It’s day two of three in a row for the Express as their travels take them to Frank Crane for a tango with the Clippers.
Nanaimo has been a tough barn to play in for the Express in recent memory. This season’s first game against the Island side went 6-4 after a rocky start sunk Coquitlam’s chances. Whether it’s the lighting, the loud fans or the shape of the rink, something just seems to vex the Express. Last season also saw rough waters at Frank Crane Arena with the losses being 6-3 and 5-3 respectively.
The advantage this time around for the Express lies in their wildcards. The new players might yet avoid the Frank Crane Curse if they can establish a solid game early and showcase thier adaptability. Matthew Frost and Matheson Mason both saw great starts to their Express tenure in Alberni last night but Nanaimo will be a tough follow up task. Oliver Gabrielson, while new to Coquitlam, is rather familiar with Nanaimo’s rink having spent time with the Surrey Eagles.
Coquitlam and Nanaimo’s second meeting this season was on home soil for the Express but a tough pill to swallow it was. Coquitlam dropped the contest, 7-3 the final decision, on December 13th. That game was Ethan Simcoe’s return to the crease following a lengthy absence due to illness. It will be interesting to see if he gets the shot at redemption tonight with the Surrey game looming tomorrow out at the Nest in South Surrey.
Luke Vardy is riding high on a return to offensive form over the last three games. His goal streak stands at three with his passing ability and physicality opening up options for the Express in the attacking zone. The pride of Hammonds Plains will need a big performance tonight on both ends of the ice to help Coquitlam break the losing streak in Nanaimo.
Managing cardio and injuries this weekend will also play a large role in the outcome for both tonight and tomorrow. Three games in three days is no simple task, so expect the training staff to be working hard to ensure everyone comes out the other side as strong as they can be. How much will Coquitlam have left in the tank after going toe-to-toe with Nanaimo?
Catch the game on FloHockey at 7pm PST where Dan Marshall has the call.
– Ian Wilson
