Game day

The local junior hockey team recently scheduled an afternoon game on a weekday to accommodate a promotion to attract school kids and seniors to the arena.

I could have gone and just shot a period of action and been done with it. But this presented a rare opportunity to do a little more storytelling. So I arranged for all-access about an hour before game time so I could tell the story of what goes on in that hour leading up to the opening face-off.

MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS Even with a midday start, some fans showed up an hour early for Wednesday’s game between the Coquitlam Express and Langley Rivermen.

MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS Coquitlam Express forward Danny Pearson and Langley Rivermen defenceman Alec Capstick collide as they battle for a loose puck in the first period of their BC Hockey League game, Wednesday at the Poirier Sports and Leisure Complex.

MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS Langley Rivermen forward Tanner Versluis gets checked into the Coquitlam Express bench by Chase Danol in the first period of their BC Hockey League game, Wednesday at the Poirier Sports and Leisure Complex.

MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS Hockey gloves dry in a rack.

MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS Coquitlam Express forward Chase Danol waits as the team’s trainer, Ross Maceluch, lays out some snacks prior to the team’s midday game against the Langley Rivermen on Wednesday.

MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS The visiting Langley Rivermen are a blur of motion as they warm up at the Poirier Sports and Leisure Complex prior to their midday game against the Coquitlam Express on Wednesday.

MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS Volunteer ticket seller Yvonne Kiraly counts tickets prior to the doors opening for Wednesday’s midday game against the Langley Rivermen. She said she’s been helping out since last year.

MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS Team chiropractor Harrison Wagner and trainer Russ Maceluch deliver the players’ sticks to the bench.

MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS Coquitlam Express trainer Ross Maceluch lays out uniforms and equipment for the players before their arrival for Wednesday’s midday game against the Langley Rivermen.

MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS Coquitlam Express forward Dallas Farrell gets his stick ready for Wednesday’s game against the Langley Rivermen.

MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS Express forward Christian Sanda takes a quiet moment in the stands prior to the team’s midday game against the Langley Rivermen on Wednesday. He said he uses the time to visualize the game ahead before he gets dressed to play.

MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS Express head coach Jason Fortier heads out of his office to address the team prior to the start of their game on Wednesday against the Langley Rivermen.

MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS Concession attendant Sonya Folster begins loading up bags of popcorn in anticipation of a crowd of young people as students from several schools are expected to attend Wednesday’s midday game.

MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS Express starting goalie for the game, Kolby Matthews, takes a quiet moment prior to the team skating onto the ice.

MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS Longtime Express broadcaster Eddie Gregory does some last-minute preparation in his booth at center ice. He’s been with the team since it’s first season.

MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS Couqitlam Express trainer Russ Maceluch carefully stacks pucks the team’s players will use during their pre-game warmup.