Two weeks ago, the Burnaby Express were winless and playing the role of the caboose in the Mainland Division standings. Just four games later, they're one of the hottest teams in the BC Hockey League.
On Saturday, Express rookie forward Garrick Perry broke a 1-1 deadlock with the Langley Chiefs with just 1:32 remaining in the third period, sending Burnaby to their fourth straight victory. The game also marked the end of Langley's seven-game unbeaten streak and their first loss on home ice this season. Express netminder Richie Virtanen turned aside 25 stops for the win while Andrew Walsh took the loss despite an impressive 26 save performance.
Elsewhere in Coastal Conference buildings:
- The Vernon Vipers drew their record to an even 1-1-1 on their Mainland Division road swing, jumping out to a three-goal third period lead and holding on for 5-4 victory in Surrey.
- Evan Pighin and Brian Nugent scored first period goals in Victoria's 2-1 home ice win over the Nanaimo Clippers. Tyler Pistone replied for the visitors, who wasted a fine 34-save effort from Evan Smith.
- Jake Bouma and Mickey Spencer each struck for a pair of third period goals in Cowichan Valley's 6-1 win over visiting Quesnel. Bouma and Spencer's tallies were part of a five-goal final 20 minutes that broke a 1-1 deadlock.
- Two power-play in the span of 1:05 put the Alberni Valley Bulldogs ahead for good in their 3-2 home ice win over Powell River. Erik Vos and Brooks Robinson replied for the Kings.
In the Interior, a pair of shutout performances highlighted a low scoring night of action. In Penticton, the Vees opened the South Okanagan Events Centre and sent their crowd of nearly 4,500 fans home happy with a 4-0 win over Westside.
Anthony Perdicaro, David Andreasson and Curtis McKenzie all posted power-play goals for the Vees, sandwiched by a Brad Reid even-strength marker in the second period. Penticton netminder Anthony Borelli stopped all 33 shots sent his way in the victory.
In other Interior Conference arenas:
- Tony Ierfino turned aside 30 shots and a foursome of Silverbacks – Matt Grassi, Mark Zengerle, Conor Morrison and Keenan Desmet – put forth two-point efforts in Salmon Arm's 3-0 win on the road in Merritt.
- The Prince George Spruce Kings bounced back from a Friday night loss to beat the Smoke Eaters 3-2 in overtime in the second of back-to-back games in Trail. Sam Muchalla led the way for the visitors, scoring the OT winner and adding a goal and an assist in regulation.
On Sunday, the Vipers and Millionaires will wrap up their Coastal road swings in Burnaby (2:30 PM) and Nanaimo (3:00 PM) respectively. Catch all the action with BCHL Web TV or in free streaming audio in the Fanzone.
