Express on track in home opener

The Coquitlam Express sent their fans home happy on Friday night, picking up a win in their first game back in the friendly confines of the Coquitlam Sports Centre with a 4-2 defeat of the Surrey Eagles.

The Express got on track early, picking up goals from Jason Grecica and Brad Reid in the game's opening 10 minutes. But a pair of power-play replies from Surrey's Richard Vanderhoek and Jeff Vanderlugt tied the game midway through the second. Coquitlam came through when it counted, however, as Alex Petan and team captain Garrick Perry each notched unassisted goals in the final period to secure the win.

Khaleed Devji picked up the victory for the hosts in a 24-save performance, while fellow rookie Andrew Hunt turned aside 30 shots in the loss.

In other action from around the British Columbia Hockey League:

In Powell River, the Kings scored twice in a span of 2:42 early in the second period and skated to a 3-0 home ice win over Merritt. Justin Dasilva and Cohen Adair did the damage for the home side in the middle frame, while Craig Dalrymple added Powell River's third goal late in regulation. Michael Garteig stopped 19 shots to earn the shutout, while Cents netminder Tyler Steel earned first star honours following a 35-save performance.

In Quesnel, the Penticton Vees fell behind early but rode back-to-back power-play goals to a 3-1 decision over the Millionaires. Justin Hogan struck for the home side just two minutes into regulation, but first period man-advantage markers from Joey Laleggia and Bradley Robbins put the Vees in front. Garrett Milan also scored for Penticton, who received an impressive 34-save performance from Billy Faust ona night where they were outshot 35-23.

In Cowichan Valley, Mike Hammond busted out for four points to help lead the Capitals from down three goals to a 5-4 victory over the Victoria Grizzlies. The visitors had struck for four goals and a comfortable cushion in the first period, but the Caps' power-play netted a pair in the second and goals by Dante Godinho and Shawn Mueller completed the comeback in the final 20 minutes. Alex Peck was roughed up early but shone from the second period on, stopping 28 shots on the night and being named the game's first star.

In Prince George, the Spruce Kings were outshot badly by the defending RBC Cup champions but skated away with a 3-1 victory. A pair of first period goals from Chris Bodo and an outstanding night from netminder Ryan Benitez were the difference for the hosts, who finished the night on the wrong end of a 45-13 shots tally. Benitez came up big, particularly during a third period in which he turned aside all 23 shots that he faced.

In Nanaimo, the Westside Warriors drew even on their Vancouver Island road trip with a 3-2 victory over the Clippers. A pair of first period tallies in quick succesion by Brett McKinnon and Grayson Downing gave the visitors a lead that lasted into the third period when Andrew Gladiuk scored on a Nanaimo power-play to even the game. But a Max French effort with less than five minutes remaining sealed the win for Westside, who received 29 saves from Cam Gorchynski.

In Alberni Valley, the Bulldogs struck 49 seconds into overtime to clinch a 5-4 victory over the visiting Langley Chiefs. The teams traded goals in each period, culminating in a final frame that saw Langley go ahead with 1:54 remaining in regulation only for the Bulldogs to even the score 11 seconds later. But Kenney Morrison played hero on the evening, converting a Lars Hepso feed for the winner and his second goal of the night.

There are six games on the go around the BCHL on Saturday, including: