The Powell River Kings have suffered their first defeat of the BCHL season, dropping a 6-3 decision to the Coquitlam Express at the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack.
The Express got out to a quick start with the game’s first goal through Cooper Connell and the Express carried a 1-0 lead through 20 minutes. Into the second and an offensive explosion from Coquitlam who opened up a 3-0 lead with goals coming 1:02 apart via Alex DiPaolo and Christian Sanda.
Powell River got on the board midway through the frame with Neal Samanski’s 2nd of the year as the Kings worked it down to the goal line for Ryan Brushett to tee up the 2nd year King in the slot. Coquitlam got the goal straight back by scoring just over a minute later to restore the two goal lead, before the Kings got the game back within a pair. This time, a chance from Matt Rickard on the left wall turned into a rebound for Christian Buono’s 1st BCHL goal and a 4-2 score.
Again, Coquitlam was restore a 3-goal advantage through Connor Gregga to allow Coquitlam a 5-2 lead through 40.
A dream start in the third period for the Kings, with Ben Thomas converting off a faceoff win from Matt Fawcett for his 1st goal of the season and a 5-3 game. Despite pushing, the Kings wouldn’t be able to find much else, with Coquitlam restoring a 3-goal lead once more through Cole Edgerton and a 6-3 final.
Final shots on goal favoured Coquitlam 32-27, as the Kings fall to 3-1 on the season. They wrap their participation at the BCHL Showcase on Friday at 10:00am against the Trail Smoke Eaters.
Photos courtesy Garrett and Damon James, and the BCHL.
