Another day, another signing for the Coquitlam Express.
On Saturday, Jan. 11, the BC Hockey League team announced it has inked 17-year-old forward Dane Pyatt from the Spokane Chiefs, where he’s scored one goal for the Western Hockey League (WHL) franchise.
Pyatt, who’s from Langley, is a graduate of the Delta Hockey Academy’s prep program where he scored 23 points in 30 games in his U18 season.
Pyatt was selected by the Chiefs in the ninth round of the 2022 WHL prospects draft and his lone goal came in his debut against the Prince George Cougars on Sept. 20.
But a leg injury he suffered the same game kept him on the sidelines until Dec. 28, 2024.
Chiefs general manager Matt Bardsley said on the team's website sending Pyatt to the Express for the balance of the season will ensure he gets the playing time to round back into form.
"We felt it was important for him to play regularly since he has missed so much time due to his early season injury."
Coquitlam general manager Tali Campbell said the team is only too happy to accommodate Pyatt’s rehabilitation, especially as another recent acquisition, Connor Seeley, won’t be able to play following his trade from the Trail Smoke Eaters because of a season-ending injury.
“Dane is a powerful and tenacious forward who isn’t shy about battling in the tough areas when necessary,” said Campbell of the 6'1", 185-pound Pyatt, who exhibited his edge when he scrapped at centre ice with Isa Guram of the Kamloops Blazers on Jan. 5.
“We believe he will be a perfect fit for our team,” added Campbell.
Pyatt’s arrival is the latest in a series of moves by the Express to bolster its offensive corps, including the signing of Kazakhstan junior national team left winger Nikita Sitnikov and a trade with the Sherwood Park Crusaders for 18-year-old right winger Carson McGinley.
McGinley scored twice and added a pair of assists in Coquitlam’s 6-1 win over the Langley Rivermen, Sunday at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex. He also scored in the team’s 5-4 overtime win over the Rivermen last Friday, Jan. 10, in Langley.
The victories elevated the Express to 40 points, the same as the fifth place Alberni Valley Bulldogs and only seven points behind the Chilliwack Chiefs, which lead the BCHL’s Coastal Conference.
The BCHL breaks for its all-star festivities this weekend, then the Chiefs visit Poirier Friday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m. for their fifth meeting of the season. Coquitlam has won three of the four games the teams have played so far.
On Saturday, Jan. 25, the Express host the Surrey Eagles, also at 7 p.m.
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