Game Story

Surrey Eagles vs Coquitlam Express Pre-Game Report

by Ryan Ho

Last Stop In Surrey

Surrey, BC – Tonight, the Surrey Eagles (8-13-0-3) get set to face off against the top team in the Mainland Division, the Coquitlam Express (19-5-0-0) for the 4th and final time at the South Surrey Arena. The Eagles took the last game of the season series by a 4-1 score, but the Express won the first 2 games earlier in the year. Surrey is also in the midst of a 4 game point streak, and playing their 4th game of a 6 game homestead as they try and make their way up the standings.

The Eagles are again turning to Thomas Scarfone between the pipes as he gets set for his 5th start in a row. With a 2-0-2 record in his previous 4 games, the Quebec native has been the guy lately, and the Eagles will continue to ride his current hot streak. New Surrey Eagles forward Hassan Akl has arrived, but won’t play in tonight’s game as he gets caught up to speed. You can check out our full lineup later today on our social media channels.

Who To Watch Out For

These teams know each other well already, and the Eagles know they can play up to the level of one of the best teams in the B.C Hockey League and Canadian Junior Hockey League as a whole. The games have been exciting, close, and competitive all 3 times inside ‘The Nest’ so far, but the boys will need another strong effort if they want to even up the season series. Both teams have plenty of offensive weapons, so without further adieu, here are tonight’s key players to watch out for.

Surrey Eagles: Cristophe Tellier

One of the key offensive contributors to the team, Tellier has been excellent in his 2nd BCHL season. After being acquired from the Wenatchee Wild in the off-season, and earning a role on the Eagles top line with Hudson Schandor and Holden Katzalay, Tellier has potted 10 goals and 24 points in 24 games. His playmaking ability, soft hands, and nose for the net have seen the Quinnipiac commit soar to new heights this season, and he’ll look to break through again against the Express.

Coquitlam Express: Connor Gregga

The Express forward has been a factor in both games the Express have won against the Eagles, and was a non factor in their only loss against Surrey. The Minnesota State University commit for next season has taken another step in his game this season, with 7 goals and 21 points in 24 games. The 19 year old 2nd year Express forward is a Brad Marchand type player; he has a lot of skill, and isn’t afraid to get in the middle of scrums and be a disturbance. With 3 points in 3 games against the Eagles, Surrey will have to play him hard, and not give in to his antics if they want to shut him down again tonight.

3 Keys To The Game

The Express are coming into the game against the hometown Eagles with the fewest goals allowed in the BCHL, combined with the 4th most goals scored. A dynamic duo of structure and skill will be a tough test for the Eagles yet again. However, Surrey has played Coquitlam well in every game so far this season, with losses of 3-0 and 2-1, and then a 4-1 win the last time these teams faced. The boys know they can play at a high level, and will have to do so again tonight while following these 3 keys to victory.

  • Traffic in front: The Eagles are going to have to get traffic in front of whichever Coquitlam goaltender gets the start against them. With Coquitlam being one of the stingiest teams in the league, getting around the crease and banging home 2nd and 3rd chance opportunities will be pivotal in getting a win.
  • Special teams: Always a factor when you go up against one of the top dogs in the BCHL, the Express come in with the 5th best powerplay and 2nd best penalty kill in the league. Taking advantage of powerplay opportunities and remaining disciplined will be a huge factor. The Eagles know they can do damage at even strength against their opponent, and will want to keep themselves at even strength, or with a man up throughout the game.
  • Stay composed: The last key for tonight is for the boys to stick to their gameplay and not allow Coquitlam to dictate the pace of the game. The Eagles have a ton of skill, and there’s a lot of optimism around the team despite the relatively slow start to the season. If the boys can keep their heads up when the Express press up against them, and push back with strong play of their own, they can use the olympic sized ice to their advantage and open up opportunities to crash the net. It’ll be a chess match, and the Eagles need to keep their heads in the game to come out on top.

Summary

Another game where the Eagles will look to beat the Express and prove to themselves they’re better than their record indicates. Both teams are looking to bounce back from losses on Sunday, and the Eagles can look to climb above both Langley and Prince George in the standings with a win tonight. There’s a lot at stake, and it’ll make for an exciting game as the Express stop at ‘The Nest’ for the last time this season.

Tickets are still available for tonight’s game! You can walk up to the box office starting at 6:00pm to buy your tickets, or visit our single game tickets page and start the preorder process. Can’t make the game tonight? No worries. You can catch the broadcast on HockeyTV and Mixlr tonight, starting at 6:50pm. Puck drop for tonight’s game will be 7:00pm.