The Coquitlam Express made it three of a possible four points on a season opening Vancouver Island road swing, topping the Cowichan Valley Capitals by a 5-3 score a night after gaining a point a night earlier in an overtime loss to Victoria. The win was the first for the Express under first-year head coach Jon Calvano.
Alex Petan and Massimo Lamacchia scored power play goals in the first and second periods respectively to match Cowichan markers from Jordan Grant and Troy Paterson. But the Express blew the game open in the final 20 minutes, as a man-advantage marker from Riley McIntosh was followed 15 seconds later by Destry Straight's first BCHL goal.
Shawn Mueller replied for the Capitals late in regulation, but a Brad Reid empty net tally put the game away for the visitors. Khaleed Devji made 28 saves to pick up his first victory in the league, while Alex Peck faced 24 shots in a losing effort.
In Prince George, the Quesnel Millionaires came back from down three goals to record a 4-3 overtime victory over the host Spruce Kings. Clayton Chessa scored twice and was named the game's first star and Derek Huisman popped the winner 3:33 into OT. RJay Berra replied with a pair of goals for the home side.
In Penticton, the Vees made it two wins in as many nights over the Westside Warriors, this time topping their Okanagan neighbours by a 4-2 margin. Penticton overcame a pair of first period goals by Grayson Downing, as markers by Logan Johnston, Garrett Milan and Kyle Mountain in the third period erased a 3-1 deficit.
In Salmon Arm, the defending BCHL champion Vernon Vipers dropped their second game in back-to-back nights, losing 4-1 to the SilverBacks despite outshooting their hosts by a 34-13 margin. Bryce Gervais scored the game winner and added an assist for Salmon Arm, while starting netminder Kris Moore stopped 33 shots for the win.
In Trail, the Smoke Eaters proved to be tough to stop offensively in a 6-4 victory over Merritt. Travis St. Denis and Cullen Bradshaw each picked up three points on a night where the Smokies saw a 5-2 lead quickly evaporate prior to Bradshaw closing out the game into an empty net. Dustin Johnson and rookie forward Regan Soquila combined for five points in the loss.
In Powell River, the Nanaimo Clippers made the most of their season opener with a 4-3 win over the Kings. Clippers newcomer Charles-Andre Pelletier made 45 saves and Kyle Kramer broke a third period deadlock when he scored the winner with 3:33 left in regulation. Chad Niddery responded with a two-point night for the defending Coastal Conference champs.
In Langley, the Chiefs stormed back from down two goals heading into the third but ultimately dropped a 4-3 overtime decision to Surrey. Newly-minted Eagles captain Tyler Morley scored the OT winner just 25 seconds into the extra frame on a set-up from brother Brandon, while Brad McGowan and Josh Myers each netted twice in regulation.
The BCHL now takes a five-day rest prior to action resuming with a full eight-game slate next Friday evening.
