RIVERMEN EDGE EXPRESS

The Express had their 3 game winning streak come to an end Wednesday afternoon dropping a 4-3 decision to the Langley Rivermen.  Click here for boxscore

It was the 5th straight game in which the Express gave up the opening goal of the game, and for the first time in that run they weren't able to at least come out of the game with a point.

Ethan Leyh opened the scoring 50 seconds into the game stepping into a pass from the boards in the Express zone into slot area and a quick shot was snapped past the blocker of Kolby Matthews.

Fresh off securing a commitment to RIT, Kolby Matthews came back with a number of quality saves to keep the Express deficit at just one. Despite the loss, the had a solid outing finishing with 32 saves.

Connor Gregga showed great hand eye coordination to bat home his 5 goal of the season at 12:06 to tie the game at 1.

The Express had a full two minute powerplay late in the first period that carried over into the second period. Despite some good puck movement the Express couldn't add to their lead.

Moments after that powerplay expired, Danny Pearson surprised Langley goaltender Braedon Fleming with a wrist shot past his glove from just inside the blueline. For Pearson it was his 4th of the season and his second goal in as many games.

Goals in quick succession has been a constant theme for the Express in recent outings. That continued Wednesday as Dallas Farrell scored 3 minutes after Pearson's goal by jumping on a loose puck that bounced off the corner boards and Farrell's shot beat Fleming up over his shoulder for a 3-1 Express lead.

Immediately following the goal Rivermen Head Coach Bobby Henderson called his timeout to re-group his team. They immediately responded with good pressure in the Express zone.

1:09 after Farrell's goal C.J. Walker beat Kolby Matthews from the slot to cut the Express lead to 3-2.

Just under 6 minutes later Devin Leduc and Daneel Lategan broke out on a two on nothing break and Lategan kept the puck himself and buried his own rebound to tie the game at 3.

In the third period Devin Leduc rushed out from deep on his own zone all the way untouched into the Express zone where he finally met 4 Express defenders who couldn't team up to contain Leduc and he slid a shot under Matthews for what would turn out to be the game winning goal.

Forward Alex DiPaolo took a tumble coming back on a play defensively and crashed into the end boards and was in some discomfort and didn't return for the rest of the game. That had a trickle down effect on the forward lines as the Express sought an equalizer.

A fourth powerplay for the Express in the third period went unconverted and Langley held on the rest the way. The Express finished 0 for 4 on the powerplay.

The win improves Langley to 2-1 against the Express in the season series.

The Express return to the ice Friday night when they host the Vernon Vipers. 

MATTHEWS COMMITTS TO RIT

COQUITLAM, BC - Coquitlam Express are proud to announce that 1999 goaltender Kolby Matthews has committed to the Rochester Institute of Technology for next season. Matthews, a Coquitlam native, has posted a .923 save percentage so far this season which ranks third in the BCHL among all eligible goaltenders and was the Express' player of the month for September.

"I'm very excited to commit to RIT for next year. I think this will be a really great fit for me, they have a great hockey culture with proven success and history as well as a strong academic program. I know this will be a big challenge for me but with that brings a big opportunity so I’m excited for this next step. Now I am able to focus on the rest of the year and bringing a championship back to my home town of Coquitlam." said Matthews.

"Kolby is a hard working and motivated individual. Since day one with the Express he has shown great character in the room and a strong work ethic on the ice. It is rewarding for coaches when you get to coach a player who is a great player plus a great person." said Coquitlam Express Head Coach and General Manager Jason Fortier. "His consistency, effort, daily habits and excellent play have earned him this opportunity. He is a player that fits the All Aboard vision." Added Fortier.

Matthews becomes the 9th player on the current Express roster to receive a NCAA scholarship and first committed this season.

The Express continue their 2018-19 campaign with a nooner versus the Langley Rivermen on Wednesday October 31 at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex. A win on Wednesday will give the Express sole possession of first place in the BCHL.

KIMENS COMMITTS TO MERRIMACK

The Coquitlam Express are proud to announce that 1999 forward Regan Kimens has been committed to Merrimack College for next season.

The Concord, Ontario native has 6 goals and 19 points through 19 games this season, the same amount of points he totaled in all of last year. His offensive consistency has really stood out with points in 15 of 19 games this season. And to be more specific he has points in 15 of his last 17 games and had a 13 game point streak recently snapped after tallying 5 goals and 12 assists for 17 points.

"Just beyond excited to be a part of the future for this team. I can't thank the the coaching staff and the boys on the team enough for me getting here, I wouldn't have done it without them." said Kimens.

"Regan has been an excellent addition to the Express. He has earned the minutes he plays and is an honest player who works hard each game. Regan spent the summer training hard to become successful and when a player combines skill and effort he will always succeed." said Express Head Coach and General Manager Jason Fortier.

The is the second commitment to an NCAA school in as many days for the Express with today's news and the announcement of Kolby Matthews being committed to RIT yesterday. Kimens becomes the 10th player on the Express current roster to be committed to an NCAA school.

2ND PERIOD FLURRY ENOUGH FOR EXPRESS TO TOP CAPS

Three goals in 50 seconds in the second period turned Saturday's contest in favour of the Express and they never looked back in a 5-2 win over Cowichan Valley. Click here for boxscore

It was the third straight win for the Express and their third straight come from behind victory.

Cowichan Valley opened the scoring right as a Jordan Schulting penalty hit 0:00 as a shot by Lucas Vanroboys beat Clay Stevenson on the stick side.

As the Express looked for the equalizer they ran into a Capitals team that did a good job of closing space on the Express in the first period to create plays.

It was 2-0 Cowichan Valley on a goal by Paul Selleck as he went to the net and buried the rebound of a Adam Conquest shot from the right wing.

As the period progressed the Express slowly began to establish more of a presence in the Capitals zone.

Josh Wildauer late in the first period got the Express on the board burying a loose puck at the end of the Capitals crease.

The game quickly turned on a double minor penalty assessed to Cowichan's David Malaragni. Chase Danol tied it at two at 4:21 with the first penalty still in effect. It was the third straight home game that saw the Express overcome at least a two goal deficit.

25 seconds after Danol's goal the Express had their first lead of the game on Drew Cooper's third goal of the season on a one timer past Blake Wood. All three of Cooper's goals have come on one timer plays and on the powerplay.

Cole Edgerton capped off three Express goals in 51 seconds one timing a pass from Josh Bruce in the slot for a 4-2 Express lead.

Now with a two goal lead in hand the Express never looked back. Josh Bruce was a strong presence for the Express using his strength to control pucks on the offensive zone. He came close to his first goal of the season on a toe drag chance in the 2nd period.

Josh Wildauer in the third period showed great determination maintaining possession of the puck after being knocked to the ice and getting back up and dumping it deep in Caps zone. He followed up on the play and was able to feed Danny Pearson who quickly snapped home his third of the season for a 5-2 Express lead.

After allowing two first period goals, Clay Stevenson shut the door the rest of the way. He capped off his 6th win of the season on a breakaway save late in the third period off Paul Selleck. Stevenson finished with 20 saves.

The Express remain one point back of the Chilliwack Chiefs for first place in the overall BCHL standings. But the Express based on points percentage are tops in the BCHL having played one fewer game than the Chiefs who have played 20 games while the Express have played 19.

Wednesday the Express will have a school day game and will play host to the Langley Rivermen.

EXPRESS @ VEES HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of the first ever Express shootout win 3-2 in Penticton Wednesday.

Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.

SPRUCE KINGS VS. EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights from Sunday's 5-3 Express win over Prince George.

Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.

EXPRESS COME BACK PAYS OFF THIS TIME VS. SPRUCE KINGS

For a second straight game the Express had a multi goal comeback vs. the Prince George Spruce Kings, this time the Express came away with the full two points with a 5-3 victory.
Click here for boxscore

Like Friday, the Express came out of the first period trailing 2-0. Ben Brar who has been an Express killer this season opened the scoring with his second shorthanded goal against the Express on a rebound at 5:03.

Brar struck again in the final minute of the 1st period using a defender as a screen then snapping a shot past the glove of Clay Stevenson for a 2-0 Spruce Kings lead. For Brar it was his 3rd two goal outing against the Express this season. He has 7 goals already in 5 meetings with the Express this season.

Sunday the Express had their early period rally one frame earlier than Friday doing it in the second period.

Chase Danol started the come back for a second straight game firing a shot over the shoulder of Logan Neaton just 27 seconds into the second period.

That was followed 54 seconds later by Josh Wildauer scoring from the slot and the Express had erased a two goal Prince George lead in quick fashion for a second straight game.

Those goals proved to be a spring board for the Express attack that wouldn't let up.

Regan Kimens scored the third Express goal in a span of 6:16 converting a cross ice pass from Dallas Farrell.

Late in the second period a confident Express powerplay moved the puck around at will creating numerous quality chances. Finally, Dallas Farrell put a perfect pass on the tape of Josh Wildauer who tipped home his second goal of the period and a 4-2 lead after two periods. Farrell had three assists in the second period while his line mates Josh Wildauer scored twice and Regan Kimens had a goal and an assist.

Christian Sanda iced the game with just over 7 minutes to play redirecting an Alex DiPaolo pass through Neaton for a 5-2 lead moments after an odd man rush went awry.

Corey Cunningham finished the scoring with 10 seconds left. That only put a minor damper on Clay Stevenson's 5th win of the season as he finished with 28 saves.

The win puts the Express back up by two points of the Prince George Spruce Kings for second place. And they're three points back of the Chilliwack Chiefs for first place.

Wednesday night the Express will visit the Penticton Vees. 

SPRUCE KINGS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of the Spruce Kings 5-4 overtime win over the Express Friday.



Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.

EXPRESS RALLY BUT FALL IN OT TO SPRUCE KINGS

Three third period goals made for a dramatic comeback for the Express, but it wasn't enough falling 5-4 in overtime to Prince George. Click here for boxscore

Friday was the start of a two game weekend set of games for the Express vs. the Spruce Kings.

The Express entered the game with riding a three game winning streak, and the latter two outings was paced by the Express getting off to a good start.

That wasn't the case Friday night. Dustin Manz opened the scoring but cutting to the net from the left boards and burying his own rebound on Kolby Matthews.

Nick Bochen struck on a scramble for a powerplay goal and a 2-0 Spruce Kings lead after 1 period. The visitors were ready to go and it was reflected in the 14-4 advantage in shots.

The Express came out with a much better effort to open the second period. They were working the boards and spending the majority of the play in the Spruce Kings end of the ice.

Their strong play lead to the first Express powerplay of the night 5 minutes into the frame. But the powerplay couldn't set up to generate many quality chances.

Then in the dying seconds of the advantage a turnover by Jonny Sheardown who returned to the lineup from injury allowed Dustin Manz to score a shorthanded breakaway goal for a 3-0 lead.

Needing a spark, Head Coach Jason Fortier put Alex DiPaolo on a line with Christian Sanda and Chase Danol. That unit was really clicking and they finally got the Express on the board late in the frame when Danol tipped a Sanda shot for his 8th of the season and it was 3-1 Spruce Kings entering the third period.

If you were at this game and not in your seats for the opening minute of the 3rd period you missed a lot. Chase Danol's pass was tipped home by Alex DiPaolo just 9 seconds into the 3rd period to make it a 3-2 game.

31 seconds later Regan Kimens broke out two on one with Dallas Farrell and Kimens beat Bradley Cooper on the stick side and the game was tied at 3 just 40 seconds into the 3rd period.

Ben Poisson fired a heavy wrist shot from just inside the blueline over the shoulder of Kolby Matthews giving the Spruce Kings a 4-3 lead at 4:22.

The Express resiliency never wavered in this game despite the numerous defects. They just kept on working hard looking to equalize again.

That moment came with just under 6 minutes to play. Danny Pearson picked up the puck at the Prince George blueline on a turnover and in the ensuing two on one with Connor Gregga, Pearson slid a pass to Gregga who was just able to slide home the pass to tie the game at 4.

Friday was the first time this season the Express had gone to overtime. The Spruce Kings gained possession of the puck and went to work in the Express zone right off the draw. Chase Danol, Alex DiPaolo and Jack Cameron started the overtime and they also finished it.

Only problem for the Express was that trio was on the ice defending for nearly two full minutes.

During a clinical display of puck possession in the Express zone, the Spruce Kings were able to make a number of changes to get fresh players on the ice. Eventually Ben Brar found himself in the high slot with some room and he snapped a shot past the glove of Kolby Matthews to give the Spruce Kings the 5-4 overtime win.

Prince George improves to 3-1 vs. the Express this season.

The teams will meet again on Sunday afternoon. 

EXPRESS FINISH STRONG TO SINK CLIPS SHIP

A strong 1st and 3rd period was enough for the Express to post their 3rd straight win by a 5-2 score over the Nanaimo Clippers Sunday afternoon. Click here for boxscore

The win came without the services of Josh Wildauer and captain Troy Robillard. But the Express had Clay Stevenson play his first game since the home opener vs. Salmon Arm.

Right from the drop of the puck the Express went to work on the attack rolling their lines and pushing the pace in the Clippers zone.

Chase Danol broke through for the Express firing a shot from a very sharp angle that found it's way over the shoulder of Clippers goaltender Jordan Naylor who was down attempting to take away the bottom part of the ice.

Clay Stevenson was tested for rust 7 minutes into the game and showed no signs of it coming to his left for his best save of the night to deny Nicholas Wilson with his left pad.

The Express came out of the first period with only the 1-0 lead, and a 14-6 advantage in shots reflected their strong play that at times Nanaimo had trouble to keep up with.

The tide turned in the second period and it was a little challenging for the Express to find a similar rhythm.

A rebound chance for Ethan Scardina appeared to have been cleared off the goal line by Drew Cooper, that was followed by a lengthy sequence of play and the Clippers argued the puck crossed the goal line. Then after some discussion by the officials on the next whistle Scardina was credited with the goal that tied the game at 1.

Dallas Farrell restored the Express lead just over two minutes later taking a pass from Regan Kimens and ripping a shot over the shoulder of Naylor.

To Nanaimo's credit they were pesky in the second period and evened the game in the final minute of the second period on a powerplay goal from Gunnar Wegleitner to make it 2-2 after 40 minutes.

The Express emerged for the 3rd period as a re-focused group and started skating again and their play resembled what they did so well in the first period.

The play was interrupted by a surprising fight early in the frame when Dallas Farrell and Devon Mussio decided to tangle just 1:42 in. It was the first game back in Coquitlam for the former Express Mussio who played two seasons with the team.

Once the game settled back in the Express pulled away. Jordan Schulting jump into the play from the right wing and slid home his first goal of the season.

That was followed just under two minutes later by a goal from Connor Gregga from the slot.

Jason Fortier was forced to tweak some of his forward lines in the third period due to various circumstances including the ejection of Farrell for his fight. But the various line combos that hit the ice continued to execute the system as the game wound down.

Christian Sanda put the finishing touches on the Express third straight win with a late powerplay goal.

The shots finished 38-25 in favour of the Express.

They remain two points back of the Chilliwack Chiefs for first place in the Mainland division after they rallied in the third period for a 3-2 win over Vernon.

Next week the Express host the Prince George Spruce Kings for a pair of games Friday and Sunday. 

CHIEFS VS. EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of the Express 5-1 win over Chilliwack Friday night. The win snapped a 29 game winless streak for the Express vs. the Chiefs dating back to the 2015 playoffs.

Play by play and highlights production by Eddie Gregory.

EXPRESS FINALLY SNAP THEIR STREAK VS. CHIEFS

It was 30 games in the making, but finally for the first time since 2015 the Express can say they have defeated the Chilliwack Chiefs following the 5-1 win Friday night. Click here for boxscore

The win snapped a 29 game winless streak to the Chiefs for the Express who were 0-28-1-0 during that time combining regular season and playoff meetings. Friday's win was the first win vs the Chiefs since game 3 of the 2015 first round series between the Express and Chiefs.

During the last three games that saw the Express go 1-2, they were prone to slow starts and spotting teams early leads. Tonight the Express were determined to not have that happen. And they proved it right from the drop of the puck and never let up the rest of the night.

Alex DiPaolo started a fantastic night by going to the net and have a Troy Robillard shot from the point bounce right to the Express forward who buried the rebound for a 1-0 Express lead just shy of the two minute mark.

That was followed the next shift by Josh Bruce, Danny Pearson and Cooper Connell working the play in the Chiefs end of the ice and the Express had found a good early rhythm.

Former Chilliwack Chief Regan Kimens played a big role expanding the Express lead to 2-0. To begin with he delivered a heavy hit on the forecheck. Then moments later he kept a Chiefs clearing attempt in the zone and then set up Dallas Farrell at the side of the net where he tipped home the pass for a 2-0 Express lead.

At the other end Kolby Matthews made his 7th straight start in the Express net. His best save of the first period came off Kevin Wall on a Chiefs first period powerplay by coming to his left to make a fine pad save.

Nick Wildgoose came close to putting the Express up by 3 midway through the first period but couldn't jam the puck under Chiefs goaltender Mathieu Caron. But Caron's best save came on a Alex DiPaolo wraparound with the Express shorthanded.

Friday was another strong night for the Express who are back as the top penalty killing team in the BCHL. They shut down two Chiefs powerplays in the opening half of the second period. The Express finished a perfect 6 for 6 on the penalty killing unit.

8 minutes into the second period saw Ethan Bowen and Sklyer Brind'Amour team up on a give and go and Brind'Amour re-directed the return pass over the pad of Kolby Matthews to cut the Express lead to 2-1.

Minutes later Chiefs forward Harrison Blaisdell was nailed for a double minor high sticking penalty on the forecheck. On the second of those powerplays the Express found Chase Danol in the slot who snapped his 7th of the season which ties him with Alex DiPaolo for tops on the Express in goals and a 3-1 lead.

Just prior to that goal DiPaolo was robbed for a second time by a great diving glove save by Mathieu Caron.

In the third period the Express never gave Chilliwack a sniff to claw back in this game. Their strong execution of their system allowed the Express to spend the majority of the game in the Chiefs end of the ice.

In the third period Alex DiPaolo was having the puck find him and he then found himself alone in front of the Chiefs net, his chance was denied by Caron but Danny Pearson buried the rebound for insurance early in the frame.

The Express got a scare late in the game when Carter Wilkie cut hard to the net and had a collision with goaltender Kolby Matthews. On the play Wilkie was called for a 5 minute major penalty for a blow to the head. Matthews was fine on the play.

On the powerplay the game was put on ice by Regan Kimens who scored with just over a minute to play to make it a 5-1 final. The Express finished 2 for 6 on the powerplay.

32-22 were the final shots in favour of the Express who limited Chilliwack to just 4 shots in the 3rd period.

The Express return to action Sunday afternoon when they host Nanaimo.

EXPRESS @ CHIEFS HIGHLIGHTS

Better late than never.... Here's the highlights of the Express 5-4 loss in Chilliwack Friday.

Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.

EXPRESS @ EAGLES HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of the Express 4-3 win over Surrey Saturday.

Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.

EXPRESS RALLY PAST EAGLES

The Express needed a come from behind effort to snap their mini two game losing streak with a 4-3 win over the Surrey Eagles. The win improved the Express to 3-1 vs. the Eagles this season.
Click here for boxscore

In recent games slow starts have been a consistent theme for the Express. Saturday night was no different.

Matthew McKim led an odd man rush into the Express zone and his shot was stopped by Kolby Matthews and the rebound was buried by Brandon Santa Juana. It was the third straight game the Express had allowed the games first goal.

Forward Dallas Farrell had a night that would drive a coach nuts and make him happy at the same time. He had a great chance where he cut to the net but then never was able to get a shot away.

6 minutes into the first period Holden Katzalay tipped home a pass from Santa Juana at the edge of the goal crease for a 2-0 Eagles lead. It was the second straight night that seen the Express fall behind by a pair before the game was 8 minutes old.

Then with the Express on the powerplay a Farrell cross ice pass was picked off allowing Max Mohagen to walk in on a breakaway.

As the period went on the Farrell settled into the game and worked to redeem himself. He dished the puck back to Pito Walton who blasted home his first BCHL goal for a powerplay goal and the Express had cut the deficit to 2-1 after 20 minutes.

As the second period commenced the Express slowly started to take control of the game. They were consistently generating more scoring chances.

At the other end when Kolby Matthews was needed he was in fine form. His best save of the night came in the second period sliding to his left and making a spectacular pad save for a second straight night this time off Sam Feldman.

Late in the second period following a won face-off in the Surrey zone a shot by Jordan Schulting went wide of the net and the rebound bounced to Nick Wildgoose who snapped his second Express goal in as many games just inside the goal post to even the game at 2.

The game remained tied until just shy of the 9 minute when the puck slid deep in the Express zone and Ty Westgard dropped it for Liam Ryan who roofed a backhand over the glove of Kolby Matthews for a brief 3-2 Eagles lead.

The brief lead lasted 34 seconds as Dallas Farrell, Regan Kimens and Josh Wildauer rushed into the Surrey zone and Kimens shot from the slot was stopped but Wildauer buried the rebound to tie the game at 3. Dallas Farrell finished with two assists and was named the first star.

Shortly there after with Josh Bruce in the box for the Express, Liam Ryan took his team off the powerplay with a charging penalty in the offensive zone.

Then at 4 on 4 some quick passing by the Express had Eagles goaltender Cayden Bailey having trouble keeping up with the play and Christian Sanda snapped it inside the post for the first Express lead of the night with just over 6 minutes to play.

That stood up as the winner as the Express held on for the 4-3 win. Kolby Matthews finished with 20 saves for his 5th win of the season.

Next week the Express have a pair of home games Friday and Sunday vs. Chilliwack and Nanaimo.

EXPERSS 3RD PERIOD COMEBACK FALLS SHORT IN CHILLIWACK

An action filled game Friday night in Chilliwack saw the Chiefs hold on for a 5-4 victory over the Express.

It was the first meeting of the season between the two teams that entered the night tied in the Mainland division standings with 14 points each.

Matt Holmes opened the scoring for the Chiefs as he bust through the middle of the Express defence and snapped a shot that dribbled past Kolby Matthews.

Then as the Express first powerplay of the night came to an end, a turnover in the Chiefs zone sprung Harrison Blaisdell on a breakaway and he made no mistake snapping a shot through the pads of Kolby Matthews for 2-0 Chiefs lead.

Late in the first period the Express cut into the Chiefs lead on a powerplay goal by Alex DiPaolo as he stood in front of the net and had a Josh Wildauer shot from the slot bounce off the Express forward and in to make it a 2-1 game. It was DiPaolo's team leading 4th powerplay goal on the season.

That goal gave the Express a boost that carried into the second period and they started to take the play to the Chiefs and started playing some of the best hockey of the night.

Five minutes into the second period the Express got a scare when Brett Willits cut to the net and as Pito Walton came back on the play there was a collision with goaltender Kolby Matthews and he was down for a few minutes and backup AP goaltender Jaden Little was preparing himself to enter the game. Thankfully his services weren't required. It was a nerve racking moment for a team already without Clay Stevenson.

11 minutes into the 2nd period the Express tied the game on a beautiful shot by Connor Gregga ripping a wrist shot under the crossbar after Alex DiPaolo did a great job to keep the puck in the Chiefs zone.

Four minutes later the game quickly turned back in favour of the Chiefs. Marcus Tesink's shot got to the net and the puck eventually bounced off Juliano Santalucia and into the net to put the Chiefs back in the lead at 3-2. Jacob Slipic ended up getting credit for the goal.

Off the ensuing face-off Christian Sanda was assessed a double minor slew footing.

Skyler Brind'Amour scored on a scramble play that had Kolby Matthews spinning around in his crease trying to keep up with the puck.

Then on the second of the Chiefs powerplays Cole Donhauser roofed a shot short side on Matthews to open a 5-2 lead.

All told the Chiefs scored three goals in a span of 1:28.

In the third period tempers got a little short. First, Christian Sanda and Brody Gagno dropped the gloves in the corner. That was followed moments later with another brief fight involving Josh Bruce and Ethan Bowen. All the players were given automatic ejections.

With 8 minutes to play Nicholas Wildgoose scored his first Express goal converting a pass from Dipaolo to make it a 5-3 game. DiPaolo finished with three points on one goal and two assists.

The drama at this point wasn't done by any means. Brett Willits was called for his second goaltender interference penalty of the game and he was given an automatic game misconduct at 12:42. That was followed seconds later by a hit by Marcus Tesink on Josh Wildauer that was called for boarding giving the Express a two man advantage for 90 seconds.

Jason Fortier called his time out and like Sunday vs. Prince George Drew Cooper blasted home a one timer from the right point to make it a one goal game with over 6 minutes to play. The Express finished 2 for 8 on the powerplay.

The Express still had plenty of time on their powerplay as the play went to 5 on 4. The Chiefs fired the puck into the Express end and Matthews came out of his net losing the puck and it was played back Brett Rylance who snapped a shot and thought he beat Matthews, but the goaltender got back into his net in time to make a marvellous diving save to keep the comeback hopes alive.

The best chance for the Express to get the equalizer came off the stick of Jordan Schulting who was set up alone in front of the net but he put his shot wide of the Chiefs net.

In the dying seconds the Express got the puck to the net but were too cute trying to make the perfect play and the clock ran out as the Chiefs held on for the 5-4 win. The shots finished 33-28 in favour of Chilliwack.

The loss extended the Express winless streak in Chilliwack to 22 games (0-21-1) dating back to the start of the 2014-15 season. That also includes playoffs. The Express are winless in their last 29 regular season and playoff games vs. the Chiefs dating back to the 2015 playoffs.

The Express are in Surrey on Saturday night.

EXPRESS VS. EAGLES HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of Surrey's 4-1 win over the Express Wednesday. 

Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.

EXPRESS STREAK SNAPPED BY EAGLES

The Coquitlam Express winning streak is a thing of the past stopping at 6 games following a 4-1 loss to the Surrey Eagles Wednesday night. Click here for boxscore

Despite the recent run of success for the Express, they haven't been pleased with their starts and particularly early penalties.

That didn't change Wednesday and it cost the Express. With Nick Wildgoose in the box for interference, Liam Ryan scored on the powerplay taking a feed off the rush from Ty Westgard and beat Kolby Matthews over the glove.

Ryan was playing alongside Westgard and Chase Stevenson in place of Eric Linell who was scratched Wednesday.

The goal at 1:54 was the first time the Express trailed in 7 games.

Surrey who had dropped the first two meetings of the season between the two teams by a combined 12-2 count, made it tougher for the Express to create time and space to make plays.

Then midway through the 1st period a D to D pass by the Express at the Surrey blueline was picked off by Justyn Gurney who scored on the breakaway beating Kolby Matthews to the backhand.

Cayden Bailey at the other end made his best saves of the first period off Regan Kimens alone in front of the net and a rebound chance late in the period off Danny Pearson.

In the opening minutes of the 2nd period Gurney and Robillard had some pushing and shoving leading to coincidental penalties. That ended up being some foreshadowing for the end of the period.

Chase Stevenson opened up a three goal Eagles lead going to the net following a Ty Westgard rush and knocking the puck out of the air and in the net. The Express argued the puck was contacted with a high stick, but the goal wasn't overturned.

The Express entered the game with 4 powerplay goals in the previous two games. Wednesday was harder for the man advantage to get going. Most notably in the second period where the Express couldn't convert on three opportunities to cut into the Eagles lead.

In the final minute of the 2nd period as the teams were lining up for a face-off in the Express zone Troy Robillard and Justyn Gurney had words and the Express captain was willing to settle things by dropping the gloves. Gurney didn't drop the gloves and both players ended up getting 10 minute misconducts.

By the time the 2nd period had come to an end the Express were certainly frustrated by how things had played out by this point.

In the opening moments of the 3rd period Drew Cooper was levelled after he moved the puck by Liam Ryan.

On the ensuing powerplay, Regan Kimens finally gave something for the Express to build on snapping a shot past a sprawled out Cayden Bailey to get the Express on the board at 1:58. The powerplay finished 1 for 6.

That goal sparked the Express to play some of their best hockey of the night. But they weren't able to get a second puck past Cayden Bailey who finished with 42 saves.

Gurney iced the game with his second of the night into an empty net.

The Express will visit Chilliwack on Friday then have a return match vs. Surrey on Saturday at the South Surrey Arena. 

SPRUCE KINGS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of the Express 3-1 win over Prince George Sunday afternoon.

Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.