Langley, BC –The Rivermen fell 6-2 to the Coquitlam Express in BCHL action on Friday (September 20th) night as they dropped their first game of the season in regulation and move to a record of 2-1-0-1. The Rivermen also move to 1-2 all-time in home openers at the Langley Events Centre.
It wasn’t the home opener the Rivermen were expecting as they got off to a rough start with an early penalty that sent James Robinson to the dressing room. Robinson received a 5 minute major and a game misconduct for a hit to the head. After some early excitement on home opener night at the LEC the Rivermen seemed to be fighting to get momentum back the entire game.
In the second period the Rivermen appeared to gain the advantage going up 2-1, getting quick back to back goals from Captain Mitch Mclain and Jakob Reichert. Mclain had a very strong game in a losing cause, as he looked solid in all aspects of his game. The second period didn’t stay in the Rivermen’s favour, as the Express controlled the second half of the period and led 3-2 after 40 minutes.
The third period was a heated one as these two rival teams have already created some bad blood and it’s only the first of 8 meetings between them. Last year the Rivermen lost the first two games of the season series and then went on to win the next 6, as this rivalry is only getting started.
The two teams will do it again tomorrow night as the Rivermen have a chance to return the favour and spoil the Express’s home opener in Coquitlam. The Rivermen will continue their play on the road until they return to the LEC on October 5th and 6th to face-off against Surrey and Alberni Valley.
