EXPRESS MIXLR BROADCAST

Saturday, December 31, 2011

KINGS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Here's the highlights from the Express' 2-1 win over the Kings on Thursday.



Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

CLIPPERS @ EXPRESS HI-LITES

I may be away at the World Junior Championships, but i'm still keeping an eye on what the Express are up to.

Here's the highlights from their 5-2 win over Nanaimo Tuesday.



Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

BULLDOGS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Here's the highlights from the 8-2 win for the Express over the Alberni Valley Bulldogs on Friday.



Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen.

CAPITAL GAINS FOR TURRIS


The Kyle Turris trade watch has come to its climax with the former Express star being traded today to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for David Rundbland and a second round pick.

Earlier this week Turris has been a healthy scratch for the last two games for the Phoenix Coyotes. The last 24 hours had plenty of speculation that Turris was on the verge of being traded.

The New Westminister native held out earlier this year while awaiting to get a new contract with the Coyotes. Turris re-signed with the Coyotes on a two year deal just days before the December 1st deadline which would have deemed him ineligible to play in the NHL this season if he didn't have a new contract.

In 6 games with the Coyotes this season, Turris didn't register a point and was a -2. He played 137 career games with the Coyotes scoring 19 goals and 46 points.

In 110 career games with the Express from 2005-07, Turris scored 103 goals and 193 points. He helped the Express win the 2006 Royal Bank Cup, the next year he set Canadian Junior A Hockey history by being the highest player drafted out of Canadian Junior A hockey getting selected 3rd overall by the Coyotes.

This trade will also re-unite Turris with former Express teammate Patrick Wiercioch who is a prosect with the Sens AHL affiliate in Binghamton.

Good luck Kyle with your new club.

Friday, December 16, 2011

EXPRESS OVER POWER BULLDOGS

They scored early, and often in the second period as the Coquitlam Express romped the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 8-2 to head into the Christmas break on a two game winning streak.

Malcom Mckinney and Brady Shaw each scored a hat-trick to pace the Express offensive attack.

The special teams was on a roll as well with the Express scoring 5 times on the powerplay and once shorthanded.

The scoring started early for the Express with their first powerplay goal of the night as Brady Shaw re-directed a Clinton Atkinson wrist shot at 1:09.

That was followed by Mckinney's first of the game as he decided to keep the puck on a 2 on 1 and wire a wrist shot over the glove of Matt Larose.

Brady Shaw moments later had a bid for his second of the game when he was awarded a penalty shot. He couldn't covert however as Larose kicked out his right pad to make the save.

The goals kept coming in the second. Malcom Mckinney scored his second of the game shorthanded as he took a tip pass from Alex Petan then cut in and deked past Larose.

Then came a wave of penalties to the Bulldogs giving the home side powerplay after powerplay. More specifically 5 on 3 after 5 on 3.

Brady Shaw converted a pass in the crease to put the Express up 4-0 for Shaw's second of the game. That goal spelled the end of the night for Larose after allowing 4 goals on 14 shots.

Another 5 on 3 goal for Malcom Mckinney as he wristed the puck to the net from the left wing to finish off his first BCHL hat-trick.

Dante Godhino scored the fourth powerplay goal of the period from the slot as he fired a shot through the legs of Max Fenkell to put the Express up 6-0.

Walker Hyland got the Bulldogs on the board on a powerplay putting the puck into a gaping net following a good feed from Dylan Nowakowski.

Little more than two minutes later John Siemer scored to put the Express back up by 6.

Hyland scored his second of the night in the dying seconds of the middle frame as he wired a wrist shot off the cross bar and in following a great feed by Nowakowski from his knees.

Brady Shaw finished off his first BCHL hat-trick as the Express scored their 5th powerplay goal of the game after some great passing by Clinton Atkinson and Alex Kerfoot to set it up.

Shaw and Mckinney are the first Express players to each pick up a hat-trick in a game since Kyle Turris scored 4 goals and Tyler McNeely had a hat-trick of his own back on January 13 2007 vs. Surrey.

The 5 powerplay goals for the Express is the most they've picked up in a game since scoring what is likely a franchise record 8 powerplay goals September 16 2007 while visiting the Langley Hornets.

The win puts the Express one point back up on the Nanaimo Clippers for the 4th and final playoff spot in the Coastal Conference.

Tonight's game was the final one for the Express before Christmas. They will head home and get some much needed friends, family and food time. They will return to action December 28th at home vs. the Nanaimo Clippers.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

CLIPPERS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Here's the highlights from the 6-4 win for the Express over Nanaimo Wednesday.



Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

EXPRESS SLIDE INTO PLAYOFF SPOT

The Coquitlam Express opened the second half of the season by over taking the Nanaimo Clippers in the standings with a 6-4 win and taking posession of a Coastal Conference playoff spot.

Wednesday's game was the first of 6 head to head meetings between the Express and Clippers in the second half of the season. The Express took the first meeting 5-3 at the Frank Crane Arena in Nanaimo back in November.

Taylor Bourne opened the scoring with his 8th of the season from Malcom Mckinney.

Alex Kerfoot helped set up Dante Godhino who scored his 3rd goal with the Express with a slick feed from behind the net. The assist was just the first indication that it was going to be a really good night for the first year Express forward.

Nanaimo responded 5 minutes later as Graeme McCormick blasted a slap shot past the glove of Cole Huggins on a 5 on 3 powerplay.

Just over a minute later the Express re-stored their two goal lead and it was Kerfoot scoring for his second point of the game.

The Express did take a two goal lead to the second period. It may have been a different story were it not for Cole Huggins who turned aside 18 of 19 Clipper shots in the first period.

Coquitlam opened the second period on the powerplay and made it count. John Siemer showed his great hands as he danced to the net and deked past Billy Faust and slid the puck home.

The goal spelled the end of the night for Faust who was pulled in favour of Christopher Eiserman after Faust allowed 4 goals and 14 shots.

Eiserman got a tough bounce off the hop as Zach Hodder scored from behind the net as he banked it in off the back of the goaltender and it literally had just enough steam to slide across the goal line.

Graeme McCormick scored his second of the night as he blasted another shot past Huggins to cut the Express lead to three entering the third.

Nanaimo kept pressing to open the final frame and Josh Bryan scored in the opening minute and that goal was followed 6 minutes later by a goal by Luke Gordon on a 2 on 1 to cut what was a 4 goal Express lead down to 1.

The Express got another break to give them some insurance as John Siemer banked a puck from the corner off Eiserman and in the net.

It was tough to see the goals go in for Eiserman who made a number of quality saves that allowed the Clippers to get back into the game.

Alex Kerfoot picked up his second assist and third point of the game on the Siemer goal. That capped off what may have been the best game i've seen Kerfoot play either in the BCHL or at the World Junior A Challenge. He did it all for the Express on this night. Every time he was on the ice, the puck was on his stick and the Clippers couldn't get it from him. Kerfoot's puck skills created chances what seemed like every shift on the ice. He drew a powerplay in the second period and had a key defensive play in the third period.

The Express rookie displayed puck possession and patience that resembeled the confidence of how Henrik Sedin distributes the puck. His vision and ability to create chances was something else. I can't say enough about what I saw from him on this night.

The win moved the Express into 4th place in the Coastal Conference. Nanaimo fell from 4th to 6th with the loss in addition to Cowichan Valley falling 5-0 to Victoria.

The Express will play their final game before the Christmas break Friday vs. the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

BCHL BROADCASTER POLL

As we hit the midway mark of the 50th BCHL season, Salmon Arm Silverbacks broadcaster Scott Campbell conducted a poll of the broadcasters of the BCHL for mid-season award winners. He also created a few other categories that were voted upon.

Take a look at the final numbers that include a few members of the Express.


Mid Season Accolades

Voted on by the BCHL’s Media Elite, compiled and presented by Scott Campbell (silverbacksmack.blogspot.com)

Annual Awards:

Best Goaltender
Interior: Michael Garteig (Penticton, 100%)
Coastal: Billy Faust (Nanaimo, 33%) Derek Dun (Cowichan, 33%) Jamie Phillips (Powell River, 33%)

Best Goaltending Duo
Interior: Lino Chimienti/Tyler Steel (Merritt, 35%)
Coastal: Sean Macguire/Jamie Phillips (Powell River, 60%)

Coach of the Year
Interior: Luke Pierce (Merritt, 85%)
Coastal: Jim Ingram/Dale Purinton (Cowichan, 90%)

Most Sportsmanlike
Interior: Regan Sequila (Merritt, 46%)
Coastal: Andrew Gladiuk (Nanaimo, 28%) Wesley Myron (Victoria, 28%)
Rookie of the Year

Interior: Mario Lucia (Penticton, 86%)
Coastal: Alex Kerfoot (Coquitlam, 100%)

Best Defenseman
Interior: Mike Reilly (Penticton, 84%)
Coastal: Craig Dalrymple (Powell River, 87%)

MVP
Interior: Paul De Jersey (Prince George, 41%)
Coastal: Wade Murphy (Victoria, 50%)

Awards that could exist

Most Improved Player
Interior: Paul De Jersey (Prince George, 80%)
Coastal: Alex Petan (Coquitlam, 62%)

Best 16 Year Old
Interior: Luke Bertolucci (Trail, 33%)
Coastal: Bo Pellah (Langley, 88%)

Franchise Player
Interior: Mike Reilly (Penticton, 45%)
Coastal: Craig Dalrymple (Powell River, 37%)

Pest Award
Interior: Adam Wheeldon (Trail) Tyson Witala (Prince George) Geoff Chrisfield (Vernon) Jakub Reichert (Merritt) Sean Maktaak (Merritt) Max French (Westside) Silvan Harper (Merritt) Riley Hunt (Vernon) Ben Woodley (Prince George) Travis St.Denis (Penticton)
Coastal: Morley Brothers (Surrey, 50%)

Best Import 
Interior: Mario Lucia (Penticon, 40%)
Coastal: Mike Moran (Victoria, 57%)

Best 20 year old
Interior: Connor Reilly (Penticton, 66%)
Coastal: Craig Dalrymple (Powell River, 42%)

Best Defensive Forward
Interior: Darren Nowick (Vernon, 20%) Kody Dhaliwal (Salmon Arm, 20%)
Coastal: Brendan Forbes (Powell River, 33%)

Player Most Deserving Of Scholarship
Interior: Regan Soquila (Merritt, 45%)
Coastal: Khaleed Devji (Coquitlam, 28%)

Honourable Mentions
Interior:
Connor Reilly only won one category but was voted for in every one in which his capable of being nominated. The only other defenders aside from Mike Reilly to get votes for Best-D were Michael King and Izaak Berglund. Mario Lucia was a close second for MVP. Dylan Chanter, Cody Depourq and Garrett Forster all fell one vote behind Luke Bertolucci for Best Youngster. Devin Muller came 2nd in the Scholarship category.
Coastal:
Brady Rouleau and Derek Dun both got votes for Best ‘Tendy. Steve Koshey was runner up for Best D. Wade Murphy was a close 2nd for most improved. Matt Brown was shut-out from winning but got a vote in most significant categories.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

CAPS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Here's the highlights of the Caps 5-4 win over the Express Sunday.



Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen.

1ST PLACE CAPS RALLY IN 3RD

The Coastal Conference leading Cowichan Valley Capitals showed the Express why they currently occupy their position in the standings by rallying to knock off the Express 5-4 Sunday afternoon.

It was the third game in as many nights for both clubs. The two teams showed good energy to start the game.

It was also Teddy Bear toss night for the Express and they gave the fans what they came for early on with a goal to throw their teddy bears. Alex Petan roofed a rebound of a Clinton Atkinson point shot for his 20th goal of the season.

Just over two minutes later the Caps pulled even. Coming off a 6 point performance the night before, Devin Gannon kept up his hot play scoring a powerplay goal of his own to tie the game at one.

Brady Shaw re-stored the Express lead in the second period showing his good hand eye coordination re-directing a Clinton Atkinson point shot.

Again the lead didn't last long, and Cowichan's top line of Devin Gannon, Jake Charles and Matt Brown teamed up to pull the Caps even. A quick pass from the boards to a wide open Jake Charles who tipped it to Brown who had a tap in to put past Khaleed Devji.

Coquitlam scored their third powerplay goal in as many opportunities to take the lead for a third time. Zach Hodder rushed the puck up ice then fired a great cross ice backhand pass to John Siemer who snapped it home for his 3rd goal in as many games.

The Express took their lead to the room after two periods. It appeared to be in good shape with the Express limiting the Caps to just 10 shots through two periods.

Cowichan Valley took their game up a notch in the third. Steven Iacobellis tied it up at 3 as he banged home the rebound off the end boards from a shot by Matthew Grant.

Another goal from a rebound off the end boards put Cowichan Valley in the lead for the first time as Matthew Grant banged home the rebound of a Matt Brown point shot.

Brown then added his second of the game to give the Caps some insurance as turned and wired a rocket of a shot over the glove of Khaleed Devji.

The Caps surpassed their shot total from the first two periods by sending 13 shots Devji's way in the third.

John Siemer scored his second of the game with 11 seconds left to cut the lead back down to one, but that would be as close as the Express would come.

The Caps top line of Devin Gannon, Jake Charles, and Matt Brown finished the game combining for 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points. That is on the heels of that trio combining for 13 points the night before vs. Langley. They have now picked up 11 goals and 17 assists for 28 points in the last 3 meetings with the Express. All Capital victories.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

EAGLES @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Here's the highlights from the 4-1 win for the Express vs. Surrey on Friday.



Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen.

Friday, December 9, 2011

EXPRESS TAKE SERIES EDGE

In the third game of four in a row head to head meetings with the Surrey Eagles, the Express got the upper hand winning their second game on home ice Friday night 4-1.

The home team got off to a good start by rolling all 4 lines, and forcing the Eagles into numerous turnovers in their own zone and generating some decent scoring chances.

The only reason the Express weren't able to open the scoring was the play of Surrey goaltender Andrew Hunt who was very sharp.

Against the flow of play the Eagles opened the scoring on the powerplay as the Morley brothers help set up Alex Hagen snapping home a feed from the slot.

The Express finally got one past Hunt late in the first period as John Siemer from deep in the Surrey zone fired a centering pass and it bounced off a defenceman and went in.

It didn't take long for the Express to take their first lead in the second period. Alex Petan forced Surrey into a turnover and showed great patience as he outwaited Hunt then slid the puck to Malcom Mckinney who buried it with ease just 42 seconds into the second.

Another turnover in the Eagles zone led to the third Express goal as Clinton Atkinson kept the puck in the Surrey zone, came down the right wing, his shot was stopped but Dante Godhino buried the rebound.

Godhino then put the game away in the third period on the powerplay as he re-directed a Zach Hodder point shot to give the Express a 4-1 lead.

The Express were in control pretty much all game long. They finished the game by outshooting the Eagles 38-25. Cole Huggins was steady in the crease finishing with 24 saves picking up his 7th win of the season.

This 4 game series between the Express and Eagles concludes Saturday night in Surrey. It will also wrap up the season series with the Eagles.

WIERCIOCH TAKES PUCK IN THE THROAT

Ottawa Senators prospect Patrick Wiercioch took a puck to the throat in tonight's game between the Senators' AHL affiliate Binghamton Senators and the Norfolk Admirals.

Wiercioch was taken to the hospital but is in stable condition and his teammates in Binghamton were told that he should be okay.

The 21-year-old defenceman will require further evaluation to see if swelling in the area occurs, and more on the extent of the injury will be known Saturday.

Wiercioch was playing the point on a Senators power play when a clearing shot struck him in the throat.

In 26 games with Binghamton this season, Wiercioch has two goals and 12 points.

He played 42 games with the Express during the 06-07 season.

KERFOOT & STRAIGHT LISTED AS DRAFT PROSPECTS


NHL Central Scouting released its list today for players to watch for the upcoming NHL draft in Pittsburgh.

Express rookie forward Alex Kerfoot and alumni Destry Straight were among the 8 BCHL players present and past listed as "B" ranked prospects or possible middle round selections for the draft.

This is the second consecutive year that Destry Straight was listed. Last season he was ranked as a "A" prospect or a high ranking prospect. But when the draft came around he wasn't selected. This season Straight has 1 goal and 1 assist in 17 games in his first season at Boston College.

For Kerfoot, he really made a name for himself with lots of scouts in attendance while at the World Junior A Challenge in Langley. He was named to the tournament all star game with a strong finish while helping Canada West win the gold medal. This season Kerfoot has 7 goals and 27 points in 25 games with the Express.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

EAGLES @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Here's the highlights from the 5-2 Express win over the Surrey Eagles Saturday.



Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen.

EAGLES KNOCK OFF EXPRESS, MAYBE.

It was a valiant third period come back for the Express that may or may not have come one goal short.

In the second game of 4 straight games between the Express and the Eagles, Surrey evened up the series by taking game 2 5-4 at the South Surrey Arena.

Surrey blitzed the Express in the opening minutes of the first period. They quickly jumped out to a 2-0 lead on a pair of goals by Robert Lindores and taking a early 12-2 advantage in shots.

It could have been worse for the Express were it not for the great play of Khaleed Devji.

The Express settled things down by getting a pair of powerplays and scoring once off the stick of Brady Shaw.

Tyler and Brandon Morley showed in the first period they were going to be a factor on this night. And they each scored in the second period to give Surrey a 4-1 lead. Things may have been different for the Express, were it not for shots off the post by Brady Shaw and Taylor Bourne in the second period.

Sean McGovern added a powerplay goal in the third period beating Cole Huggins who replaced Devji following the 4th Eagle goal in the second period.

This is when things get interesting. Alex Petan and Mitch Nardi scored to pull the Express within two.

Then off a won faceoff in the Surrey zone comes some controversy. Taylor Bourne re-directed a Joona Kuunas point shot past Andrew Hunt with just over 4 minutes to go to pull the Express within one.

The goal was initially called good, but after some discussion, referee Jeff Ingram waved it off ruling the puck was contacted with a high stick. Personally I disagree with the call. It looked good from where I was standing in the booth.

The questionable call came back to hurt the Express when Zach Hodder scored in the final minute and a valiant comeback by the Express came one goal short.

The encouraging sign coming out of this game was how hard the Express battled to get back into the game. It could have been easy for them to fold the tent trailing 5-1 in the third on the road playing their third game in as many days.

Can't cry over spilled milk any more. These two teams will meet for another pair of games next weekend starting Friday in Coquitlam.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

EXPRESS TAKE GAME 1

The Express drew first blood in this mid season 4 game series with the Surrey Eagles 5-2.

A balanced attack led the way for the Express with 5 different goal scorers, and a total of 9 players hit the scoresheet. John Siemer led the way with a goal and 2 assists.

Just like Friday night in Langley, the Express gave up the games first goal on Brandon Tanev's 4th of the year following a won faceoff in the Express zone.

And like Friday, the Express had a quick reply and took the lead. John Siemer showed his slick hands as he dangled to the net and slid it home to tie the game. That was followed 1:32 later by a rocket of a slap shot by Alex Petan blowing it past Andrew Hunt. The goals for Siemer and Petan was their 3rd in the last two games.

The Express had a great opportunity the extend their lead after Linden Saip dropped the mitts with Mitch Nardi. The Express got a 5 minute major power play out of it. That was followed by a roughing penalty by Beau Orser giving the Express a 5 on 3 for a full two minutes. The Express couldn't capitalize as the BCHL's top ranked penalty killing shut down the second best power play.

Surrey pulled even midway through the second as Colton Mackie banged home a rebound that was swatted into the slot by Khaleed Devji following a shot by Alex Hagen. That was the only puck to get past Devji who was tested 19 times in the second period.

Andrew Hunt made the save of the game in the dying seconds off the middle frame as he reached back with the paddle of his stick and took a sure power play goal away from Alex Kerfoot.

John Siemer helped break the dead lock as the made a great feed from behind the net spotting Cody Michelle and he snapped it in.

Siemer then helped give the Express some insurance as he picked up his 3rd point of the game setting up Brady Shaw who finished off the odd man rush.

Justin Georgeson finished off the scoring by tallying for a second straight game into an empty net.

Khaleed Devji was solid turning aside 35 shots for his 8th win of the season.

Another key for the Express was holding Tyler Morley off the scoresheet. He had 24 points in his last 13 games vs the Express including playoffs dating back to the start of last season. Morley had already picked up 10 points in the first 3 games vs the Express.

Overall both teams provided some pretty entertaining game for the fans to watch. It was a up and down game with good pace provided by the two teams.

They will do it all over again Sunday in Surrey.

Friday, December 2, 2011

EXPRESS RUN THE RIVER DRY

Photo courtesy of Vancity Sports Blog:

Multiple players had multi point nights as the Express dropped the Langley Rivermen 6-3.

Alex Petan had 2 goals and an assist, John Siemer also scored a pair while Alex Kerfoot had a pair of helpers to carry the offensive attack.

Langley's red hot powerplay got them off to a quick start as Mike Tebbutt had multiple whacks at the puck and eventually poked it past Cole Huggins less than 3 minutes into the game.

Captain Alex Petan quickly responded for the Express as he showed great hand eye coordination to re-direct Alex Kerfoot's wrist shot past James Barr.

The Express got their first lead minutes later off a won faceoff by Kerfoot and John Siemer wired a shot over the glove of Barr.

Petan got his second of the night to put the Express up two on a nice backhand set up by Brady Shaw and Petan put the one timer home in the gaping net.

Tebutt pulled Langley back within one with his second power play goal of the period as his wrist shot from the slot was tipped going high in the air and fluttered over beyond the reach of Cole Huggins and in. At that point Langley's powerplay had struck 12 times in their last 27 opportunities.

Langley completed the comeback early in the second after some good work behind the Express net by Austin Plevy who set up Patrick Martens who roofed a backhand over Huggins.

Then came the turning point in favour off the Express. Justin Georgeson benefited from a broken play and the puck bounced to him and he wired a wrist shot through Barr to put the Express in the lead for good as it turned out. That goal was followed by a great shift from Petan, Bourne and Mckinney which led to an Express powerplay. That powerplay didn't result in a goal, but the Express pretty much did everything but score.

Cole Huggins then made a key save off Mario Puskarich in the final seconds of the period and the Express skated off to the room with a one goal lead.

The Express continued their strong 5 on 5 play in the third. More good work deep in the Langley zone by Bourne, Mckinney and Petan led to the 5th Express goal as Bourne scored on the rebound of a Joona Kuunas point shot.

The Express shut down Langley the rest of the night and when John Siemer scored his second of the game, that put the finishing touches on the win for the Express.

They will now get ready to play their next 4 games vs. the Surrey Eagles starting Saturday night.