Photo credits: Garrett James Photography
Next up in our Pod Preview series, we take a closer look at the Coquitlam Pod, featuring the Coquitlam Express, Powell River Kings and Surrey Eagles.
Coquitlam Express
Record:
2019-20: 47-9-1-1
2020-21 exhibition: 8-3-0-0
Key returning players:
F Danny Pearson
F Ryan Tattle
F Christian MacDougall
D James Bohn
Key additions:
F Austin Fraser
F Sam Marit
D Matthew Campbell
D Will Dow-Kenny
D Colten Kovich
Outlook:
The Express were the BCHL’s top team in the regular season last year and were well on their way to a deep playoff run before the playoffs were cancelled. With so much turnover on the roster, it will be tough to replicate last year’s success, but they proved with their 8-3 record in the exhibition season that they are still a team that can have success.
Powell River Kings
Record:
2019-20: 29-23-6-0
2020-21 exhibition: N/A
Key returning players:
F Nolan Krogfoss
F Nic Porchetta
G Thomas Wardle
D Dylan Hewlett
Key additions:
F Ben Raymond
D Ben Brunette
F Adamo Santia
F Josh Kagan
F Jacob Bonkowski
F Ethan Reisterer
Outlook:
The Kings were the lone team, other than the Wenatchee Wild who opted out, that did not play any games during the exhibition season, so their players are undoubtedly eager to get back on the ice and get some meaningful games in. The Kings are a younger team, so look for them to try to make some noise and prove themselves early on.
Surrey Eagles
Record:
2019-20: 27-23-4-4
2020-21 exhibition: 4-3-0-0
Key returning players:
F Brandon Santa Juana
F Christian Fitzgerald
F Gabe Schovanek
D Brett Bliss
D Kieran O’Hearn
G Thomas Scarfone
Key additions:
F Holden Katzalay
F Michael Abgrall
D Tait Ross
F Jacob Slipec
F Holden Cardinal
Outlook:
After a bounce-back season last year, the Eagles boast one of the stronger returning classes in the BCHL, while also making some impressive additions. One of those additions is a familiar face to Eagles fans as Holden Katzalay returns to the team after finishing last season with the WHL’s Vancouver Giants. The Eagles should be a highly-competitive team in the Coquitlam Pod.
