The Langley Rivermen closed out a pair of weekend games with a 5-4 shootout win over the visiting Coquitlam Express on Saturday night at the Lodge, after a 3-2 loss the night prior in South Surrey against the Eagles.
Langley conceded the first goal early on in the first period, however the Rivermen got two goals in the span of 58 seconds through Aaron Reierson & Max Borovinskiy to lead after 20. A scoreless middle period meant the Riv had a 2-1 lead going into the final frame. A couple of unlucky bounces allowed Surrey to tie the game 3 minutes into the third. Then followed 10 minutes of back and forth entertaining hockey, but the home team would get one with six minutes to go in the third period to take the first meeting of the season 3-2.
Like Friday’s game, Langley had the lead after the opening period this time against Coquitlam, thanks to the second of the season from speedy winger Ryder McIntosh and a stellar 14 save performance from Charlie Tritt. Coquitlam tied it late on in the middle frame, and it would be a tight 1-1 game going into the third in front of a great crowd at the George Preston Arena.
Gabriel Guilbault gave the Rivermen a 2-1 lead 28 seconds into the third period, however the Express would tie it up 5 minutes later. Langley would keep the pressure on and get themselves a two goal lead with 7 minutes remaining in the game. Guilbault would score his second of the game on the power play, and Reilley Kotai would nab his first of the season less then two minutes later converting a loose puck into the Coquitlam goal.
“Charlie Tritt did great for us in regulation and in overtime, and made the saves he needed to make with the game on the line.” Said Rivermen associate coach Tyler Kuntz post game.
However, Coquitlam would score two goals with the net empty to tie it 4-4 after 60 minutes. Langley did have to kill a penalty as part of the 10 minute 3 on 3 overtime, but they would stand strong shorthanded. Aaron Reierson would be the only goal scorer in the shootout on Langley’s second shot to give the Rivermen the 5-4 win, their second of the season.
“I thought Coquitlam carried the play in the first period, but we got a great bounce to take the lead. And in the second we carried the play and they got a tough bounce to score. We came out strong in the third period and took the lead, but the players are going to have to learn to close out those types of games.” Said Kuntz after asked about his team’s effort following the win.
The Rivermen’s three game homestand continues this Friday, October 6th as the Vernon Vipers make their only trip to the Lodge this season, a 7:15 PM puck drop. Tickets can be bought online at langleyrivermen.com. The Surrey Eagles then come into town the following night, October 7th for their visit to Langley this year.
Gideon Hill
Rivermen Play by Play Broadcaster
