On a night meant to boost the fundraising efforts for cancer research by Coquitlam Express forward Ryan Tattle beyond $50,000, the team’s captain responded in a big way.
Tattle scored four goals and added an assist to lead the Express to a 6-3 win over the Victoria Grizzlies Saturday at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex.
Tattle, who’s from Port Moody, launched his Score for Cancer campaign at the beginning of the BC Hockey League season, collecting pledges for every point he scores. Going into Saturday’s game, he had 42 points in 40 games and had amassed more than $45,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.
To get him over the top, the Express held several special initiatives Satuday, including special jerseys for the players that are being auctioned off, a chuck-a-puck event between periods, a raffle and a 50/50 draw. Boston Pizza showed up with a giant cheque for $3,000.
Tattle said he was motivated by his mom’s own brush with cancer, as well as the challenge a former teammate, Greg Lapointe, is facing with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
With the Express trailing the Grizzlies 3-1 heading into the third period, Tattle put the team on his back and his determination to reach his fundraising goal into overdrive.
He scored his first goal of the night 1:15 into the final frame, then assisted on a power play goal by Khalil Fontana to bring the teams even, 3-3.
Tattle scored the next two less than a minute apart, then put the cherry atop his incredible run with his fourth of the period with less than three minutes remaining. The crowd of almost 1,700 responded with ovations that got louder and louder each time the goal light went on, then exploded when he was named the game’s first star.
Tattle now has 47 points for the season, including 17 goals.
Express goalie Carter Woodside made 23 saves to earn the victory, while his teammates fired 36 shots at Victoria’s Cole Schwebius.
Coquitlam hosts the Alberni Valley Bulldogs Sunday afternoon, 3 p.m., at Poirier. The game is a special inclusion event for families with members on the autism spectrum. Several initiatives like a quiet room, reduced music volume and a detailed game schedule are being implemented to create a more welcoming environment.
To participate in Tattle's Score for Cancer campaign, go to its website.
