Any trepidation the Coquitlam Express had about their goaltending situation in light of an injury to second-year starter Ethan Simcoe was soothed, at least for the opening night of the team’s BC Hockey League season.
Eric Young made 34 saves to lead the Express to a 3-1 win over the Chilliwack Chiefs, Friday at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex.
Young showed poise and some quick reflexes as he held the Chiefs off the scoreboard for 43:05. Nico Grabas finally got a puck past him early in the third period to tie the game, 1-1 after Trip Pendy had given the Express the initial lead with his first career BCHL goal 13:41 into the second period on a breakaway while Coquitlam was shorthanded.
But 11:11 after the game was tied, Pendy’s brother Max scored the game winner when a one-timer by teammate Nate Crema glanced off him and past Chilliwack goalie Owen Bresson.
An empty net goal by James Shannon with 1:13 left to play sealed the victory.
Express assistant coach Kyle Johnson said the team had to overcome some opening night jitters as neither team was able to generate much offence in the first period, with Coquitlam registering just eight shots on goal and the Chiefs answering with three.
“Hockey is an emotional game, and we were able to overcome our emotions,” he said.
The contest came alive in the second period, though, as Chilliwack used its speed to push the pace of play. But time and again Young denied them opportunities to turn their advantage into goals.
Trip Pendy added an assist to his goal to lead Express scorers. Coquitlam fired 32 shots at Bresson.
The Express host the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Saturday, 7 p.m., at Poirier.
