The Coquitlam Express donated more than 1,000 teddy bears, mittens, toques and blankets, as well as a sum of cash to the BlanketBC Society.
Most of the cold weather gear was thrown onto the ice at Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex Saturday, Dec. 15, after defenceman Sam Frandina scored the BC Hockey League team’s first goal of its game against the Surrey Eagles at 4:09 of the first period.
The Express also collected donations on the arena’s concourse and special jerseys worn by the players were auctioned off to support BlanketBC’s efforts to bring warmth to people living on the street.
Coquitlam went on to win the game, 8-6, avenging its 5-1 loss to the Eagles on Friday, Dec. 13.
The split of the weekend games leaves the Express tied with Surrey in the BCHL’s coastal conference standings. Each team has 33 points, although the Eagles have played one fewer game.
The Chilliwack Chiefs lead the conference, with 39 points in 27 games.
The Express host the Alberni Valley Bulldogs on Saturday, Dec. 21. It’s the team’s last game before the holiday break that ends Jan. 3, when Coquitlam plays the Victoria Grizzlies at the Q Centre in Victoria.
Saturday’s game is also Coquitlam’s annual Score for Cancer effort to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society, with a special silent auction as well as a 50/50 draw.
Newly acquired forward also headed to all-star weekend
Another Express player is headed to Salmon Arm for the BCHL’s all-star weekend.
Forward Jack Bakker will join teammates Eric Young and Thomas Zocco for the prospects game Friday, Jan. 17.
Congratulations to Express Forward Jack Bakker on being selected to the BCHL Top Prospects Game Hydrated by Cwench Hydration!
— Coquitlam Express (@BCHLExpress) December 17, 2024
The Top Prospects game will take place on Friday January 17th in Salmon Arm. #DoYourJob pic.twitter.com/T5erg4Tc5A
The game showcases the league’s top players who are eligible for the NHL draft along with exceptional 16- and 17-year-olds.
Bakker was acquired by Coquitlam on Nov. 2 from the Langley Rivermen, along with forward Mason Kesselring.
The Rivermen received Jackson Krill and Sebastian Bradshaw.
In the six games Bakker has played for the Express, he’s scored three goals and an assist, bettering the two goals he scored in 10 games for Langley prior to the trade.
In 27 games with the Penticton Vees and Sherwood Park Crusaders in the 2023-24 season, he had no points..
“Jack has been an incredible addition to our group,” said Coquitlam general manager Tali Campbell.
“His attitude and dedication to upholding our organization’s expectations of our players has been exceptional.”
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