EXPRESS FALL IN PRE-SEASON GAME #2

Two games into the pre-season for the Burnaby Express, and they're still searching for win number 1. They fell 4-3 to the Surrey Eagles Sunday night at Kensington Arena. This result follows in the footsteps of falling 3-2 to the Langley Chiefs Saturday night.

Training camp resumes Monday at Burnaby Lake. Then the Express face the Langley Chiefs for their third pre-season game Tuesday night at the Burnaby Winter Club at 7PM.

EXPRESS OPEN EXHIBITION WITH LOSS

The Burnaby Express opened their pre-season with a 3-2 loss to the Langley Chiefs Saturday night at the George Preston Recreation Centre.

The Express get right back at it tomorrow night vs. the Surrey Eagles at Kensington Arena in Burnaby at 7PM.

HOCKEY CANADA CUP

I am thrilled to announce that Colin Tiggelaar of the Surrey Eagles and I will be the broadcasters for next weeks Hockey Canada Cup at GM Place.

This 4 team tournament featuring the Canadian, American, Finnish and Swedish Women's National teams is a preliminary tournament as those countries kick off their seasons in preparation for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver in February.

Colin and I are very excited to have the opportunity to broadcast our first international event.

It all starts Monday afternoon at 3PM with the USA facing Finland.

Visit hockeycanada.ca for tournament information. Or fasthockey.com for broadcast information.

HEROLD NAMED EXPRESS CAPTAIN

The Burnaby Express would like to announce that Dylan Herold has been appointed team captain for the 2009-2010 season.

Dylan is entering his 4th season in the BCHL and his second with the Burnaby Express. He was acquired in a mid-season trade last season from the Merritt Centennials. In 36 games with the Express last season, Herold scored 13 goals and 15 assists for 28 points.

The Express organization feel that Dylan exemplifies every aspect of what it means to be an Express player and leader. Dylan is not only a big piece of the puzzle on the ice, but off the ice Dylan has immersed himself in the community and minor hockey.

On behalf of the Express coaching staff and organization we are excited for Dylan and this years Express team and the success that lies ahead.

Hear from Dylan & Dave Mclellan here on the captaincy.

DAY 2 OF EXPRESS CAMP

Day 2 of Express camp saw the veterans send a message. In the opening game of the day, Rich Manley scored a 2nd period hat-trick. It was the start of a strong day for the Buffalo native. He finished the day with 4 goals and at least 2 assists by my count.

The intensity picked up for the veterans in their 2nd game of the day. They were more physical, and played with a chip on their shoulder.

Chris Van Duynhoven led the physical attack on the backend. He used his 6'5 frame to his advantage as he threw his weight around on a number of occasions. He also added a goal as he blasted home a shot top corner from the blue line.

Garrick Perry chipped in with a pair of goals in the 2nd game today.

Todd Fletcher didn't skate today. He is nursing a minor injury.

EXPRESS SIGN IUS

The Burnaby Express announced today they have signed forward Matt Ius. He comes to the Express after splitting last season with the Chilliwack Bruins and Swift Current Broncos of the WHL.

Express head coach Dave Mclellan made numerous attempts last season to bring him back to Burnaby. Ius spent time with the Express before heading to the WHL.

In 126 career games in the WHL with Everett, Swift Current and Chilliwack, Ius put up 8 goals, 14 assists for 22 points.

Hear from Ius & Dave Mclellan on the signing here.

2009 TRAINING CAMP OPENS

The Burnaby Express opened training camp today for the 2009-10 season.

The Express brass expect this camp to be if not thee most, one of the most competitive camps in franchise history. And, after a season like 08-09, nothing less should be expected.

No one should be resting on their past accomplishments. Just because a player played regularly last season, doesn't guarantee them a spot on September 11th in Cowichan Valley. That competition will quickly separate the pretenders from the contenders.

Approximately 80 players are in camp. They have been divided into 4 teams. Each group played 2 games today. Most of the returning veterans were put on to 1 squad.

The only returning veterans who were not placed on the team were, Jacob Verheyden and Matt Frydrysek.

Hear from Dave Mclellan here on the start of camp.

Personally, a few players that caught my eye, Konrad Sandor showed some nice scoring touch to go with his gritty game. I personally will admit I confused him a few times for Garrick Perry.

Jared Chernoff, who like plenty of players on last years team battled injuries. He had a shoulder problem that ended his season. He showed some good speed and tanacity today.

Stefan Gonzales on the blue line appeared to be very steady. On day one appeared to play with plenty of composure and knew where to put the puck when it was on or near his stick.

Brodie Jamieson showed flashes of the skill that made him an all star last season in Major Midget.

Camp resumes tomorrow at Burnaby Lake Arena adjacent to the Bill Copeland Sports Centre at 10AM.

BRODIE VISITS EXPRESS CAMP

2009 RBC Cup champion Cam Brodie got some ice today skating at the opening day of Express training camp. I was able to catch up with Cam to talk about winning the RBC with Vernon last year, and what's next in his hockey career. It may surprise you.

Hear from Cam here.

TRAINING CAMP OPENS WEDNESDAY...

The 09-10 Burnaby Express will hit the ice for the first time Wednesday morning at Burnaby Lake Arena.

See the schedule below.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

9:00 AM Player Registration Bill Copeland Complex
9:30 AM Pre-camp orientation Bill Copeland Complex
10:15 am - 11:30 am Team 1 vs Team 2 GAME
11:45 am - 1:00 pm Team 3 vs Team 4 GAME
2:30 pm - 3:45 pm Team 2 vs Team 3 GAME
4:00 pm - 5:15 pm Team 1 vs Team 4 GAME

Thursday, August 27, 2009

10:00 am- 11:00 am Team 2 and Team 4 PRACTICE
11:15 am- 12:15 pm Team 1 and Team 3 PRACTICE
1:00 pm- 2:15 pm Team 2 vs Team 4 GAME
2:30 pm- 3:45 pm Team 1 vs Team 3 GAME

Friday, August 28, 2009

10:00 am- 11:00 am Team 1 vs Team 2 GAME
11:15 am- 12:15 pm Team 3 vs Team 4 GAME
7:00 pm- 9:00 pm Intersquad Game Game @ Burnaby Lake

Saturday, August 29, 2009

10:00 am-11:00 am Team A Game Day Skate
11:15 am-12:45 pm Team B PRACTICE
7:00 PM Game EX-Game @ Langley (George Preston)

Sunday, August 30, 2009

12:15- 1:30 pm Team A Practice

KYLE TURRIS ARTICLE FROM NHL.COM

(Taken from NHL.com)

Turris aiming to silence the doubters
By Eric Stephens - NHL.com Correspondent
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Being picked third in the 2007 Entry Draft naturally brought some high expectations for Kyle Turris. Playing in the NHL just four days after completing his lone collegiate season at the University of Wisconsin only heightened those expectations for the young Phoenix Coyotes center.

Those expectations increased when he was handed a spot on the Coyotes' second line to start the 2008-09 season.

There were moments of brilliance -- he scored his first NHL goal in the season's second game, had 4 points in his first three contests and had a four-point night -- which included his first two-goal game -- against Pacific Division champion San Jose in March.

But he also had a 10-game streak without a point and two other eight-game scoreless stretches. He also was a healthy scratch on occasion and was sent to San Antonio of the American Hockey League for three weeks in February.

He finished his rookie season with just 8 goals and 12 assists in 63 games, and there was a feeling of disappointment in some quarters.

Turris, who turned 20 on Aug. 14, said there were times he could have used his youth as an excuse, but he didn't. Being a high draft pick brings extra attention and he understands increased scrutiny comes with the territory.

"Maybe sometimes I thought about it," he said, "but at the same time, I kind of realized that it's in the job description. There's always going to be people talking about you in good ways and in bad ways. You can't do anything about it.

"There's always going to be somebody saying something. I really don't think about it.

"He also played through a herniated disk in his back that began bothering him in November, only got worse as the season went on, and needed offseason surgery to repair.

"It was definitely frustrating," he said. "It took away from my game. There were games where I couldn't do anything. I tried to work through it and make the best of it. Physically it was real tough to deal with.

"Turris, however, is eager to show the Coyotes the kind of offensive potential he displayed as a teen in the British Columbia Hockey League and in his one season with the Badgers, where he led the team with 35 points in 36 games.

"There's always going to be people talking about you in good ways and in bad ways. You can't do anything about it. There's always going to be somebody saying something. I really don't think about it."

-- Kyle Turris

General Manager Don Maloney admitted that he relied on too many young players in 2008-09, and that inexperience most revealed itself after the All-Star break, when Phoenix fell out of playoff contention after sitting in fifth place in the Western Conference.

Turris was Exhibit A for those who believed he was rushed to the big leagues before he was ready. Maloney sought to relieve some of the pressure by trading for Matthew Lombardi, Petr Prucha and Scottie Upshall last spring and bringing back former 27-goal scorer Radim Vrbata over the summer.

Maloney figures the increased competition for forward spots among the top six will bring out the best in his young prospect.

"It's a more proven group there," he said. "We're not just sticking a 19-year-old in there and telling Kyle Turris that we need you to score. He can just develop at his own speed.

"Instead of relying on long-time captain Shane Doan and since-traded Olli Jokinen to carry them offensively, the Coyotes are hoping they now have more scoring options while youngsters like Turris, Peter Mueller, Martin Hanzal and Mikkel Boedker take another step in their development.

Turris is looking forward to the challenge of finding his role in the new mix.

"I just want to go have a good (training) camp and show what I can do," he said. "I know there's 40 or 50 guys trying to make the team. It gets pretty intense. Nobody wants to lose a spot and it gets pretty exciting with guys putting everything on the line.

"I just want to take another step from last year. I want to play a bigger role on the team and help contribute when I can."

BERRA TRADED BACK TO SPRUCE KINGS

RJ Berra has been traded back to the Prince George Spruce Kings before officially lacing up the blades with the Express. The Express receive future considerations in return. Berra was acquired by the Express in a three team deal that also involved Merritt and Prince George.

Earlier this off season, Berra was sent from Prince George to Merritt as the future considerations owed to Merritt after they sent Alex Goodship up north last season.

Burnaby then acquired Berra from Merritt in exchange for Thomas Hardy.

I spoke with Express head coach Dave Mclellan today about the deal, and basically the feeling was that since Berra is a Prince George kid, and his father has ties to the Spruce Kings organization, it might be best that he resumes his career in Prince George.

Plus, the coaching staff feel with the depth upfront heading into camp for the Express, he wouldn't be utilized to his full potential and would slip down the depth chart.

Mclellan projects Berra as a player that is capable of being a top 6 forward in the BCHL. With the Express, it would have been difficult for him to crack that when they assessed his placement in their pre-camp depth chart.

GRASSI TO UBC

(Grassi sips from the Fred Page Cup with the Express in 2006)

Former Express Max Grassi has committed to play at UBC for next season. Grassi completed a 4 year BCHL career this past season in Penticton. He leaves the BCHL as one of the more decorated players in recent history.

His rookie season started off with a bang, he won a Fred Page Cup and a Royal Bank Cup with the Express in 05-06. The next season Grassi was traded to the Nanaimo Clippers at the trading deadline and celebrated his 2nd straight BCHL Championship that spring as the Clippers knocked off the Vernon Vipers in the league final.

From there, it was off to Surrey where he had his best season point wise in the BCHL putting up 61 points.

Grassi was re-acquired by the Express in an off-season trade for his 20 year old season in 08-09. Grassi was a rare bright spot on a team that had more downs than ups. He put up 39 points in 35 games and was a consistent point producer night after night. At the deadline, Grassi was traded to Penticton with hopes of claiming his 3rd Fred Page Cup, but those hopes were dashed when they lost in the 2nd round to the eventual RBC Cup Champion Vernon Vipers in 5 games.

Grassi's BCHL numbers saw him score 64 goals, 113 assists for 177 points in 221 games. In 139 career games in Express colors, Grassi put up 40 goals and 45 assists for 85 points.

Congratulations Max on a great BCHL career. A true champion of the BCHL.

CORREALE IN... DIGNESS OUT

There has been plenty of speculation this off-season about where Dan Correale will play this coming season. He spent some time last season with the Prince George Spruce Kings before being sent back down to Major Midget by the Spruce Kings. Earlier this off-season the Express acquired his rights in a 3 way trade involving Burnaby, Nanaimo and Prince George.

In the meantime, the defending AJHL champion Grande Prairie Storm believed they had signed him. The Storm believed he was a free agent after being sent down to Major Midget by Prince George. That set off a conflict about who had Correale's Junior A rights. Burnaby or Grande Prairie.

Well, I did some digging today and learned that Correale is property of the Burnaby Express and will hit the ice with the Express when camp opens in a few weeks.

I spoke with BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale today. He told me that Correale is property of the Express.

Correale was placed on a special protected list when he was sent down by Prince George last season. Therefore still property of the Spruce Kings when the season ended. Then when Correale was part of the 3 team trade involving, Burnaby, Nanaimo and Prince George, his Junior A rights were transferred to the Express.

Contrary to what some believe, he was never a free agent to sign with another Junior "A" club. The BCHL, AJHL and Hockey Canada all recognize and enforce that Correale's rights belong to the Express.

Meanwhile, when I spoke with Express Head Coach Dave Mclellan earlier this summer, he indicated to me that John Digness may not return to the Express for the 09-10 season. Well it's official now that he will not be back. Digness has decided to move on with his life. He has enrolled in school at SAIT in Alberta in an engineering program.

Digness was acquired by the Express at the trade deadline last season in a deal that saw Mike Leidl and Cam Brodie head to Vernon. Digness made an immediate impact upon coming to the Express, putting up 20 points in 16 games. He was expected to be a key part of the re-built Express for this coming season. This obviously leaves a hole upfront for the Express as camp approaches.

I went to the Express office today to speak with the Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Dave Mclellan to comment on Correale and the loss of Digness.

Hear from Dave Mclellan here.

SCOTT RINTOUL'S RUN FOR THE CURE

My colleague at the Team 1040 Sports Radio Scott Rintoul will be participating in the Ironman Canada Event in Penticton on August 30th. He's been training hard for this event for a number of months and is doing it to support cancer research for the BC Cancer Foundation.

He's seeking donations to support this great cause. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

If you would like to get more information click on the link below.

http://www.team1040.ca/ontrel/onlineclub/contestdetails.php?ContestID=239

Or if you would like to make a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation, click on the link below.

http://donate.bccancerfoundation.com/site/TR?pg=fund&fr_id=1250&pxfid=5090

2009 WPFG A WORLD CLASS EVENT

I was able to spend some time this past week checking out some of the events at the World Police Fire games and I can't help but think about how great of an event it was.

I was able to catch lots of hockey of course, some boxing, and flag football.

First off, I would like to take a moment tip my cap in respect for the quality of athletes that participated in each event. Their profession requires many of the participants to be in good condition to succeed at their every day jobs when at times they risk their lives to keep the public safe each day.

That commitment also motivated these athletes to take their training to another level so they can compete at their best when the games got underway.

The ones who benefited from these athletes hard work and commitment is the people who took the time to attend an event. The fans who attended were provided with great entertainment every day.

Like I said, I got to see some great hockey. I also checked flag football. But the event that really blew me away was boxing. It took place at the home of the Express the Bill Copeland Sports Centre. It was my first time ever seeing boxing fights live. I was truly entertained by the great fights the two nights I attended. Now that I've seen boxing live in person. Even at this level at the WPFG, it shows just how TV just doesn't do it justice about how entertaining it can be.

Bill Copeland was rocking each night for the fights. The fans were loud and the energy was great. I only wish the barn would rock like that when the Express hit the ice.

Speaking of the fans, members of Fire and Police personnel were every where cheering on their fellow countrymen or other members of their department. That made for a great thing to witness in person. Whether I was at 8 rinks watching hockey for a game between a squad from the Calgary Fire Department and the Russian Police. I was standing in the corner of the rink and was surrounded by Russians cheering on their team. Chanting, clapping, making all kinds of noise. At the Boxing, it was great to see a fighter from New York having a cheering section chanting N-Y-P-D. Or a fighter from Ireland taking on a member of the RCMP, that made for a great atmosphere of supporters of Ireland standing, chanting and clapping. I felt like I was at a soccer game in Europe. In the meantime the supporters from the RCMP had their own cheering section which was just as loud chanting R-C-M-P. It's hard to truly describe how great of a thing that was to witness in words. Experiencing it in person was truly phenomenal.

I'm sure if you attended any event at the WPFG this week, I'm sure you noticed how well the community got out to support this event. Parking lots were jammed. No matter where I went at least there were plenty of spectators. I'm sure there were somewhere between 200 and 300 people out to watch a Flag Football semi final game Friday between the BC Fire Department and the Calgary Fire Department.

Now that this event is winding down, the athletes are slowly starting to trickle their way out of our fabulous city to return home where ever it may be on the globe. I'm sure they have been left with an impression of the city. And now that they go back home to return to the line of duty, they have left an impression on me and I would like to say thank you for providing great entertainment. And thank you for everything you do every day to keep the public safe.

VIPERS TO FACE BCHL'S BEST

Burnaby, BC -- August 4, 2009 -- The British Columbia Hockey League’s 2010 All-Star Game will see the defending Fred Page Cup champion Vernon Vipers take on a team of league All-Stars on Wednesday, January 13th at the Frank Crane Arena in Nanaimo.

“The British Columbia Hockey League is very excited to announce a new All-Star Game format that will make for a tremendous event in a great hockey city,” BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale says. “We’re looking forward to an intense and highly-skilled contest.”

The game marks a first for the league and a departure from the Coastal versus Interior conference structure that has long been in place for the BCHL’s annual All-Star showcase.

“This new and improved All-Star format will be a huge hit with players and fans alike,” says Nanaimo Clippers General Manager Bill Bestwick. “The concept of having the previous season’s champion play the BCHL All-Stars will prove to be extremely competitive and the Clippers are looking forward to hosting Vernon and the rest of the league in this first-ever event.”

The Vernon Vipers will be the first defending Fred Page Cup champion to participate in the game under the new format. The Vipers went on to hoist the Doyle and RBC Cups earlier in 2009, marking the team’s fifth National Championship victory.

“I think this is a fun concept and a great twist for an All-Star Game,” says Vipers Head Coach Mark Ferner. “I know our players will be excited and it’s a nice reward for them and for the organization for winning a league championship.”