The Coquitlam Express can’t get back on home ice soon enough.
The BC Hockey League team lost for the sixth time in its seven-game run of road games since the holiday break, 3-2 to the Vernon Vipers, Saturday in Vernon.
Goals by Noah Dziver and Joseph Odyniec gave the Express a 2-1 lead in the first period. But nine seconds before the teams headed to the dressing room for intermission, Vernon got back on even terms when Owen Kim beat Coquitlam goalie Ethan Simcoe on the power play with Kasper Walther-Sneve serving a minor penalty for tripping.
Hank Cleaves scored the game-winner 7:18 into the second period and neither team was able to score in the third, despite the Express outshooting the home team 11-4.
Coquitlam finished the game with 37 shots on Vernon goalie Colin Reay while Simcoe made 24 saves for the Express.
Coquitlam doesn’t play again until Jan. 24, as the league takes a pause for its all-star weekend in Penticton that includes a top prospects game on Jan. 19 and a three-on-three all-star tournament and skills competition on the city’s outdoor rink Jan. 20.
The Express will be represented in the latter two competitions by forwards Jake Manfre and Cole Melady.
Coquitlam hosts the Chilliwack Chiefs Jan. 24 at noon.
