EXPRESS ROLL TO 3RD WIN OF EXTENDED CAMP

The Express improved to 3-0 in this extended training camp, and for a third straight game they put 6 on the board on the Langley Rivermen. This time winning by a 6-0 score. Jack Watson posting the shutout for the Express.

Coquitlam survived some loose play in their own zone in the first period that created some chaos in front of their net in the first half of the first period. 

Like a week ago the powerplay began to leave their mark on the game. On a two man advantage Jackson Hughes buried a Danny Pearson pass from behind the net to open the scoring for his first of the night. 

Jackson Hughes @j3hughes01 potted his first of two on the night on a 5 on 3 in the 1st period for @BCHLExpress pic.twitter.com/XRFSEOG6oH

— Eddie Gregory (@EddieGregory81) October 10, 2020

Jack Watson's best save of the 22 he made on the night came in the opening moments of the second period when he kicked out his left leg to deny Keaton Oakley. 

Jack Watson made 22 saves for the shutout for @BCHLExpress

This save in the second was his best of the night. pic.twitter.com/E00PbOS0Xh

— Eddie Gregory (@EddieGregory81) October 10, 2020

Shortly thereafter Matthew Campbell jumped into the play at the other end and buried a hit shot past Jakob Gullmes for a 2-0 Express lead. 

Matthew Campbell jumping into the play give @BCHLExpress a 2-0 lead. pic.twitter.com/7w6UA9NJI4

— Eddie Gregory (@EddieGregory81) October 10, 2020

Penalties were problematic for Langley in the second period. Hughes struck for his second of the night with a shot off the wing with Ryan Helliwell in the box for tripping. 

He would then add his second off the rush in the middle frame for @BCHLExpress pic.twitter.com/CqYkPscbU5

— Eddie Gregory (@EddieGregory81) October 10, 2020

Greg Lapointe found the back of the net for a third straight game in the third. He rushed the puck up ice after Cole Crusberg-Roseen squeezed off a Langley rush allowing Lapointe to go the other way and snap home his 6th goal in 3 games. 

Lapointe then fed Cooper Connell for a tap in for the 5th Express goal of the night. Lapointe finished with 1 goal and 2 assists. Connell meanwhile had 1 and 1. 

Cooper Connell finished off the prettiest goal of the night for @BCHLExpress pic.twitter.com/mgoFIKKTx6

— Eddie Gregory (@EddieGregory81) October 10, 2020

Ryan Tattle rounded out the scoring in the final minute of the game burying a loose puck on a scramble play. The Express finished 3 for 7 on the powerplay. They killed off both Langley powerplays on the night. 

The teams will meet Saturday night in Langley. 

EXPRESS OPEN EXTENDED EXHIBITION WITH WIN OVER LANGLEY

Fans or no fans, @BCHLExpress always salute those who come out to support them folllowing a win. pic.twitter.com/M7u6ReATfb

— Eddie Gregory (@EddieGregory81) October 3, 2020

It was 212 days since the Express last played a game. Friday night, like 212 days ago the Express were victorious as they defeated the Langley Rivermen 6-1 to open the extended exhibition. 

Greg Lapointe who led the Express in scoring a year ago, opened the scoring with a snap shot from the right wing through the pads of Brandon Milberg. 

Greg Lapointe picked up where he left off a year ago for @BCHLExpress pic.twitter.com/ZbxLWgMpui

— Eddie Gregory (@EddieGregory81) October 3, 2020

The game really began to break open in the second period. Ryan Tattle took a feed from Jackson Hughes and extended the Express lead to 2-0 with their second poewrplay goal of the night. 

.@RyanTattle shows his quick hands on the powerplay for @BCHLExpress pic.twitter.com/Xwh4xLDSiD

— Eddie Gregory (@EddieGregory81) October 3, 2020

Dante Berrettoni broke in from the right wing snapping a wrist shot past the pad of Milberg for a 3-0 lead. 

Dante Berrettoni displays his shot off the rush for @BCHLExpress pic.twitter.com/Fyet4rGrUm

— Eddie Gregory (@EddieGregory81) October 3, 2020

Lapointe then added his 2nd of the night on a good play to stay onside then finish on a breakaway to make it 4-0 Express heading to the third period.

31 seconds into the final frame Danny Pearson snapped the third powerplay goal for the Express past Ajeet Gundarah who started the third period between the pipes for Langley. 

James Bohn capped off the scoring coming out of the penalty box and taking a Greg Lapointe pass and finishing on the backhand to make it 6-0. Greg Lapointe had two goals and two assists. 

James Bohn with some smooth finish on a breakaway for @BCHLExpress pic.twitter.com/hHJ4XtDDCX

— Eddie Gregory (@EddieGregory81) October 3, 2020

Joe Howe had his shutout bid denied with just over three minutes left in the third period by Ryan Helliwell. Howe finished with 32 saves in the Express crease. 

The teams will meet again Saturday night in Chilliwack for the second game of the extended exhibition. 

BEST OF ROUND 1 VS. RIVERMEN

The best of the Express four game sweep of the Langley Rivermen in the Mainland division semi final.

Video produced by Eddie Gregory.

EXPRESS AT RIVERMEN GAME 4 HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of the Express 5-4 win in game 4 over Langley to complete the sweep of the Mainland division semi final.

Here's footage of the Express bench for game 4.

Videos produced by Eddie Gregory. Express bench footage courtesy of Jorge Parra and Underdog Productions.

EXPRESS SWEEP RIVERMEN

The Express have punched their ticket to the second round of the playoffs with a 5-4 win over the Langley Rivermen to complete a four game sweep of the Mainland division semi final. Click here for boxscore

Game 4 was similar to the previous night with the teams devoting one period to trade goals back and forth. That would come in the second period.

The opening frame saw the Express push the pace early on looking to get the early jump on the Rivermen. They broke through late in the period when Connor Gregga opened the scoring for a second straight night jamming home a loose puck in the goal crease for a 1-0 Express lead.

The second period saw the Express ramp up their effort level looking to expand their lead. Despite a 5-1 advantage in shots to open the period, it was the Rivermen who got a break to pull even. To open an Express powerplay the Rivermen won the face-off and quickly sent the puck down the ice where Sean Bunting hustled to the puck and then cut to the net and beat Jack Watson with a backhand to pull the Rivermen even.

88 seconds later the Express took their second lead of the night as Massimo Rizzo from the top of the right circle snapping home his first of the night to put the Express into a temporary 2-1 lead.

Ryan Helliwell's point shot 1:11 later eluded Watson to pull Langley even at two on the powerplay.

Earlier in the period Ethan O'Rourke just missed a tap in on an Express powerplay. He didn't miss his second tap in opportunity converting a Will Margel pass for the third Express lead of the night.

Langley's answer to that goal came just less than four minutes later with Tanner Versus burying a rebound of a Ryley Wallack shot to tie the game at 3.

The Express counter punch to that goal came just 26 seconds later with Steven Bellini jumping into the rush and taking a Will Margel pass and snapping a quick shot past the glove of Jonathan Mor to give the Express a 4-3 lead heading to the third period. Will Margel had three assists in game 4 and 2 goals and 5 assists in the series.

Insurance came for the Express midway through the third as Rizzo burst out on a two on one break and decided to keep the puck and beat Jonathan Mor on the stick side to open a 5-3 Express lead. Rizzo had four goals and three assist in this series.

A two goal deficit wasn't going to deter Langley's hopes of keeping the series alive. The Express meanwhile dug in to do the little things right to preserve the lead. Josh Wildauer made two good plays on a penalty kill by getting in the way of Rivermen shots.

Then unfortunately for Wildauer a third shot block attempt of a Ryan Helliwell test deflected off Wildauer's stick from the high slot and it eluded Jack Watson to cut the Express lead to 5-4 with 7:22 to play.

That would be as close as the Rivermen would come. Jack Watson shut the door the rest of the way to finish with 27 saves to post his fourth win of the series.

The Express advance to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since their championship season in 2014. It's the third all time sweep of a series for the Express. They swept the Langley Hornets in the first round in 2006. Then in 2014 they swept the Vernon Vipers in the Fred Page Cup Final.

Now the Express will get some rest before they will open the second round against either the Chilliwack Chiefs or Surrey Eagles. That series is tied at two games apiece. 

PEARSON OT HERO AS EXPRESS PUT RIVERMEN ON THE BRINK

Danny Pearson's overtime winner gave the Express a 5-4 come from behind win over the Langley Rivermen opening up a 3-0 Express lead in the Mainland division semi final. Click here for boxscore

The dramatic finish capped off a gutsy come back effort that saw the Express tie the game three times in the third period alone to force overtime.

Langley looking for a change in fortunes went with Bredeon Fleming in goal for his first start of the series. The Express meanwhile got Connor Gregga back after he missed the first two games.

Gregga paid immediate dividends with his return with a toe drag to change the angle of his shot that found the back of the net to open the scoring at 8:45.

Brendan Budy was pointless in the first two games of the series. He put an end to that shortly after Gregga's goal by taking a Jonathan Stein drop pass and ripping a rocket over the glove of Jack Watson to pull Langley even.

Game 3 had some similarities from game two with the teams being very patient which didn't result in a lot of shots on goal or scoring chances for either side early on. After 20 minutes the shots were just 6 apiece.

Matthew Hubbarde gave Langley their first lead of the series with a shot from the left wing where he used Wyatt Head as a screen and snapped it past Jack Watson on the short side.

Early in the third period just after an Express powerplay expired, Josh Wildauer swatted a loose puck in front of the net home to pull the Express even at two.

That goal set the stage for a wild back and forth third period.

1:07 later Hubbarde potted his second of the night burying the rebound of a Brian Scoville point shot for a 3-2 Langley lead.

Wldauer pulled the Express even for a second time in the third period. This time his backhand had barely enough steam to slide between the post and Fleming's stick and cross the goal line to tie the game at 3.

Langley's response came on the powerplay 34 seconds later after winning the face-off to start the powerplay and Ryan Helliwell fired a seeing eye shot to the net that gave Langley a 4-3 lead.

Now with their third lead of the period the Rivermen played it very conservatively hoping to hold on long enough to get the win. Dumping the puck deep any chance they could. Even at the expense of passing up chances to expand the lead.

As the third period ticked down the Express kept up the pressure looking for the equalizer. Off a face-off with 26 seconds left Greg Lapointe's quick shot was blockered away by Fleming. Seconds later Lapointe had the puck behind the net and made a great pass to Will Margel in the high slot who used his time wisely to find his spot and beat Fleming low to the glove side with 9.8 seconds left in the third period to tie the game at 4. It was the third goal for the Express in the final frame that pulled them on even terms and sent the game to overtime.

Jack Watson did his part early in overtime turning aside all 3 Langley shots. As the OT progressed the Express started spending more time in the Rivermen zone. Just past the 7 minute mark Massimo Rizzo found Danny Pearson in the slot and he wasted no time bringing this game to an end beating Fleming high over the glove to give the Express the 5-4 win and commanding 3-0 lead in the series.

The Express will be in search of the sweep as the series continues on Wednesday night with game 4 in Langley.

RIVERMEN AT EXPRESS GAME 2 HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of the Express 3-0 win over Langley in game 2 of the Mainland division semi final for a 2-0 Express lead in the series.

Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory. 

EXPRESS BLANK RIVERMEN FOR TWO GAME SERIES LEAD OVER RIVERMEN

Jack Watson wasn't denied his first BCHL playoff shutout in the final minute tonight as he finished with 26 saves as the Express blanked Langley 3-0 to take a 2-0 series lead in their Mainland division semi final. Click here for boxscore

This game wasn't as chippy as the series opener. The first period saw Langley edge the Express 8-7 in shots. There weren't many notable scoring chances for either side. Each team clanged a shot off the post in the opening period. Brian Scoville's seeing eye point shot hit iron for Langley. Danny Pearson dinged the red paint with a shot off the rush.

Watson was tested more in the second period as the Express had some trouble finding their rhythm. In part due to the Express struggling to find success in the face-off circle. Watson made 12 saves in the middle frame.

He kept Langley at bay until the powerplay got the offence rolling. Greg Lapointe blasted home his first of the series midway through the period to open the scoring assisted by Cooper Connell and Josh Wildauer. This season the Express are 33-3-1 when Josh Wildauer records a point.



The Express scratched their way through the game and by the third had been able to keep the Langley scoring chances at a minimum.

The powerplay continued to pick apart Langley in the third period. Ethan O'Rourke scored his first of the series early in the stanza for a 2-0 Express lead.



Tempers did flare a little in the third in game 2. Not to the extent they did in game 1. Cooper Connell scored the Express third powerplay goal of the night for a 3-0 Express lead with Brian Scoville in the box for cross checking. Game 2 was the fourth time in the last six meetings between the teams that the Express scored at least three powerplay goals in a game.



Jack Watson feared his shutout bid was going to be broken in the final minute of the third period for a second straight game. But a Langley goal was waved off on a high stick.

Game two wasn't an oil painting. But it got the job done for the Express. The series will shift to Langley for game 3 on Tuesday.

RIVERMEN @ EXPRESS GAME 1 HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of the Express game 1 5-1 win over Langley in the Mainland division semi final Friday.

Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.

EXPRESS VICTORIOUS IN FIESTY GAME 1 WITH RIVERMEN

It was a heated opener of the Express and Rivermen Mainland division semi final. At the end of the night the BCHL's top team prevailed by a 5-1 score to take a 1-0 series lead. Click here for boxscore

Seemingly more often than not when the Express and Rivermen meet the tempers flare up. But Friday went to another level.

The Express went with a new look with Ethan O'Rourke centering Massimo Rizzo and Ryan Tattle. That line gave the Express a good mix of speed and sandpaper. For the most part it was Tattle on that line bringing the sandpaper and he was trying to hit everything he possibly could.

The energy translated to a quick start for the Express. Late in the first period that line had a notable shift of pushing the pace in the Rivermen zone. Massimo Rizzo brought the sandpaper by laying out Brendan Budy with a big hit along the boards. Tattle meanwhile fed the puck back to Joey Berkopec who opened the scoring with a wrist shot over the glove of Jonathan Mor. That capped off an opening period that saw the Express outshoot Langley 15-4.

The waters began to simmer between the teams in the second period. Massimo Rizzo was whistled for a double minor for high sticking. With the second penalty to Rizzo in effect, a Tanner Versluis tripping penalty took Langley off the poweprlay. That would become a consistent theme on this night.

One theme that carried over from the regular season into game 1 is the Express making Langley pay for undisciplined penalties. With Colten Kovich in the box for roughing after the whistle, Rizzo found the scoresheet in the manner he's known for. He ripped a wrist shot past a screened Mor for a 2-0 Express lead.

Langley took themselves off the powerplay for a second time in the middle frame on a Sean Bunting cross checking penalty. On the ensuing Express powerplay Will Margel tapped home a Danny Pearson pass at the edge of the crease for a 3-0 Express lead after two periods.

Things really got wild as the third period went on in game 1. There were too many scrums and roughing situations to all list in this space.

Christian MacDougall made his return to the lineup in game 1. He was right in the middle of a lot of things on this night. His agitating style had Langley players barking at him all night. And the gritty Express forward was eating it all up. Ryan Tattle was also in the mix of a lot of things on this night in addition to using his speed playing alongside Rizzo and O'Rourke.

There was only one fight on this night that saw Tyler Schleppe and Ryan Helliwell drop the gloves with just over 8 minutes to play.

Nick Carabin burying the rebound of his own wraparound just as an Express powerplay came to an end made it 4-0 Express. His goal snapped a 43 game goalless drought for Carabin. His last goal came all the way back on October 23rd vs. Langley.

Massimo Rizzo buried his second powerplay goal and picked up his 4th point of the night midway through the period to open a 5-0 Express lead. Rizzo's two powerplay goals surpasses his regular season total of one with the extra man this season. The Express finished 3 for 9 on the powerplay.

As the third period ticked down while the tempers kept on being riled up, Jack Watson was hoping his playoff debut would result in a shutout. Unfortunately he was denied it when Sean Bunting scored with 55 seconds to play. But that would be the lone blemish on Watson who opened the playoffs with 23 saves.

These teams will have a day off between games 1 and 2 to cool down before the series resumes Sunday night in Coquitlam. 

RIVERMEN VS. EXPRESS BY THE NUMBERS

GRAPHIC BY JACOB LAZARE

RIVERMEN VS. EXPRESS BY THE NUMBERS
OVERALL RECORDS
EXPRESS – 47-9-1-1, 96 PTS., 1st in Mainland division, 1st overall in BCHL	RIVERMEN – 23-31-2-1-1, 50PTS., 4th in Mainland division, 13th overall in BCHL
HEAD TO HEAD MEETINGS
6-2-0-0 - Express Sep. 7 @ LA 5-2 Express Sep. 20 @ LA 6-1 Rivermen Oct. 12 @ LA 4-1 Express  Oct. 18 @ LA 2-0 Rivermen Oct. 23 @ CQ 4-1 Express Oct. 27 @ CQ 3-1 Express Jan. 12 @ CQ 8-1 Express Jan. 31 @ CQ 5-0 Express
LAST 10 GAMES
Express – 8-1-1-1, 18 points	Rivermen – 3-7-0-0, 6 points
GOALS FOR / GOALS AGAINST
Express 227 GF, 1st 127 GA, 1st Diff. +100, 1st	Rivermen 162 GF, 14th 204 GA, 13th Diff. -42, 13th
SPECIAL TEAMS
Express PP – 24.4% - 2nd - 66PPG for - 1st PK – 89.5% - 1st - 29 PPGA - 1st	Rivermen PP – 16.4% - 16th – 45 PPG for - 10th PK – 77.8% - 13th - 73 PPGA - 17th
HEAD TO HEAD SPECIAL TEAMS
CQ PP – 13/54 – 24.07% LA PK – 41/54 – 75.93%	LA PP – 7/50 – 14% CQ PK – 43/50 – 86%
OVERTIME & SHOOTOUT RECORDS
Express – 3-1 OT – 5-1 SO	Rivermen – 3-2 OT – 3-2 SO
TOP SCORERS EXPRESS	TOP SCORERS RIVERMEN
Greg Lapointe – 56GP, 29G, 31 A, 60PTS Josh Wilduaer – 51GP, 22G, 35A, 57PTS Massimo Rizzo – 42GP 19G, 25A, 44PTS Adam Trotman – 58GP, 16G, 28A, 44PTS Connor Gregga – 55GP, 14G, 30A, 44PTS	Brendan Budy – 50GP, 19G, 30A, 49PTS Jake Livingstone – 52GP, 11G, 38A, 49PTS Joseph Musa – 56GP, 14G, 21A, 35PTS Tristan Fraser – 56GP, 13G, 21A, 34PTS Kalen Szeto – 56GP, 10G, 24A, 34PTS
EXPRESS GOALTENDERS - (W-L-SOL)	RIVERMEN GOALTENDERS  (W-L-SOL)
Jack Watson – 13-4-0, 2.51 GAA, .911 Sv.%, 1SO Joe Howe – 10-16-0, 3.72 GAA, .896 Sv.%, 1SO	Braedon Fleming – 18-21-2, 3.37 GAA, .879 sv.%, 1SO Jonathan Mor – 3-6-0, 3.56 GAA, .889 Sv.%, 0SO
SCORING VS. RIVERMEN	SCORING VS. EXPRESS
Massimo Rizzo – 4G, 7A, 11PTS Connor Gregga – 3G, 8A, 11PTS Greg Lapointe – 5G, 4A, 9PTS Adam Trotman – 3G, 4A, 7PTS Drew Cooper – 2G, 4A, 6PTS Ethan O'Rourke – 3G, 1A, 4PTS Josh Wildauer – 1G, 3A, 4PTS	Jake Livingston – 2G, 2A, 4PTS Kalen Szeto – 2G, 2A, 4PTS Tristan Fraser – 2G, 2A, 4PTS Brendan Budy – 0G, 4A, 4PTS Tanner Versluis – 2G, 1A, 3PTS Joseph Musa – 0G, 3A, 3PTS Will Dow-Kenny – 1G, 1A, 2PTS
GOALTENDING VS. RIVERMEN (W-L-OTL-SOL)	GOALTENDING VS. EXPRESS (W-L-OTL-SOL)
Both Jack Watson and Joe Howe didn't play vs. Langley in 19-20	Braedon Fleming – 8GP, 2-5-0, 3.18 GAA, .870 Sv.% Jonathan Mor – 2GP, 0-1, 5.95 GAA, .826 Sv.%

EXPRESS DROP REGULAR SEASON HOME FINALE TO EAGLES

The Surrey Eagles picked up a huge road win by a 3-1 score over the Express in their pursuit of home ice in the first round of the playoffs. Click here for boxscore

The game was the final regular season home game for the Express. They finished the year with a franchise best home record of 26-3 on the season.

Ryan Tattle made his return to the lineup after missing 4 plus months of action with a broken leg. He played the whole night with plenty of pent up energy. He took the opening face-off to start the game and got a rise from the Express bench after winning it. And had some of the better Express chances on the night.

Joe Howe for the Express and Thomas Scarfone for the Eagles held firm keeping the game scoreless after 1 period with 14 saves for Scarfone and 8 saves for Joe Howe.

The deadlock was broken early in the second with Wyatt Schlatt in the slot beating Howe with a shot past his glove.

Howe bounced back with a number of key stops in the second period to keep the Express deficit at one.

At the other end the Express got pucks to the Surrey goal, but the top notch chances weren't always there.

Steven Bellini pulled the Express even in the opening minute of the third period with a delayed penalty in effect snapping a shot home for his 8th of the season.

The game remained tied for only 56 seconds as Carter King finished off a two on one with a shot past the stick of Joe Howe.

The best chance for the Express to pull even was a Greg Lapointe penalty shot. He went to his backhand without much speed and Scarfone kept it out. The Surrey netminder finished with 29 saves in the Eagles crease.

Carter King would add his second of the night in the dying seconds into an empty net to round out the scoring.

The win for Surrey combined with Chilliwack's loss to Salmon Arm Wednesday pulls the teams even in points with both teams having one game left in their season. Both vs. Langley. Surrey has two more wins than Chilliwack. The winner will have home ice advantage in their upcoming series.

For the Express they will play their final two games of the regular season up in Prince George.

They will begin the playoffs next Friday vs. Langley.

EXPRESS STACK UP WELL IN TRAIL

Massimo Rizzo scored twice and added an assist as the Express picked up their 45th win of the season by a 5-2 score Saturday in Trail. https://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/9643

The win extended the Express winning streak to four and was the 7th win in the last 8 games.

9 minutes into the first Rizzo and James Bohn teamed up to set up affiliate player KT Walters who buried his first BCHL goal to open the scoring. Just under two minutes later Michael Colella chipped a puck over Jack Watson to pull Trail onto even terms after one period.

Watson finished with 32 saves in the Express crease. Some of his best work came in the second period. He reached out with the blocker to take away what appeared to be a tap in for Owen Ozar on a chance off the rush.



A few minutes later Watson would get the better of Ozar again when he cut past an Express defender then cut to the net and Watson held out Ozar's backhand.



Saturday was the first time the Express would face BCHL scoring leader Kent Johnson live in the flesh. The Port Moody native had his moments of trying to create cute plays through the night. But the Express all night long kept him in check to prevent him from hitting the scoresheet.

At one end Johnson found the puck near the front of the Express net. Johnson tried to be fancy and shoot the puck between his legs. The chance didn't materialize in much. Massimo Rizzo followed the play the other way and swatted at the puck from below the goal line and banked it in off Logan Terness to give the Express a 2-1 lead.

In the third Watson stood tall as Trail pushed to pull even with 17 shots. But the Express did a good job to help support their goaltender.

Adam Trotman was leaned on heavily this weekend for his defensive prowess. He then teamed up with Brad Ong midway through the third on a give and go to give the Express a 3-1 lead.



Four minutes later Connor Gregga found a trailing Danny Pearson who snapped a shot inside the post to open the Express lead to 4-1.

Walker Erickson with a backhand shaved the Express lead to 4-2 with 2:28 to play.

But Rizzo capped off his three point night by hitting the empty net in the final seconds of the game.

The Express will come home for their final home game of the regular season Wednesday night vs. Surrey.

And their first round playoff opponent has been determined when Langley defeated the Prince George Spruce Kings in overtime Sunday setting up a first round match up with the Rivermen. 

EXPRESS CLINCH BCHL'S TOP RECORD IN PENTICTON

Graphic by Jacob Lazare

For the first time in Express history they will finish with the top record in the BCHL after a 3-2 win over the Penticton Vees at the South Okanagan Events Centre. https://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/9633

The Express did it by securing the win while Penticton was making a hard charge to try and catch the Express. The Vees had won 10 in a row and 14 of their last 15 coming into the game.

The first meeting of the season between the teams saw some fireworks that were sparked in part by the 7-2 decision in favour of the Express. Friday's game was more reserved with much more at stake.

The first period was dead even between the two teams. The shots finished 13 apiece. And the teams traded goals. Adam Trotman at the edge of the goal crease converted a Josh Wildauer pass for a powerplay goal to open the scoring for the Express. That was followed 1:41 later by Lukas Sillinger tying the game for Penticton finishing off a give and go with David Silye and snapping his 20th of the season past the glove of Clay Stevenson.

Pentiction began to pepper the Express net in the second period. But the backbone of the Express Clay Stevenson was there to calm the waters. He was beaten once in the second period on a one timer by Jay O'Brien to give the Vees their lone lead of the night.

From then on Stevenson shut the door with 22 saves in the middle frame. His best sequence coming with 4 saves in about a 30 second span.

The powerplay pulled the Express on even terms with Cooper Connell at the side of the net burying his 17th of the season past Yaniv Perets.

Entering the third tied at two, the Express on the road simplified and locked the game down. Hoping to find the goal they need for the regulation win necessary for finishing first overall.

That goal came three minutes into the period thanks to a great pass by Noah De La Durantaye to spring Greg Lapointe on a breakaway and he slid home a backhand past Perets for his team leading 28th of the season and a 3-2 Express lead. Lapointe finished with 1 goal and 2 assists.

Then the Express locked the game down and slowed the pace down to slowly allow the clock to begin to tick down.

They did push for some insurance. Most notably Cooper Connell was down right robbed on a two on one by a marvellous glove save by Yanniv Perets. Then Lapointe was stoned by Perets on a another breakaway.

At the other end Clay Stevenson was less busy. But his best save of the final frame came on a re-direction off the rush by Stephen Holtz and Stevenson got his pad down on that one.

The final minute came with the Vees making one final push, but the hard work the Express had put in all season to get to this point rose to the occasion as the Express held on for the win to clinch the Ron Boileau trophy for the first time in the 19 season history of the Express.

Friday's game was Clay Stevenson's last game in an Express uniform. And he went out in style by getting the win to clinch the best record in the league. He also surpassed Kevin Jebson by becoming the first goalie in Express history to win 30 games in a season.

Stevenson's season will truly go down not only as the best in Express history by a goaltender. He had an all time best season for a BCHL netminder. His 1.77 GAA and .936 save percentage are the second lowest marks in league history.

Graphic by Jacob Lazare

He did not suffer a loss in regulation time after October 18th in Langley. And he was undefeated on home ice.

The Express will travel to Trail Saturday night to face Kent Johnson and the Smoke Eaters. 

EXPRESS WITH ANOTHER 9 SPOT

For a second consecutive Tuesday night on the road the Express put 9 on the board. This time by a score of 9-2 over the Merritt Centennials. Click here for boxscore

This game quite frankly was never going to be close on paper. The league leading Express entered the game 60 points up on the Merritt Centennials who sit dead last in the BCHL.

Early on however the gap between the teams didn't seem so wide. Daniel Tkac opened the scoring just 1:10 into the game snapping a shot past Jack Watson.

It took a little while for the Express to settle in and turn the game in their favour. When they did they never looked back.

Greg Lapointe pulled the Express even finishing off a 2 on 1 with Cooper Connell. Shortly thereafter the Express thought they had taken the lead. Noah De La Durantaye finished off a rush chance. But the goal was waved off after contact in the crease with Merritt goaltender Ryan Winter.

The 2-1 goal did eventually come when Will Margel scored just 5 seconds into a powerplay.

After Josh Wildauer had opened up a 3-1 Express lead, one of the wildest sequences i've ever seen occurred.

Merritt lobbed the puck into the Express zone. The puck took a crazy bounce from the high slot and went flying up in the air. Jack Watson went down to block the dump in. Then the bounce caught him off guard, but luckily the puck clanged off the crossbar and stayed out. Quickly the Express went the other way and Wyatt Head scored off the rush for a 4-1 Express lead. AP's KT Walters and Christian Lowe picked up the assists. The goal chased Ryan Winter after four goals on ten shots.

Cooper Connell greeted Tanner Marshall into the game by scoring his 16th of the season for a 5-1 lead after 1.

Danny Pearson scored for a third straight game burying the rebound of a Adam Trotman shot that hit the post for a 6-1 Express advantage. Pearson has 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points in his 5 games since returning from injury.

The one downside for the Express was Tyler Schleppe delivering a big hit in the second period that was ruled to be a major for a blow to the head. He has received the automatic two game suspension according to the Junior A Supplement.

Rylan Van Unen scored a nice end to end rush for a shorthanded goal to interrupt the Express run of offence.

But late in the period the lead was back to 5 on a powerplay goal by Adam Trotman deflecting a Wyatt Head point shot.

In the third Greg Lapointe added his second of the game and Connor Gregga rounded out the scoring.

13 skaters in total picked up points for the Express. 11 players had multi point nights. That includes AP's KT Walters and Christian Lowe who each had two assists.

Jack Watson finished with 27 saves.

The win opened up a four point lead for the Express over Penticton for first overall in the BCHL. And now the stage is set for the two teams to meet for the second time this season Friday night in Penticton.

For the Express the focus is simple, a regulation win will clinch first overall and the Ron Boileau trophy for the Express for the first time in team history. 

EXPRESS DOUBLE UP GRIZZLIES

Joe Howe picked up his first win in an Express uniform and it came at the expense of his former team the Victoria Grizzlies by a 6-3 score. Click here for boxscore

Howe's former mates weren't kind early on. Jake Veilliux snapped home a shot from the point off a won face-off to open the scoring for Victoria.

The powerplay pulled the Express even 13 minutes into the frame. Connor Gregga came out of the box after serving a penalty and went right to the net. When he got there, a Will Margel pass was on his tape for Gregga to tap home to tie the game.

Both teams played a fast paced opening period. The second period saw the Express lay their foot on the gas. 31 seconds into the period Danny Pearson tipped home a Massimo Rizzo shot for Pearson's 2nd goal in as many games. Pearson has two goals and two assists since his return to the lineup. Steven Bellini made his return after missing the previous 11 games. He picked up the second assist on the Pearson goal.

Joe Howe planted the flag of his new alliance to the Express in the second period. He stared down and denied Andrew Amousse on a second period breakaway to keep the Express in a 2-1 lead.

Drew Cooper has been such a vital cog on the Express blueline all season long. Most notably being the most reliable blue liner all season. He had his share of strong plays defensively Saturday. Throughout the year he's quietly racked up his share of points. Saturday he scored for a third straight game taking a pass from Tyler Schleppe and snapping a shot past Blake Wood who barely moved on the 3-1 Express goal.

Then it was another AP contribution. Gabriel Parent on a 2 on 1 snapped home his first BCHL goal over the glove of Howe for a 4-1 Express lead through two periods. The Express have 3 goals from affiliate players in their last 5 games.

It was a back and forth third period. James Davenport 1:40 into the third period blasted a shot past Howe to cut the lead to 4-2.

Wyatt Head had numerous clean looks in the third period. He ripped a shot bar down at 6:38 for his 3rd Express goal for a 5-2 Express lead.

Henri Schriefels at the edge of the Express crease tipped home a Cody Monds pass to cut the lead down to two.

Then with exactly one minute to go in the third period Josh Wildauer tipped a Drew Cooper shot to round out the scoring. The Express captain had his second consecutive 1 goal and 2 assist performance.

The win put the Express back into a four point lead on the Penticton Vees for 1st place in the overall standings. Penticton had the night off. They will play Sunday afternoon vs. West Kelowna. The Express have 6 games left in their season. The Vees have 5.

Saturday was the second to last home game for the Express. They will hit the road this week with visits to Merritt Tuesday, then in Penticton and Trail Friday and Saturday.

EXPRESS MUZZLE BULLDOGS

Photo courtesy of Kaicee Trott

8 different players found the back of the net as the Express scored a season high for goals in a game as they dropped the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 9-4. Click here for boxscore

The game was made up after the original date in November was postponed due to arena issues that shutdown the Weyerhauser Arena for nearly two weeks.

Alberni Valley got the early jump on the Express thanks to a stretch pass that connected with Stephen Castagna and he beat Jack Watson on a breakaway to open the scoring.

AP Ryan Strange pulled the Express even midway through the period burying the rebound of a Drew Cooper point shot to bury his first BCHL goal.

That goal sparked the Express to find their legs as the first period went along.

Tuesday was a career night for Cooper Connell. He got his night going sliding a backhand past Luke Pearson to give the Express a 2-1 lead heading to the second period.

Photo courtesy of Kaicee Trott

Early in the second period Alberni Valley had the 2-2 goal waved off after it was ruled to be swatted in with a high stick.

It was at this point the Express never looked back.

Nick Carabin showed good vision to find open ice and dance into the slot then dish a feed to Danny Pearson who snapped home a one timer for his first goal since returning to the lineup opening up a 3-1 Express lead.

Massimo Rizzo and Josh Wildauer finished off great feeds exactly a minute apart to break the game open for the Express and a 5-1 lead by the midway mark of the period.

The scoring run for the Express was interrupted on a goal by Austin Spiridakis finishing off a two on one break.

The lead was back to four for the Express when former Alberni Valley Bulldog Brag Ong roofed home his 12th of the season.

In the third Connell helped finish off another high end passing play that saw Josh Wildauer finish on the business end with his second of the night and a 7-2 Express lead.

5 minutes Greg Lapointe took a stick in the face and a penalty was on the way to the Bulldogs. In the meantime Drew Cooper blasted home 9th of the season. Lapointe would get his revenge shortly there after. Cooper Connell picked up his third assist of the night and finished with a four point night.

Photo courtesy of Kaicee Trott

After Jackson Munro cut the lead to 8-3, Lapointe returned and found the puck on his stick and took out his frustration from the high stick by ripping his 25th of the season post and in for the 9th Express goal of the night.

Grayson Valente would wire a slap shot past Jack Watson to round out the scoring. It would snap a run of 34 straight successful kills for the Express penalty killing. Jack Watson would finish with 30 saves to pick up his 10th win of the season.

The Express return home Saturday when the Victoria Grizzlies come to town.

EXPRESS WIN 40TH GAME AS CLAY STEVENSON SETS EXPRESS FRANCHISE SHUTOUT RECORD

Graphic by Jacob Lazare.

Clay Stevenson made 29 saves for his 4th shutout of the season and his 6th in his regular season career as the Express blanked Langley 5-0. Click here for boxscore

For Stevenson, his 6th career regular season shutout passes Cole Huggins for the most all time in Express history. His 4th shutout this season ties Matthew Gordon for most in a single season. It was also his 29th win of the season which tied Kevin Jebson for most wins in a season by a goaltender in Express history.

Langley came out hitting trying to set an early tone. Most notably Massimo Rizzo was on the receiving end of a double team hit in the neutral zone. But it would be long until Langley wasn't able to keep up with the Carolina Hurricanes pick.

Joey Berkopec opened the scoring for the Express just past the 5 minute mark snapping a shot over the glove of Braedon Fleming. For Berkopec it was his first goal in an Express uniform since being acquired from Merritt.

Massimo Rizzo had been very dangerous in the last few games for the Express. But he wasn't getting the pay off by finding the back of the net with the hard work he was putting in to generate chances.

Tonight he broke through. Just past the 11 minute mark he converted a Greg Lapointe pass tipping home his first of the night. The goal chased Fleming after just two goals on four shots.

Greg Lapointe and Danny Pearson both returned to the lineup after missing time with injuries. Lapointe's impact was immediate as he had a number of good chances in the first period.

Jonathan Mor came in the Langley net following the 2-0 goal. Late in the period he had no chance handing a wicked Rizzo wrist shot for a 3-0 Express lead after one.

Danny Pearson had his share of chances during the night in his return to the lineup. He picked up an assist in his return with a shot that wound up in the feet of Mor and was tucked home in the goal crease by Brad Ong. It was the third goal in the last two games for Ong.

Stevenson only had to make 6 saves in the second period. But he got some help in the period to keep Langley off the board when a loose puck in the crease that Stevenson couldn't find right away was cleared just as Stevenson found the puck and was in the process of covering it.

In the third, not only did Stevenson had to fight off Langley shooters. He had to endure a few collisions in the crease. The second one he had Sean Bunting hit on top of the Express goaltender as Noah De La Durantaye hustled back to get into the play and levelled the Langley forward.

The contact didn't deter the Express goaltender in his pursuit of his 4th shutout of the season.

Rizzo meanwhile had his share of chances in the second period to get his 3rd of the night. Then when he was not trying to finish off the hat-trick he was able to cap it off. On a two on one with Nick Carabin, Rizzo's pass for the Express defenceman ended up going in off a Langley defenceman for Rizzo's second hat-trick of the season.

Friday's game was loaded with penalties. The Express were 0 for 9 on the powerplay. But they were a perfect 8 for 8 on the penalty kill. Friday's effort will move the Express back into the top spot in the overall BCHL penalty killing rankings.

Saturday will see the Express hit the road for their lone visit of the season to Wenatchee. 

EXPRESS CLINCH 1ST REGULAR SEASON DIVISION TITLE WITH WIN OVER CHIEFS

Graphic by Jacob Lazare.

For the first time in 19 seasons the Express can call themselves regular season Mainland division champions. It was clinched with a gritty 4-3 win over their long time rival Chilliwack Chiefs. Click here for boxscore

Massimo Rizzo - Photo courtesy of Damon James.

The win snapped the Express season high three game losing streak. And it was one of their more impressive wins of the 39 they have picked up this season.

The injury situation didn't change as there were still 6 regulars out of the lineup. But the ones that were in the line up made sure the effort level was high. And a number of guys even elevated their level to give their team a much needed boost.

Right from the get go the Express were ready to bring their best. They were playing hard and fast.

Just past the four minute mark Josh Wildauer snapped a shot past the glove of Mathieu Caron to open the scoring with his third goal in his last two games.

For the most part there weren't many mistakes in the Express game. One gaffe however ended up in their net. Clay Stevenson came out of his net to play the puck. He ended up putting a perfect pass on the tape of Brett Rylance who buried it into the empty net to tie the game at one.

The error didn't dissuade the Express on this night who showed plenty of poise and quickly shook it off.

Connor Gregga  - Photo courtesy of Damon James.

With four AP's in the lineup tonight they stepped up to help fill the void and leave their mark on the game for the Express.

Christian Lowe took a pass out of the corner from Tyler Schleppe and snapped home his first BCHL goal for a 2-1 Express lead after one period.

The visitors picked up their game to open the second period. Tommy Lyons beat Clay Stevenson on a backhand just past the five minute mark for a 2-2 tie.


Again the Express found offence from an unlikely source for their third lead of the night. Christian Lowe won a draw just as a powerplay expired and Brad Ong cut into the slot and snapped home his 9th of the season. For Ong it was his first goal in 17 games.

Most games between the Express and Chiefs this season have been tight contests. Why would Friday night be any different?

Nick Carabin  - Photo courtesy of Damon James.

With 30 seconds left in the period Hudson Thornton scored off the rush to even things at 3 through two periods.

Entering the third with a division crown at stake the Express showed the character that got them to this point. They were ready to have their best period of the night. Having so many guys out of the lineup wasn't going to be a factor.

AP defenceman Matthew Campbell did his part to help out early in the third with 4 good plays on one shift.

The deadlock was broken with just over 5 minutes to play with a good read by Nick Carabin to keep the puck in the Chiefs zone then fire it at the night where it was tipped by Ong for his second of the night putting the Express in the lead for good.

They locked the game down in the final five minutes to preserve the win and clinch their first regular season division championship. Clay Stevenson finished with 20 saves for his 28th win of the season.

Discipline was another key element to the Express success giving Chilliwack only two powerplays on the night. And none in the 2nd or 3rd periods.

The Express have the rest of the weekend off and will host Langley next Friday.

EXPRESS DROP SECOND STRAIGHT HOME GAME TO SPRUCE KINGS

Prince George used 4 unanswered goals to rally for a 4-3 victory over the Express Wednesday afternoon. https://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/9568

For the the Express it was their second straight home loss and fourth set back in the last six games.

Injuries have certainly played a factor with Ethan O'Rourke, Greg Lapointe, Steven Bellini, Christian MacDougall, Danny Pearson and Ryan Tattle out of the lineup.

Even with a shortened bench, the chances were there for the Express. But the finish wasn't.

In the first period the finish was there for the Express. Cooper Connell came out of the penalty box and lobbed the puck into the Prince George zone where Will Margel hustled to it and tucked a backhand past Carter Woodside to open the scoring.

Late in the period Josh Wildauer found a loose puck in the crease and tucked home a powerplay goal for a 2-0 Express lead after 1.

The chances for the Express kept up in the second period. But that's when the offensive well began to run dry.

Then the mistakes began to creep into the Express game. Prince George took advantage of a neutral zone turnover and it wasn't long until Mason Reeves slid a backhand past Joe Howe.

Just over a minute later a hail mary clearing attempt out of the Express zone quickly allowed Prince George to come right back in and Nolan Welsh finished off a two on one to tie the game at two.

Late in the period a good shift in the Spruce Kings zone quickly turned into a three on one the other way and Nick Bochen snapped a shot over the glove of Howe for a 3-2 Spruce Kings lead heading to the third period.

The chances for the Express continued into the third. But it was the visitors with the finish. Nick Bochen's point shot was tipped home by Corey Cunningham opening up a 4-2 Spurce Kings lead just past the 5 minute mark.

Josh Wildauer sparked hopes of a dramatic comeback scoring his second of the game with 35 seconds to play to cut the lead to 4-3.

In the dying seconds the Express created scrambles at the Spruce Kings net but couldn't get the equalizer past Carter Woodside. He finished with 28 saves to pick up the win.

The home stand for the Express continues Friday when the Chiefs come to town. 

CAPITALS HAND EXPRESS FIRST HOME LOSS

Adam Trotman & Zach Borgiel - Photo courtesy of Damon James

The Cowichan Valley Capitals rode goaltender Zach Borgiel to the tune of 32 saves as the Capitals handed the Express their first home ice loss of the season in their 24th home game with a 2-1 win. Click here for boxscore

It was the first loss for the Express at home since game 3 of last years playoffs vs. Prince George to bring the 24 game home ice winning streak to an end.


Fireworks got the game off to a bang. Tyler Schleppe and Christian MacDougall started on the wings for the Express on the opening face-off and they were hacking with the Caps wingers lining up along side them forcing the officials to intervene before the game got started.

Then right off the bat Christian MacDougall was shoved into the corner boards and the Express forward was hurt on the play and didn't return.

Dan McIntyre was given a 5 minute major and a game misconduct for the check from behind on MacDougall.

Wyatt Head - Photo courtesy of Damon James

On the major penalty Cowichan opened the scoring taking advantage of a turnover at the Express blueline which allowed Olivier Gauthier to walk in on a breakaway where he slid a backhand past Jack Watson to open the scoring.

Wyatt Head pulled the Express even on the powerplay snapping his 2nd Express goal past Borgiel to tie the game at one just under three minutes later.

That set the stage for a fast pace and hard fought first period between two division leaders.

The game began to turn in the Caps favour in the second period as they began to force the Express into turnovers coming out of their zone.

Cowichan took the lead when Matthew Crasa pounced on the rebound of a Tanner Sidaway shot that Jack Watson couldn't handle with his glove.

Connor Gregga - Photo courtesy of Damon James

Jason Fortier wasted no time immediately pulling Watson in favour of Joe Howe after two Caps goals on 10 shots in just under 26 minutes of action. For Howe it was his first game action for the Express after being acquired from Victoria at the trade deadline.

Howe kept the Caps at bay the rest of the way finishing with 14 saves in 34 minutes.

The Express ramped up their level in the third period looking for the equalizer. But each time they were turned back by a dialed in Zach Borgiel. He finished with 20 saves in the third period to earn the win. In the dying seconds he got a little help as well as the Express on a scramble got the puck to the crease where the puck was tucked back into the pads of Borgiel by a teammate.

Prince George comes to Coquitlam Wednesday afternoon as the Express four game home stand resumes. 

CHIEFS PREVAIL OVER EXPRESS IN SHOOTOUT

Chilliwack needed three goals in 5 rounds of the shootout to defeat the Express by a 4-3 score Friday night. Click here for boxscore

It was Chilliwack's second straight win over the Express in less than a week.

The Express did get a boost with the return to the lineup of Noah De La Durantaye after missing 17 games and nearly two months of action.

Coquitlam was looking for a better defensive effort after dropping a 6-1 set back in the Coliseum last Saturday. Certainly the quality chances for the Chiefs weren't as notable for the Chiefs on this night.

But one thing that continues to be a trend for Chilliwack is striking first. Friday it was Clark Nelson burying the rebound of a Nathan Kelly shot from the boards and sliding it past Clay Stevenson.

Cooper Connell has had a number of great chances this season in Chilliwack but has struggled to finish.

Early on he was unable to convert a Will Margel pass on a one timer chance. Connell did find the back of the net late in the period snapping a shot past Mathieu Caron's glove to tie the game at one.

The tie only lasted 44 seconds as Brett Rylance took a pass in stride and cut to the net tucking the puck through the pads of Clay Stevenson to make it a 2-1 game heading to the second period.

Chilliwack's powerplay has been deadly against the Express in the previous three meetings. The trend continued early in the second period. Tommy Lyons tipped a Cooper Moore shot for a 3-1 Chilliwack lead. At the time Chilliwack was 7 for their last 14 on the powerplay against the Express.

Christian MacDougall was given some extra opportunities for the Express Friday night. He found himself on the ice for a mid period powerplay. He paid off the coaches confidence by snapping home a Will Margel pass in the slot to make it a 3-2 Chilliwack lead.

That goal appeared to help spark the Express who started to play some of their best hockey of the night.

The third period saw special teams provide some vital moments in the game. Early on the Express killed off a penalty that carried over from the second period to keep the deficit at just one.

Just past the 6 minute mark Xavier Henry dropped Adam Trotman with a hit that left the Express forward woozy and he didn't return to the game. The hit sparked a scrum after the fact. When the dust settled Henry was given a 5 minute major and given an automatic game misconduct for the blow the head penalty. Henry could be facing a suspension after receiving the major. De La Durantaye was given a roughing penalty for his involvement in the scrum.

After two minutes of uneventful four on four hockey the Express had three minutes of powerplay time. They had lots of time with possession in the Chilliwack zone. They tried a number of times to set up Greg Lapointe for one timers, but the passes more often that not ended up in a spot that wouldn't allow Lapointe to unload a one timer.

With just over two minutes to go Greg Lapointe fired it at the net and Connor Gregga tipped it over the glove of Caron to tie the game at 3.

In overtime the best chance for either side was a breakaway for Nikita Nesterenko who tried to slide it through Stevenson's pads, but the Chilliwack native got enough of it to steer the shot wide and then the net eventually came off its supports.

This game ended up being the 4th time in the last 5 meetings that would go to a shootout.

After the first round went goalless things began to get interesting. Trevor Adams opened round two for Chilliwack. He snapped a shot glove side on Stevenson. The puck appeared to hit both posts and never go in the net, but Adams was awarded a goal.

Christian MacDougall pulled the Express even with his shot in round two.

Nikita Nesterenko and Will Margel traded goals in round 3. Margel's goal was his fourth shootout goal in four attempts against Caron.

Brett Willits and Connor Gregga were unable to score in round 4.

Brett Rylance opened round 5 by snapping the puck past Stevenson's glove putting the pressure on Greg Lapointe.

This time the Express leading goal scorer wasn't able to find the twine as his shot was gloved down by Caron to seal the win for Chilliwack.

The Express return home Sunday afternoon to kick off a four game home stand. 

EXPRESS EDGE EAGLES

It was a close one all night, but the Express prevailed to go to 23-0 at home with a 2-1 win over the Surrey Eagles. Click here for boxscore

The opening 15 minutes of the first period saw the Eagles generate some quality scoring chances only to be shutdown by goaltender Jack Watson. Most notably Watson turned back Owen Nolan on a breakaway.

The Express got better as the first period wound down with more control of the play in the Eagles end of the rink.

They were rewarded late in the period when Massimo Rizzo ripped a wicked wrist shot under the bar to open the scoring.

As the second period got underway the Express appeared to have settled into their game. 5 minutes in James Bohn made a smart pinch to keep the puck on the zone getting it to Greg Lapointe who dished to Josh Wildauer to open a 2-0 Express lead.

The lead stood until the dying minutes of the third period when with goaltender Reece Klassen on the bench for Surrey, Hudson Schandor banked one in off the shoulder of Watson from below the goal line to cut into the Express lead.

From then on the Express clamped the game down the rest of the way to close out their 38th win of the season. Jack Watson would finish with 23 saves for his 9th win of the season.

The Express return to the site of where their 17 game winning streak came to an end the Chilliwack Coliseum Friday night. 

EXPRESS AT RIVERMEN HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of the Express franchise record 37th win of the season 8-1 Sunday over Langley.

Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory. 

EXPRESS SET FRANCHISE WINS RECORD VS. RIVERMEN

Graphic by Jacob Lazare.

Joey Berkopec - Photo courtesy of Damon James

The Coquitlam Express had their franchise record winning streak snapped at 17 with a 6-1 loss in Chilliwack Saturday. They took their frustration out on the Langley Rivermen Sunday to the tune of an 8-1 win to set a franchise record for wins in a season with their 37th.  It breaks the previous mark held by the 2011-12 team. Click here for boxscore

The Express were looking to get back to some of their details defensively that has been a trademark of the team for a vast majority of the season.

Early on the Express looked dialed into that part of the game. They were quick getting out of their zone. That allowed them to spend more time pressing in Langley's end of the rink.

Langley's lack of discipline all afternoon long was capitalized on repeatedly by the Express with a season high of 5 powerplay goals.

The first of the night game off the stick of Ethan O'Rourke who scored from the slot with a shot over the shoulder of Jonathan Mor.

Langley tied it with a powerplay goal of their own with Tristan Fraser setting up Hunter McCoy who snapped it past Clay Stevenson. That would be the lone blemish on Stevenson who made 19 saves for his 19th consecutive win. The penalty killing the rest of the afternoon had a strong showing holding Langley to 1 for 8 on the powerplay.

By the time the final minute of the first period rolled around Langley's undisciplined play put the Express on the powerplay four times. Ethan O'Rourke tipped home a Will Margel pass at the edge of the crease for a 2-1 Express lead after 1.

Period two saw the Express break the game wide open. It started with Adam Trotman less than two minutes in snapping home a shot from the right wing for a 3-1 Express lead.

Cooper Connell from the top of the left circle snapped a screen shot past Mor for a 4-1 Express lead on the powerplay.

Photo courtesy of Damon James

Two minutes later Massimo Rizzo hustled to a bounce pass off the boards and scored a shorthanded breakaway goal opening up a 5-1 lead.

That goal chased Jonathan Mor after 5 goals on 18 shots in his Langley debut. Braedon Fleming came into the game and was rudely greeted into it just 25 seconds later by a goal from Connor Gregga whose shot was tipped through the pads of Fleming.

Adam Trotman ensured that Fleming would be beat on the first two shots he faced tipping home a Connor Gregga shot for Trotman's second of the night and the 4th powerplay goal of the game for the Express to make it 7-1 after two periods. The final four goals of the period came in a span of 3 minutes and 41 seconds. Gregga finished with a four point night with 1 goal and 3 assists.

Adam Trotman - Photo courtesy of Damon James

With the game lopsided in the third. All that was left seemed to be for the tempers to start to get short. The final frame featured three third period fights over the final 20 minutes. First was a big mans scrap between Ethan O'Rourke and Jake Livingstone.

That was followed a few minutes later with Adam Trotman finishing off his tilt with Sean Bunting by wrestling him to the ice. The final fight of the third period saw James Bohn trading blows with Hunter McCoy.

Wyatt Head who has looked very impressive in his first two games with the Express capped off the night by sending a one timer that eluded Fleming's glove for Head's first Express goal.

Sunday's result keeps the Express undefeated at home at 22-0. It ties another franchise record for most home wins in a season matching the 06-07 Express team.

The Express are back in action Wednesday night vs. Surrey.