The Langley Rivermen will head across the Fraser River to take on the Coquitlam Express on Friday night for their fifth meeting of the season. Game time from the Poirier Sports and Leisure Centre is 7pm.
Langley is back in first place of the Mainland Division sporting a 14-6-1-2 record for a total of 31 points. The Express hold a number of games in hand but are 11 points back of the Riv with a 9-9-0-2 record and sitting 3rd in the division.
The Riv are coming off a spirited 2-1 victory over the Surrey Eagles on Remembrance Day – a game that featured a line brawl in the first period. Mitch McLain will be suspended for Friday’s contest due to a second altercation after the whistle with the Eagle’s Jonah Renouf.
Head to Head / Last Meeting
The Riv hold a 3-1 series lead so far this season, and similar to the Eagles they’ve dropped the opening game of the season to the Express but have won three straight against Coquitlam heading into this one. To say the last meeting between the two clubs was a convincing win for Langley would be a huge understatement; the Riv absolutely pasted the Express by a score of 12-2. There’s no doubt that game will be fresh in the memories of both teams come Friday night.
Key to the Game
Special Teams: The Rivermen continue to have the best penalty kill unit in the league with a percentage of 86.7 %. However, they will have to be aware when they are on the man advantage as the Express have scored 8 short-handed goals so far this season and lead the league in that category.
Be Physical: Langley is one of the biggest teams in the BCHL and need to punish their opposition with body checking while being hard on the puck. Consistent physical play and grinding along the boards could wear down the Express come the third period.
Players to Watch
Viktor Dombrovskiy will make his return to the Rivermen blue line fresh off his Bronze Medal at the World Junior A Challenge. He should give a boost to the power play, which continues to be near the bottom of the league statistically. The Riv have also made some changes over the last few days. Gage Torrel will make his Rivermen debut, coming over from the Fargo Force of the USHL where he played with Charlie Pelnik. Liam McDermott has been released while Jamie Vlanich has decided returned to his team in Nelson, BC.
The Riv will return home on Saturday to face the Victoria Grizzlies from the Langley Events Centre. Face off is 7:15pm.
