in the third with the Express getting three separate powerplays including a short two man advantage but the Express couldn't convert. Thanks in part to some good work on the Salmon Arm Silverbacks PK by Josh Blanchard. He played a strong game pressuring the Express powerplays up ice giving them trouble breaking out of their zone.
The Express only managed to fire 6 shots in the third period.
The next two weekends the Express are on the road for a pair of double headers in Prince George and Wenatchee.
Shots, who needs shots? the Express only had 10 shots Friday night vs. Wenatchee, but it was enough to score five times to hand the Wild a 5-4 loss.
It was the second straight win for the Express following 3-2 win Wednesday over West Kelowna.
Like Wednesday the Express jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead. Alex Ambrosio opened the scoring 13 minutes into the game battling hard in front of the Wild net and rolling in a loose puck for his 4th of the season.
Just 24 seconds later the Express struck again. Cal Babych took advantage of a Wild turnover and sent the puck down low to Owen Stout who quickly fed Sam Kozlowski for a 2-0 lead.
Lawson Fenton played a big role to help get that lead to the room after the first period turning aside at 17 Wild shots.
Cal Babych was brought in by the Express to help give the team a much needed score boost. Early on the returns have paid dividends. He scored his second goal in his second game with the Express just over a minute into the second period snapping a shot up over the glove of Anthony Yamnitsky.
That goal was the wake up call the Wild needed to try to claw back into the game. Slava Demin got the Wild on the board with a point shot on the power play that rang in off the post. 33 seconds later the Express lead was cut to one on a Brendan Harris goal after he used his speed to back off the Express defense then snap a shot over the glove of Lawson Fenton.
The Express had a response, to be more specific Owen Stout had a response. He scored his first two goals in a span of 5 minutes to re-store their three goal lead. His first goal he took a crafty bounce pass of the boards from Jake Brien and scored on a breakaway.
Stout's second came after Luca Leone picked Yamnitsky's pocket after he went out from behind the net to play the puck and he set up Stout alone in the slot who snapped it home for a 5-2 Express lead.
That goal brought and end to the night for Yamnitsky after allowing five goals on nine shots. Morgan Kelly would replace Yamnitsky but he had very little to do the rest of the way.
Matt Baker cut the Express lead to 5-3 jamming in a loose puck on the power play before the second period was done.
Wenatchee in the third period was given every opportunity to continue the comeback. Chris Jones was the beneficiary of the officials not blowing the play dead after the puck was covered up in a prolonged scrum in front of the Express net. Jones snapped a shot up over the glove of Fenton once the puck was dug loose.
The Wild were handed four powerplays in the third period and ten in game while the Express were just given a single man advantage. All those powerplays played a role in the Wild outshooting the Express 18-0 in the 3rd period. A number of the penalties had a number of members of the Express none too happy with the officiating. Most notably a questionable interference call assessed to David Giunta.
But despite the adversity the Express fought through it and held on for the win. Lawson Fenton finished with 43 saves for his second victory of the season.
The Express will wrap up their five game home stand Sunday afternoon vs. Salmon Arm.
Reid Cooper & Cal Babych - Photo courtesy of Damon James
The Express snapped a four game losing skid in dramatic fashion on a Blake Hayward last minute goal to give the Express a 3-2 win over the West Kelowna Warriors.
Prior to Wednesday the Express had been shutout in three of their last four games.
The Express were still missing six regulars out of the lineup. But they were helped with the return of Jake Brien from a four game suspension. And Cal Babych made his Express debut. The former WHLer had his BCHL rights acquired by the Express earlier this week from the Chilliwack Chiefs for future considerations.
Reid Cooper made 36 saves - Photo courtesy of Damon James
The teams were scoreless after the first period. Reid Cooper turned aside all 10 Express shots in the opening minute.
The newest member of the Express was acquired in part to help a team that was in need of someone who can help chip in with some offense. He made his mark in early in the 2nd period driving to the net and burying the rebound of a Sam Kozlowski shot.
That goal gave the Express some much needed confidence. It carried into their power play less than a minute later. Luca Leone doubled the Express lead when he ripped home a wrist shot after taking a good cross ice pass for a 2-0 Express lead.
Parm Dhaliwal cut the Express lead in half bouncing the puck in off Express netminder Reid Cooper for just over two minutes after the Luca Leone goal.
It was the second period where the Warriors really started to throw pucks at the Express net looking for the equalizer but they were turned back by Reid Cooper. The Express goaltender had another strong outing in the Express crease. He saw plenty of pucks. But the efficiency in his style gave West Kelowna very few rebound opportunities. And he was content throughout the night to hold onto plenty of pucks and have face-offs in the Express end. Cooper finished with 20 saves in the 2nd period.
And that transitions to where Barry Wolff leaned heavily in his veterans in this game. For most of the defensive zone draws in this game more often than not it was the line of Luca Leone, Alex Ambrosio and Blake Hayward to take those key face-offs. They did a lot of the dirty work in the Express zone to prevent the Express from running around in their own zone for prolonged periods of time.
In addition to the work of Leone, Ambrosio and Hayward, the Express also got a boost with the return of defenseman Jake Brien after serving a four game suspension. He played a key role to help support Cooper with a number of shot blocks throughout the night.
Sam Kozlowski - Photo courtesy of Damon James
Braiden Epp pulled the Warriors even 90 seconds into the third period. But that goal didn't phase the Express. They were glad to just be in the game heading into the third period.
When a team is struggling, all they want is a chance to win at the end. The Express work on this night put them in a perfect position to do so.
They got the break they needed to win the game in the final seconds. A West Kelowna change gone wrong put the Warriors in a spot to not touch the puck to avoid a too many men penalty which allowed Blake Hayward to pounce on the puck on a breakaway and he snapped it between the pads of Xaiver Burghardt with 17 seconds left in the third period to give the Express the lead for good.
Reid Cooper turned aside 36 of 38 Warrior shots for his fourth win of the season.
The Express will continue their five game home stand when the Wenatchee Wild will make a return visit Friday night.
B. Harris & D. Giunta - Photo courtesy of Damon James
Barry Wolff and the rest of the Express can't get some healthy bodies back in the lineup soon enough.
Saturday night with 8 players out of the lineup with suspension and injury they were shutout for a third time in their last four games falling 3-0 to the Wenatchee Wild.
Photo courtesy Damon James
Saturday the Express were only able to dress nine forwards. And despite the lack of reinforcements they did everything they could to at least keep the game close, but shortened lineup had trouble generating many offensive chances.
Dakota Raabe opened the scoring the Wild converting a feed from Matt Baker re-directing it past Reid Cooper for an early 1-0 lead.
Anthony Yamintsky only needed to make 14 saves to post the shutout for the Wild. His best work coming in the second period turning aside 9 Express shots.
One area where the Express hopefully would be able to make a difference with such a shorthanded lineup was the power play, but they finished the night 0 for 6.
Shortly after an Express power play came to an end in the third period the puck bounced into the middle of the ice in the Express zone and Colin Burston finished off a two on nothing break for a 2-0 Wild lead.
David Giunta - Photo courtesy of Damon James
The Express didn't threaten much in the third period. Their best chance never officially registered as a shot on goal as Blake Hayward rang a shot off the goal post.
AJ Vanderbeck capped off the scoring with a power play goal with just under three minutes remaining. Wenatchee finished 1 for 7 on the power play.
Reid Cooper took the lost, but had another strong game in the Express crease with 31 saves.
The Express 5 game home stand will resume Wednesday when the Express host West Kelowna.
Owen Stout had 1G, 1A - Photo courtesy of Damon James
Kyle Betts and Cam Donaldson each scored twice as the Powell River Kings dropped the Express 6-2. The loss was their third straight set back. Click here for boxscore
The shorthanded Express who were still missing 5 regulars due to either injury or suspension got some reinforcements back with the return of 20 year old goaltender Lawson Fenton.
The Express entered the game having been shutout in their previous two outings. Sam Kozlowski brought that streak to an end early scoring just 1:17 into the game converting a Owen Stout pass. The goal snapped a goal less drought for the Express of 121 minutes and 17 seconds.
Cam Donaldson potted his first of the night snapping a quick shot from the right wing past Fenton to tie things at one.
Powell River did half of their damage tonight on the power play Friday. They opened up a 2-1 lead on Tristan Mullin's first of the season who converted a slick feed from behind the net from Jonny Evans. The Kings finished with three power play goals.
Mitch Adamyk only had to face 18 shots to post the victory for the Kings. Some of his best work came off first period Express powerplays with saves off a coast to coast rush by Blake Hayward and a rebound chance for Alex Ambrosio.
Lawson Fenton faced 40 shots - Photo courtesy of Damon James
Powell River caught a break early in the second period to extend their lead. David Guinta and Troy Robillard did a good job to chop the puck off the stick off Jonny Evans. But the puck ended up going in the air and landed in the goal crease where Evans followed the track of the puck and scored for a 3-1 Kings lead.
Cam Donaldson scored his second of the night in the opening minute of the third. That was followed by the first of two in the third period for Kyle Betts who buried a juicy rebound that was kicked out into the slot following a shot from the wing by Hunter Findlater.
Owen Stout midway through the third period scored his fourth of the season on the power play to cut into the Kings advantage on a scramble to make it a 5-2 game.
Kyle Betts rounded out the scoring in the final minute of the third period for his second of the game in the final minute of the third period.
Powell River finished with 40 shots while limiting the Express to a season low of 18. The Express have been outshot in all but one game this season.
Saturday night they will wrap up their three game in three night weekend when they host the Wenatchee Wild.
Daniel Davidson made 22 saves for his first career BCHL shutout and Nick Fea scored a pair of goals as the Eagles blanked the Express 4-0. Click here for boxscore
It was the second straight game the Express have been held off the scoresheet.
Luca Leone came as close as anyone for the Express to find the back of the net Thursday night by ringing a shot off the post on a first period power play.
Reid Cooper had a busy night facing 37 Surrey shots. Some of his best saves came in the first period. Most notably coming to his left and kicking out his left pad to rob Tyler Cooper off the rush.
Fea broke through for his first of the night taking a lead pass and splitting the Express defense then deking past Cooper to open the scoring a minute into the second period.
Surrey thought they added to their lead when Paul McAvoy buried the rebound off a Darius Davidson shot off the end boards and snapping it to the net as Reid Cooper recovered to get back in position.
Callum Cusinatio - Photo courtesy of Damon James
The red light was turned on and the Eagles celebrated as they had scored but neither referee called goal. Upon discussion it was deemed the puck entered the net after the net was knocked off it's supports.
But just over a minute later Surrey did add to their lead on Fea's second of the night snapping a one timer from the left circle following a won face-off in the Express zone. Logan Mostat and Desi Burgart each assisted on both of Fea's second period goals.
Jeffery Stewart put the Eagles up three in the third cutting in from the right wing and sliding shot under the pad of Cooper. That was followed up by Andrew Kemp having the rebound of a Jacob Dupont shot bounce off him and in to round out the scoring.
Neither team was able to convert on the powreplay with the Express going 0 for 5 while Surrey went 0 for 2.
The Express return home to continue their three game in three night weekend Friday vs. Powell River.
The Express and Rivermen each held court at home in their weekend home and home set. Friday night the Express used a third period rally en route to a 5-4 OT win in Coquitlam.
Saturday the Rivermen posted a 5-0 shutout win at the George Preston Rec Centre.
Langley's power play put the Express in a first period hole with Max Kaufman and Brendan Budy each striking with a man up just 1:25 apart. Kaufman snapped home a one timer from the slot. And Budy finishing off the rush beating Reid Cooper with a shot over his glove.
Bo Didur wasn't overly busy in the Langley crease having to only make 19 saves for his 4th career BCHL shutout.
Satchel Clendenin added to the Langley lead in the second period on a breakaway cutting in off the right wing and sliding home a backhand between the pads of Cooper.
Harris Pearce and Nik Ponak rounded out the scoring in the third period for the Rivermen.
Jake Brien served the first of a four game suspension for a 5 minute major for a blow to the head assessed for a hit on Friday. John Schuldt for the Rivermen did likewise.
The Express are back in action Thursday night in Surrey.
Reid Cooper made 42 saves - Photo courtesy of Damon James
The fans in attendance for the Express' 2016 home opener won't forget this one any time soon.
They rallied from deficits of 3-0 and 4-3 in the third period and defeated the Langley Rivermen 5-4 in overtime. Click here for boxscore
The Express were the last team in the BCHL to play their home opener one month into the season due to the 55+ senior games.
Well it was worth the wait by the end of the night.
The teams were scoreless after the first period. Some of the highlights include Bo Didur stopping Hayden Knight on a shorthanded breakaway. And the Express killing off a Langley two man advantage for 1:41.
Max Kaufman broke the deadlock five minutes into the second period burying his own rebound and jamming it past Reid Cooper.
Trevor Ayre doubled Langley lead when he pounced on a loose puck and poked it home from the goal crease after fighting off an Express defender in front of the net.
The penalty killing kept the Express within striking distance in the final five and half minutes of the second period killing off infractions assessed to Domenic Masellis and Cam Bertsch.
Cal Walker - Photo courtesy of Damon James
Friday's game had it's moments throughout the night with some questionable hits dished out by both sides to players in vulnerable positions.
Jake Brien was handed a 5 minute major and a game misconduct in the opening minute of the third period for a blow to the head penalty to Ryan Barrow in the opening minute of the 3rd period. Barrow left the game and didn't return.
Nick Ponak struck on the power play for a 3-0 Rivermen lead early in the man advantage and at that point it appeared it was going to be the Rivermen walking away with the two points.
There was still plenty of time remaining on the Rivermen power play following the Ponak goal when this game turned three minutes later with Blake Hayward rushing the puck from the Express end all the way down to the Rivermen end and scoring a shorthanded goal to get the Express on the board.
Two minutes later the Express struck again as Luca Leone blasted a slap shot from the right wing and Cam Bertsch buried the rebound driving hard to the net. The first come back was complete midway through the period when Mitch Newsome zipped a cross ice pass to Hayden Knight who snapped a one timer past Bo Didur.
Zac Masson restored Langley's lead with just over 4 minutes remaining in the third period banging home the rebound of a Max Kaufman shot.
Troy Robillard - Photo courtesy of Damon James
That goal wouldn't deter the Express. They weren't able to pull even on a power play opportunity with three minutes to play, but in the final minute and Reid Cooper on the bench Luca Leone jammed in a loose puck with 20 seconds left for the fourth Express goal of the third period to send the game to overtime.
Early in overtime John Schuldt delivered a hit from behind on Cam Bertsch sending him face first into the boards. Schuldt was given a 5 minute major for a blow to the head of his own.
Mitch Newsome capped off the memorable come back win blasting home a one timer from the left circle for the 5-4 Express victory. The Express were 1 for 5 on the power play. Their penalty killing shut down 6 of 7 Langley opportunites.
Reid Cooper had another busy but strong night finishing with 42 saves on 46 shots for his 4th win of the season.
The teams will meet again Saturday night in Langley.
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs slipped past the Express in the second game for both teams at the 2016 Bauer BCHL showcase. Click here for boxscore
The Express went 0-2 at the event after dropping their first game 5-3 to West Kelowna Thursday.
Alex MacDonald scored the lone goal of the first period on a power play by skating off the left boards and snapping a shot past Reid Cooper.
The middle period saw the Express fire 17 shots towards the Alberni Valley goal but Carson Schamerhorn stood tall turning aside every Express shot sent his way.
Special teams turned out to be a key difference maker in the game. The Express went 0 for 4 on the power play while the Bulldogs went 1 for 2.
The third period saw the Express press for the equalizer. Alex Ambrosio was denied on a wrist shot from the slot, Owen Stout also had a chance off the wing. And the best chance for the Express to tie it was on the stick of Will Lawrence. He had a centering pass come through to him in the lip of the crease and somehow wasn't able to tap it in to the half open net.
That miss would prove costly as moments later the Bulldogs would go down the ice and add to their lead on a goal from Jake Witkowski with less than seven minutes to play for a 2-0 Alberni Valley lead.
Witkowski's goal wouldn't deter the Express. They finally broke through seconds after a power play expired on a goal by Alex Ambrosio potting home a loose puck at the side of the net with less than four minutes to play.
In the final minute Schamerhorn made the save of the net to rob Owen Stout kicking out his right pad with just 17 seconds left to preserve the win for the Bulldogs.
Schamerhorn finished with 36 saves. Reid Cooper was no slouch either in the Express crease with 32 saves.
Next weekend the Express will make their way through the Island division with stops in Victoria, Nanaimo and Alberni Valley.
The West Kelowna Warriors used a four goal second period to pull away from the Express en route to a 5-3 win at the Bauer BCHL showcase. Click here for boxscore
The Express found themselves trailing in the first period when the puck got poked past an Express defender and setting up a 2 on 1 for the Warriors and Quin Foreman finished it off snapping a shot up over the glove of Reid Cooper.
Hayden Knight's first BCHL goal leveled the game at one for the Express after taking a heads up stretch pass from Domenic Masellis then snapping a shot past the glove of Shane Farkas.
West Kelowna caught a break midway through the period when David Guinta's point shot on the power play beat a screened Farkas. The red light came on and but the referee never consulted the goal judge to discuss the play. I personally had an opportunity to see a video replay of the shot between periods and it was clear the puck entered the net and quickly bounced out.
One of the other highlights for the Express in the first period was a big hit delivered by defenseman Cal Walker who lined up Connor Sodergren and leveled him at the glass right in front of the Express bench. Thankfully for Sodergren he hit the padding and bounced up from the hit right away.
The defending national champions then took control of the game in the second period.
Foreman opened the second period by snapping home his second of the game just 11 seconds into the middle frame. Foreman scored 5 goals in two games at the showcase with a 3 goal performance the night before vs. Chilliwack.
Midway through the second period Mitchell Barker found a loose puck in the crease and scored for a 3-1 Warriors lead.
That was followed 27 seconds later by a goal by Reed Gunville for 4-1 Warriors lead just 5 seconds into a power play.
Mitchell Martan scored the Warriors fourth goal of the period taking advantage of a puck handling gaffe by Reid Cooper and he poked it out of the goaltender's feet for a 5-1 lead.
Cam Bertsch ended the Warriors run by cutting the deficit to 5-2 jamming in a loose puck with less than two minutes to go.
But the second period belonged to West Kelowna who outshot the Express 22-9.
Captain Luca Leone scored the lone goal in the third period. He gained entry into the Warriors zone and showed good patience to turn back to give himself time, then hold off another check to get himself more time than blast a shot to cut the deficit down to 5-3.
The Express penalty killers rose to the occasion killing off nearly two full minutes of a Warriors two man advantage.
West Kelowna finished the game outshooting the Express 42-25. In each of the first 5 games this season the Express have allowed 40+ shots.
The Express will play their second game of the showcase Saturday afternoon 3pm vs. the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
Coming off a season opening game that saw both teams fill the net between the Express and Eagles, the next night out it would only be one team filling the net as the Langley Rivermen handed the Express a 8-1 loss.
Nick Ponak got the offense rolling for Langley converting a pass out from behind the net from Zac Masson who stole the puck from Express goaltender Lawson Fenton.
The Express had their chances in the opening period to pull even with three powerplays but they couldn't convert on any of them.
Late in the first period just seconds after a Langley power play expired Max Kaufman buried a cross crease pass from Ryan Barrow for a 2-0 Langley lead after 20 minutes.
Langley's onslaught really got going in the opening half of the second period. Kaufman added his second of the night one minute into the period coming off the boards and snapping a shot past Fenton.
That was followed by goals from Brendan Budy and Gavin Payne and by the 5 minute mark of the period it was 5-0 Rivermen. And Lawson Fenton's night was done after 5 goals on 19 shots.
Rookie Reid Cooper was then thrown to the wolves and was welcomed to the game by goals from Cooper Leitch and Satchel Clendenin for a 7-0 Rivermen lead by the 8:33 mark of the second period.
Rookie Sam Kozlowski showed some nice hands scoring the lone goal of the night for the Express beating Bo Didur with a wrist shot from the slot on the power play.
To the Express' credit they didn't just go through the motions entering the third period down by 6.
They created numerous chances throughout the period. Most notably Kozlowski was robbed at the side of the net by Bo Didur as he made a bid for his second of the night. The Express fired 16 third period shots.
After the initial shock of being beaten twice, Express goaltender Reid Cooper really settled down and shut the door until he was finally beat late in the third period on a deflection by Trevor Ayre with less than 90 seconds left to round out the scoring.
Next week the Express will stay on the road with a visit to Vernon and Salmon Arm.
Keegan Jones opened the scoring - Photo courtesy of Damon James
If you were looking for tight checking, structured defensive hockey, the season opener between the Express and Eagles wasn't the game for you.
It was a game that resembled the lack of structure of a season opener for both the Express and Eagles. The end result was a 8-7 goal fest in favour of the Express. Click here for boxscore
Both teams had their runs offensively throughout the night and it was the fans who entertained.
Keegan Jones got the Express off on the right foot opening the scoring 41 seconds into the game snapping a shot from the right wing.
Newly minted Express captain Luca Leone on a breakaway gave the Express a 2-0 lead just over seven minutes in.
Sam Kozlowski - Photo courtesy of Damon James
Then the pendulum swung in the Eagles direction. Logan Mostat scored his first of two on the night tipping a Andrew Cordssen-David point on the power play to get the Eagles on the board midway through the 1st period.
To cap off the first period Surrey scored three times in a span of 2:24 on goals from Jeffery Stewart, Andrew Kemp and Mitchell Williams for a 4-2 Eagles lead after 1 period.
The pendulum swung back in the Express direction in the second period. Cam Bertsch scored his first of the season just over a minute into the second period with a deflection in the high slot of a Troy Robillard point shot.
Then Jake Toor had a moment he won't forget picking off a cross ice D to D pass and snapped home his first BCHL goal 12 minutes into the second to tie the game at 4.
Like the first period the goals came fast and furious to end the period.
Blake Hayward scored his first of the season for a 5-4 Express lead. 1:05 later it was 5-5 when Darius Davidson beat Lawson Fenton on a quick pass out from behind the Express net.
The Eagles fans haven't had a chance to savor the goal when the Express struck on a goal by Alex Ambrosio just 11 seconds after the Davidson goal to re-store the Express lead at 6-5.
Cal Walker - Photo courtesy of Damon James
1:44 later Owen Stout found a loose puck in the Eagles crease and poked it home for a 7-5 Express lead through two periods.
The second period ended with four goals in exactly four minutes.
At this point entering the third period it was clear no lead was safe.
The Eagles battled back to tie the game at 7 in the third period on power play goals by Tyler Cooper and Logan Mostat. Surrey finished 3 for 6 on the power play.
Owen Stout scored what would turn out to the the game winning goal coming off the boards and snapping home his second of the night with just 4:19 left in the third period. Stout finished with 2 goals and 2 assists and was named first star. Blake Hayward had 1 goal and 2 assists.
Goaltenders Lawson Fenton for the Express picked up the win with 38 saves on 45 shots and Marc Audet for Surrey took the loss with 8 goals on 27 Express shots.
The Express will be back in action Saturday night when they take on the Langley Rivermen from the George Preston Recreation centre.
Luca Leone (24) will serve as captain in 16-17 - Photo courtesy of Damon James
The Coquitlam Express are pleased to announce that forward Luca Leone has been named the captain for the 2016-17 season.
Leone (96) will be a twenty year old this season and is entering his third season with the Express during the 2016-17 campaign. In 63 career BCHL games all with the Express the Vancouver native has 10 goals and 16 assists for 26 points. In 15-16 in 34 games Leone posted 6 goals and 14 assists for 20 points.
In addition to his time in the BCHL, Leone has 70 career WHL games with the Vancouver Giants and Swift Current Broncos.
Five other players will serve as assistant captains this season. Twenty year old forward Cam Bertsch will serve as an alternate captain for all games for the Express this season. Domenic Masellis and Keegan Jones will serve as alternates when the Express wear their black uniforms. Blake Hayward and Alex Ambrosio will serve as alternates when the Express wear their whites.
Coquitlam Express Head Coach and GM Barry Wolff says "We are very proud of this leadership group and hope that they can lead us toward a successful 2016-17 BCHL."
The Express will kick off their 15th BCHL season Friday September 9th in Surrey.
Jake Toor scored twice - Photo courtesy of Damon James
The Express wrapped up their exhibition schedule with a 5-2 win in Port Coquitlam over the Surrey Eagles.
Sam Kozlowski (9) - Photo courtesy of Damon James
Goaltender Lawson Fenton went the distance for the Express and had to come up with a number of saves in the opening minutes of the game thanks to a pair of Surrey powerplays.
Jake Toor opened the scoring for the Express 8:38 into the first period set up by Cam Bertsch.
The Eagles outshot the Express 12-6, but the hosts came out of the opening 20 minutes with a 1-0 lead.
Sam Kozlowski extended the Express lead three minutes into the second period converting a set up from Owen Stout and sliding it past Daniel Davidson.
Davidson played half the game for the Eagles allowing two goals on 12 shots.
Jackson Ross got the Eagles on the board midway through the second period by firing a screened point shot past Lawson Fenton.
Blake Hayward - Photo courtesy of Damon James
Back to back Surrey penalites just 8 seconds apart gave the Express a 5 on 3 for two minutes, but despite plenty of pressure the Express couldn't extend their lead.
Blake Hayward had one of the best scoring chances of the game, but somehow couldn't bang home a loose puck in front of the net. Hayward would make amends however in the dying seconds of the second period by snapping home a shot from the left wing assisted by Mitch Newsome and Owen Stout.
Jake Toor added his second of the net converting a pass from behind the net from Brett Didyk for a 4-1 Express lead.
Owen Stout - Photo courtesy of Damon James
The teams traded goals in the final minutes of the game with Mitchell Williams scoring for Surrey with the goalie pulled, then Luca Leone hit the empty net for an unassisted marker just over a minute later to round out the scoring.
Lawson Fenton finished with 27 saves on 29 Eagles shots.
In addition to Jake Toor's two goals, Owen Stout had a pair of assists.
The Express and Eagles will get re-acquainted when the season begins for real next Friday at the South Surrey Arena.
Kolby Matthews faced 36 shots - Photo courtesy of Damon James
The 2016 BCHL exhibition kicked off Wednesday night. The Express played host to the Langley Rivermen and it was the visitors coming away with a 5-2 win.
B. Szabados & M. Sande Photo courtesy of Damon James
Veterans Cam Bertsch and Owen Stout had some of the better scoring chances for the Express in the first period with Bertsch getting stopped on a bang bang play by Bo Didur. Then Owen Stout hit the post on a breakaway.
Langley had the only goal of the first period and the Rivermen outshot the Express 9-8.
The visitors in the first half of the second period looked to expand their lead, but Express netminder Kolby Matthews made some of his best saves of the game on a 2 on 1, a rebound chance coming to his left and a deflection.
Veteran Bo Didur got the start for Langley and was perfect in his 30 minutes of action.
12 minutes into the second period Angus Crookshank found a loose puck and scored for a 2-0 Rivermen lead.
Just under two minutes later the Express hit the scoreboard on a power play goal by Brady Szabados re-directing a Michael Sande point shot.
Arsh Bains - Photo courtesy of Damon James
The Rivermen quickly responded to re-store their two goal lead and it was 3-1 through two periods.
Brendan Prappas midway through the third period again pulled the Express within one on a breakaway goal beating Zakery Myrowich.
Satchel Clendennin and Brendan Budy rounded out the scoring for the Rivermen who outshot the Express 36-25.
The Express were 1 for 5 on the power play while Langley went 1 for 3.
Cam Bertsch, Blake Hayward, Owen Stout and Alex Ambrosio were the returning veterans in their lineup in the exhibition opener.
The teams will meet again Thursday night at the Langley Sportsplex.
