The Rivermen ended 2018 with a bang, pulling out a 5-0 win over the Coquitlam Express on Sunday afternoon. This win helps set up a weekend road trip which will see them travel to the Island for three games in three days. The Rivermen will make stops in Victoria, Nanaimo, and the Alberni Valley starting on Friday and finishing on Sunday.
Langley returned from the holiday break rejuvenated, and went into Coquitlam to turn out a dominating performance before the end of the calendar year. While the Express started the game by keeping the puck in the Rivermen zone for the most part, the visitors capitalized with a goal on only four shots in the period. They then came back from the intermission to take over the rest of the game, potting four more goals and keeping the Coquitlam offense at bay. Daneel Lategan led the way with two goals, while Trevor Ayre, Kalen Szeto, and Chase Pletzke also found the back of the net. Braedon Fleming was brilliant in net, stopping all 30 shots he faced for the shutout.
The first game of the coming road trip provides the first opportunity for the Riv to face off against highly-touted NHL Draft prospect Alex Newhook and the Victoria Grizzlies. They will then make the trip up island the next night for a matchup with the Nanaimo Clippers. The trip concludes with a visit to Port Alberni to take on the Bulldogs. Langley previously faced the Clippers on Teddy Bear Toss night, with Nanaimo coming out on top by a score of 6-3. The Rivermen will also be looking for revenge against Alberni Valley, who won a 3-2 overtime game at the Lodge back in October.
The Grizzlies (22-12-0-2) are currently leading the Island Division with 46 points. Nanaimo (18-18-0-0) sit in third in the same division at 36 points and the Bulldogs (13-23-1-0) are right behind them at 27 points. With the win on Sunday, Langley (18-18-1-0) moved closer to Coquitlam in the standings but still sit in fourth in the strong Mainland Division.
After the upcoming island roadie, the Rivermen will return home for two games the following weekend. Friday, January 11th provides a rematch with the Victoria Grizzlies at the Lodge. The following night, the Cowichan Valley Capitals come to town for Minor Hockey Night. More details on this event will be provided in the coming days.
Tickets for home games can be purchased at the George Preston Recreation Centre “The Lodge” box office 45 minutes before puck drop and by calling 604-229-2352 or emailing tickets@langleyrivermen.com.
