SANTAGUIDA STONE WALLS EXPRESS

Surrey Eagles goaltender Michael Santaguida turned aside 43 of 45 shots sent his way as the Eagles picked up their 9th win in their last 11 games as they knocked off the Express 4-2 Friday night at the South Surrey Arena.

The Express got off to a quick start to the game. Opening up an early edge in shots. One of the best chances they had was a one timer from the slot by Justin Georgeson that caught the inside of the post and stayed out.

Two early powerplays in the opening 7 minutes for the Express were an opportunity to open the scoring but they couldn't take advantage of them.

As the period went along, the play began to swing in Surrey's favour. The Eagles opened the scoring on their first powerplay. On that advantage Devon Toews made a great cross ice pass to Demico Hannoun who blasted a one timer past Cole Huggins.

33 seconds later the Eagles struck again as Mason Blacklock was able to find a loose puck and slide it through the legs of Huggins.

This season the first goal of the game has proven to be a definitive indicator as to whether or not the Express will be victorious at the end of the night. Including Friday's game, the Express are now 1-11-1 when allowing the first goal. And they are 12-1 when scoring first.

Both goaltenders came up with some spectacular saves late in the first period. Cole Huggins turned aside Trevor Cameron with just over a minute remaining in the period. Then Santaguida stoned John Siemer on a bang bang play in front of the net.

John Siemer got the Express on the board with a beautiful tally in the Eagles zone. With the Express on the powerplay he carried the puck into the Eagles end then made a quick move before firing a quick snap shot past Santaguida to get the Express on the board.

The Express had another strong start to the period opening up an 9-2 advantage in shots.

Surrey once again re-stored their two goal lead as Nicolas Pierog carried the puck down the boards in the Express zone before firing a pass to Trevor Cameron who re-directed it past Huggins.

It didn't take long for the Express to get back within a goal again. And again it was Siemer this time using his speed to try and split the Eagles defence and get the puck to the net. He was stopped by Santaguida, but Phil Zielonka was there to bury the rebound.

In the dying minutes of the period the Express penalty killers clutched up to keep the Express in the game. They weathered a 5 on 3 advantage for the Eagles for 43 seconds keeping the deficit at one entering the third period.

The third period saw the Express start a period strong again. They had established a good cycle game and were winning faceoffs in the Eagles zone which were leading to scoring chances. But they were turned aside every time they got close to Santaguida.

Shortly thereafter the momentum swung again back in the Eagles favour. Jordan Klimek carried the puck into the Express zone. He bounced off a hip check from John Siemer, maintained his balance and snapped a wrist shot to the stick side past Huggins for the third two goal lead of the game for the Eagles.

The Express kept up their pressure in the third period. But Santaguida wasn't going to crack anymore. He had 18 third period shots sent his way turning them all aside.

The Mainland division remains a very difficult nut for the Express to crack as their record now has fallen to 2-9-1 vs. division rivals this season. While they're 11-3 against Island division and Interior Conference clubs.

The Express get an Interior conference opponent Saturday as they host the Trail Smoke Eaters on Teddy Bear toss night. 

JON CALVANO SHOW WEEK 10

Week 10 of the Jon Calvano show recaps the home and home sweep this past weekend of the West Kelowna Warriors. We discuss the impact of the three new comers to the Express Brad Ryan, Mike Maciag and Travis Stephens. Plus we look at the improving offensive depth with goals this weekend from Zach Pryzbek and Brandon Morley. And we talk about how teams stay in contact and up to date when it comes to player moves. Then with Surrey and Trail on the schedule we look ahead to those two games.

 

EXPRESS DOMINATE WARRIORS

The Coquitlam Express finished off a sweep of a home and home with the West Kelowna Warriors with a dominant 4-2 win at Royal LePage Place Saturday night.

It was one of the more one sided games that favoured the Express all season long.

Phil Zielonka fresh off scoring the overtime winner the night before, started the game off with a bang for the Express. He opened the scoring snapping a shot under the cross bar just under 4 minutes into the game. Zielonka then added his second of the game just over 3 minutes later on the powerplay snapping home a wrist shot from the slot.

The quick two goal lead put the Express into cruise control for the rest of the night. The offence kept on coming for the Express in the first period. Michael Maciag scored his first Express goal in his second game with his new team snapping home a one timer off the rush on a feed from John Siemer.

West Kelowna put a temporary wrench in the Express momentum late in the period with David Pope scoring  for the Warriors with 1:10 to go in the period. The Express came very close to re-storing their three goal lead in the dying seconds of the period, but Tyler Briggs robbed John Siemer with a great chance alone in front of the goal.

The Express dominated the Warriors in the first period outshooting them 23-6. They continued their domination into the second period as Zach Pryzbek scored for a second straight night with a powerplay goal at 1:47.

The first 40 minutes was all Express as they had a 34-11 shot advantage.

West Kelowna closed the gap in shots in the third period. Matt Anholt scored a late powerplay goal for the Warriors at 17:17 to make it a 4-2 game.

The final shot tally saw the Express outshoot the Warriors 51-26.

John Siemer was in a giving mood for the Express leading the charge with three assists. Brad Ryan was in a giving mood as well with a pair of assists.

The Express travel to the South Surrey Arena Friday to face the Eagles. Then host the Trail Smoke Eaters on Saturday night.

WARRIORS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Here's the highlights of The Express' 5-4 overtime win over West Kelowna Friday night.

 

 Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen.

OT DRAMATICS TO SNAP STREAK FOR EXPRESS

A great crowd of 1550 on Canucks alumni night saw a great back and forth game that saw the Coquitlam Express knock off the West Kelowna Warriors 5-4 in double overtime.

Phil Zielonka scored the overtime winner for the Express to snap their 5 game losing streak and pick up just their 2nd win in their last 8 games.

A balanced attack for the Express saw 12 different players hit the scoresheet.

The game was scoreless after 20 minutes of play with the Express outshooting the Warriors 11-9.

The teams certainly made up for the lack of goals from the first period in the second.

Coquitlam started fast jumping out to a quick 2-0 lead on goals by Zach Pryzbek and John Siemer.

Pryzbek was persistent hacking and whacking at the puck and was able to stuff it under Garrett Rockafellow.

1:20 later the Express expanded their lead to two. Beau Orser teed up a one timer for one of three new comers in the lineup for the Express Bradley Ryan. Ryan's shot was stopped but John Siemer was there to bang home the rebound.

For as quickly the Express took a two goal lead, the Warriors had a quick reply of their own. Braxton Bilous scored to pull the Warriors within one at 7:09. Following the goal, Express forward Justin Georgeson was called for cross checking giving the visitors a powerplay.

On the man advantage Brent Lashuk scored just 1:47 after the goal by Bilous and the game was even at two.

West Kelowna struck for their third straight goal of the period as Ambrose Firkus scored with a wrist shot from the left wing over the shoulder of Cole Huggins.

The Express responded just 42 seconds later. Alexander Kerfoot finished off a odd man rush with Will Cook and wired a wrist shot over the glove of Rockafellow to tie the game at three and the sixth goal of the period.

Brandon Morley scored for a second straight game in the third period to put the Express back in the lead. He scored off a rush from the left side.

With time running down in the third period, the Warriors were able to tie the game up. Reid Simmonds scored with a wrist shot from the slot sneaking it through Cole Huggins.

The game remained tied at 4 after the first overtime. It didn't take long in the second overtime for the game to be decided. Phil Zielonka who hadn't hit the scoresheet yet fired a wrist shot from the right circle that powered it's way past Rockafellow to give the Express the dramatic overtime win.

Friday's game saw the three new comers to the Express Bradley Ryan, Mark Maciag and Travis Stephens make their Express debuts. And they all had an impact on the game with all three players picking up an assist.

The game also saw the return of defenceman Mark Biega who played his first game since September 29th in Victoria. He had a hand in Zielonka's overtime winner.

The final shots saw the Warriors outshoot the Express 40-33. Cole Huggins clutched up with the game on the line with 9 saves in overtime.

The two teams will meet again for the second of their home and home this weekend Saturday night in West Kelowna.

EXPRESS MOVES UPDATE PLUS AUDIO

It's been a very busy week for the Coquitlam Express when it comes to player movement. All told, 4 players have been moved on with Dillan Walker being traded to Trenton (OJHL), Jace Hennig and Mark Begert moved to Prince George and Brett Seldon is in Cowichan Valley.

The new faces see Bradley Ryan, Travis Stephens (93) and Mike Maciag come to the Express. See previous posts about the trade that sees Bradley Ryan come to the Express from Prince George in exchange for Mark Begert and Jace Hennig.

Here's a breakdown of the acquisition of Travis Stephens and Brett Seldon going to Cowichan Valley.

Stephens had split this season playing two games in Salmon Arm, then dressing for 16 with the Cowichan Valley Capitals. He was released by the Caps and now has been signed by the Express. Then in order to make all the import numbers work with the other moves the Express made this week, Jon Calvano had a trade in place for Brett Seldon out of the province, but as per BCHL rules, if a player is to be moved out of province for future considerations, he is to be first placed on waivers with any team in the BCHL having a chance to claim him. The Cowichan Valley Capitals did claim Seldon off waivers.

Stephens has dressed for 79 career BCHL games primarily with Cowichan Valley and Salmon Arm. Plus 1 game each with Victoria and Nanaimo. He has 16 career goals and 42 career points in those 79 games.

I had a chance speak with a number of the newcomers to the Express. Plus Head Coach Jon Calvano to explain these moves in full.

MORE EXPRESS CHANGES ON THE BACKEND

With the December 1st roster deadline quickly approaching, the Coquitlam Express have moved swiftly this week upgrading their size and experience on the backend.

Earlier this week they traded Dillan Walker to Trenton. And acquired 20 year old defenceman Mark Maciag from the Carleton Place Canadians for future considerations.

The latest trade sees the Express send 19 year old defenceman Mark Begert along with 17 year old forward Jace Hennig and future considerations to the Prince George Spruce Kings for 20 year old defenceman Bradley Ryan.

Ryan gives the Express some much needed size on the backend standing at 6'5 and weighing in at 210lbs. Plus he also has an offensive touch with 5 goals and 15 points in 22 games this season. He also has a scholarship to Vermont for the fall of 2013.

With the additions of Ryan and Mcaig the Express have added a pair of 20 year old blueliners. Plus they have given the blueline an upgrade in size. Both players have also put up some points this season.

The Express now have a full compliment of 20 year olds with six.. With three on the blueline.

Begert was in his second go round with the Express this season. He played his rookie season in the BCHL with the Express in the 2010-11 season. He attended Boston College last season before returning to the Express this season. where he had 5 assists in 23 games.

Hennig was in his second season with the Express and first full season in the BCHL. He had 2 goals and 2 assists in 17 games this season. He dressed for 28 games for the Express last season scoring a pair of goals and ten assists.

The Express would like to welcome Bradley to the team. And wish Mark and Jace the best of luck with Prince George. 

DARCY ROTA ON BREAKFAST TELEVISION

Coquitlam Express President Darcy Rota along with former Vancouver Canuck John Garrett were on City TV's Breakfast television this morning to discuss the Express, the lockout and the Express Canucks alumni night this Friday.

Click here for the link to the video

WHEELING AND DEALING THE DEFENCE

The Express have made a couple of moves on defence. Dillan Walker was traded to the Trenton Golden Hawks of the OJHL in exchange for future considerations. The 19 year old defenceman was in his first season with the Express and had 3 assists in 21 games.

To fill Walker's spot on the backend, they made a seperate move getting bigger and more experienced. They acquired 20 year old defenceman Mike Mciag from the Carleton Place Canadians of the CCHL in exchange for future considerations.

Mciag stands 6'0 and weighs in at 192 pounds. He has 3 goals and 8 assists in 24 games. He also chipped in on the powerplay with 2 goals and 4 assists with the man advantage. Last year he had 4 goals and 23 assists in 51 games.

The Express would like to welcome Mike to the club and wish Dillian the best with Trenton.

Here's a few links to videos of Mciag in action. He's the right handed shot wearing #16.

Mciag video 1



Mciag video 2

JON CALVANO SHOW WEEK 9

Week 9 of the Jon Calvano show recaps the two games this past weekend vs. Chilliwack and Vernon. We also discuss the importance of emotional energy for a team, the return of Marc Biega this weekend, the trade that sees Dillan Walker sent back to Ontario and the acquisition of Michael Macaig. 

MIKE SANTORELLI INTERVIEW

Former BCHLer and Florida Panther Mike Santorelli is skating with the Coquitlam Express to help keep in shape during this current NHL lockout. I had a chance to speak with him about the lockout, talk about his days in the BCHL with the Vernon Vipers and Langley Hornets. And give us an update on what his younger brother Mark is up to who played on the 2006 Royal Bank Cup Express team.
 

VIPERS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Here's the highlights of Vernon's 7-5 win over the Express Sunday.

 

 Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen.

EXPRESS & VIPERS ENTER TWILIGHT ZONE

The script that played out was worthy of an appearance on the old time popular sci-fi show. Still the ending wasn't a happy one for the Express falling 7-5 to the Vernon Vipers.

Entering the game it had two teams going head to head that struggled to score goals. The Vipers more so than the Express after they were shutout in back to back games Friday and Saturday 3-0 in Powell River and 2-0 in Alberni Valley.

It only took 23 seconds into the game for the Vipers to score their first goal of the road trip. Adam Tambellini took a drop pass from Aaron Hadley and he wired a great shot over the glove of Cole Huggins.

John Siemer and Phil Zielonka continued their hot play to quickly help put the Express into their only lead of the game. Alexander Kerfoot was placed in the middle of that line and worked the puck to the corner to Zielonka who zipped a pass across the crease to Siemer who snapped the it into the net to tie the game at one. Siemer got back on the scoresheet after having his 7 game point streak snapped Saturday night in Chilliwack.

Zielonka snapped home a shot from the slot 3 minutes later on the powerplay to give the Express their only lead of the game.

Vernon replied with a powerplay goal of their own to tie the game at two. Jedd Soleway and Pierce Eviston teamed up to work the puck down low in the Express zone then a pass across the crease found Aaron Hadley to tapped it past Cole Huggins.

That goal by Hadley was the start of a big game for the Vernon powerplay. The Vipers completely took over in the second period. Adam Tambellini scored his second of the game on the Vipers second powerplay of the afternoon banging home a big rebound of a Brett Corkey point shot and slammed the puck into a wide open net.

Then with Zach Pryzbek in the penalty box for a blow to the head penalty, the Vipers scored their third powerplay goal of the game. Tambellini flipped the puck towards the net and Pierce Eviston was able to put it past Huggins. That goal came moments after Tambellini thought he scored when he wired a shot high past Huggins. But i'm not sure if the puck went in or hit the crossbar. That goal meant it would be the second straight short outing for Cole Huggins who was relieved in favour of Daniel Urbani after allowing 4 goals on 22 shots.

The Vipers scored their 4th powerplay goal of the game on a 5 on 3 advantage as Eviston scored his second of the period snapping a shot past Urbani from the left circle.

Vernon's second period domination saw them at one point have a 21-0 advantage in shots in the middle frame.

This is where this game heads to the twilight zone. Despite the one sided domination in this game by Vernon, the Express found a way to get themselves back in it. Mitchell Fyffe re-directed a Phil Zielonka pass through the legs of Austin Smith to make it a 5-3 game. Then Brandon Morley scored his first BCHL goal of the season taking a pass from the end boards by Will Cook with just over a minute remaining in the second period and snapping a shot past Smith.

The final shots of the second period were 21-2 in favour of the Vipers. And through 40 minutes the Vipers were outshooting the Express 37-8 but the Express only trailed 5-4 thanks to scoring on 50% of their shots. It certainly had everyone in the building scratching their head wondering what they were watching.

The craziness carried into the third period. The Express battled back to tie the game at 5 in the opening minute of the period. John Siemer carried the puck into the Vernon zone and threw it at the net and Alexander Kerfoot found a loose puck and was able to poke it past Smith to tie the game at 5 on just the 10th shot of the game for the Express.

Tambellini capped off his hat-trick just two minutes later. Following a won faceoff in the Express zone Brett Corkey's point shot went wide of the net but the rebound came to Tambellini who tapped it home.

The Express mustered 11 shots in the third period. Their highest period shot total in the game for the Express. But they couldn't put another puck past Smith. Pierce Eviston finished off his hat-trick as he battled Phil Zielonka hard to protect the puck while skating the puck down the ice and found the open net to round out the scoring.

Adam Tambellini, Eviston, Jedd Soleway, Aaron Hadley and Brett Corkey shouldered the offensive load for the Vipers. Tambellini led the way with a 6 point effort with 3 goals and 3 assists. Eviston also had an assist to go with his 3 goals. Hadley had a goal and two assists for Vernon, Jedd Soleway had 3 assists and Corkey had a pair of helpers.

Phil Zielonka did his part for the Express with his most explosive outing in Coquitlam colors with 4 points. 1 goal and 3 assists. John Siemer and Alexander Kerfoot each had 1 goal and 1 assist for the Express.

Vernon finished 4 for 7 on the powerplay while the Express went 1 for 3. The shots saw the Vipers outshoot the Express 44-19.

Next weekend the Express have a home and home with the West Kelowna Warriors starting Friday in Coquitlam.

CHIEFS SPREAD ATTACK AROUND VS EXPRESS

 The Chiefs got a pair of goals from their second line, plus singles from their top unit, a defenseman and their youngest player in a 5-1 win over the Express Saturday night.

The Chiefs remain undefeated in 5 games vs. the Express this season at 4-0-1.

For the 5th straight game the Chiefs opened the scoring vs. The Express. 16 year old Mitch Skapski buried a rebound of a Garrett Forster shot and slid it past Huggins.

One of the few consistent offensive threats for the Express pulled them even on the powerplay. Phil Zielonka snapped a wrist shot from the right boards low to the stick side past Chiefs starter Josh Halpenny.

Chilliwack struck late in the period to take the lead for good. Ryan Donohoe found a loose puck off a rebound after a drive to the net and tucked it home to give the Chiefs a 2-1 with a minute remaining in the opening 20 minutes.

Chiefs captain and defenseman David Thompson struck for Chilliwack's third goal. Off the rush the puck came to Thompson who snapped it past Cole Huggins.

The Chiefs big 3 of Hansen, Plevy and Esposito teamed up for the fourth Chiefs goal. A quick series of passes found Hansen in the slot who snapped home his BCHL leading 18th goal of the season.

Ryan Donohoe finished the scoring with his second of the game in the third period.

The Express are back in action Sunday afternoon when the Vernon Vipers will make their lone regular season visit to Coquitlam.

SIEMER TO NORTHERN MICHIGAN

Photo courtesy of Bill Stewart VSBN.

The Coquitlam Express are pleased to announce that forward John Siemer has committed to Northern Michigan University for the fall of 2013.

The Glendora California native is in his second season with the Express. In 21 games this season, Siemer is leading the Express in scoring with 11 goals and 26 points. Numbers that are good enough to put him among the BCHL scoring leaders.

In his first full season in the BCHL, the skilled Express forward scored 28 goals and 59 points in 50 games. He added another goal and three points in six playoff games vs. the Powell River Kings.

Siemer is the second Express player to commit to Northern Michigan joining first year defenceman Callum Hofford. The Express now have 10 players on their roster with post secondary education commitments.

Congratulations John.

JON CALVANO SHOW WEEK 8

In week 8 of the Jon Calvano show we recap the three divisional games this weekend vs. Chilliwack, Langley and Surrey. We discuss the gold medal game of the World Junior A Challenge that will see Express forwards Alexander Kerfoot, Brandon Morley and Zach Pryzbek come home with silver medals. We also discuss practice management over the course of the week for the Express. And look ahead to this weekends games in Chilliwack and vs. Vernon.

 

DREW AT HIS BEST VS. EXPRESS

Picture courtesy of Bill Stewart of vsbn.ca

Drew Best scored a hat-trick for the Surrey Eagles first three goals in their 6-1 win over the Express Monday afternoon.

The Express played their final game without Alexander Kerfoot, Zach Pryzbek and Brandon Morley due to their World Junior A Challenge commitments. In total the Express were without 10 regulars once the injuries were added in.

It didn't take long for Best to strike for his first. A point shot by Dan O'Keefe was stopped but the rebound was kicked right to Best who snapped it home at 1:58.

The Express responded minutes later on the powerplay and it was their two hottest players teaming up as John Siemer set up Phil Zielonka who snapped a shot past Micheal Santaguida. Zielonka and Siemer each extended their point streaks on the goal. Zielonka is on a 8 game run with 6 goals and 5 assists. Siemer is on a 7 game streak with 6 goals and 4 assists.

Best struck for his second of the game when Beau Orser couldn't find the puck in his feet and Best dug it out and snapped a shot over the left shoulder of Urbani.

The hat-trick for Best was finished off in the second period as Callum Hofford lost his footing at the blueline allowing the Eagles to break in a 2 on 1 and a perfect pass across to Best was snapped home to put the Eagles up 3-1.

The game marked Brady Shaw's first game against his old team following the trade to Surrey three weeks ago. He picked up his first point of the game 38 seconds after Best's third of the game as Shaw took the puck to the net and he and Urbani came together and the puck came out to Demico Hannoun who had a gaping net to snap the puck home.

Nicholas Pierog made it 5-1 after Mason Blacklock protected the puck along the end boards then set up Pierog who snapped it past Urbani. Brady Shaw picked up his second point of the game who set up Stefan Burzan who was alone in front of the net and fired a wrister past the first year Express netminder.

The Eagles built up their 6-1 lead through two periods. In the final frame the inexperienced Express didn't let the lopsided score discourage them. They fired 17 shots Micheal Santaguida's way but he was there to turn them all aside. The 17-3 Express advantage in shots allowed them to nearly match Surrey's shot total in the game. The final number was 36-35 in favour of the Eagles.

The Express are next in action Saturday night in Chlliwack. And they will welcome back Kerfoot, Morley and Pryzbek with open arms. They went 3-4 in the 7 games during their absence at the World Junior A Challenge.

TEAM CANADA WEST TAKES SILVER AT WJAC

Alexander Kerfoot, Zach Pryzbek and Brandon Morley are coming home with silver medals from the 2012 World Junior A Challenge.

See below for the full story courtesy of Hockey Canada:

YARMOUTH, N.S. – Vince Hinostroza scored twice and added two assists to finish as the tournament’s co-leading scorer as the United States won its fourth gold medal at the World Junior A Challenge with a 6-3 win over Canada West on Sunday night.

Hinostroza, who was named tournament most valuable player, doubled his scoring output from the entire tournament and ended with eight points (six goals, two assists) in four games, becoming the second American to lead the World Junior A Challenge in scoring, joining Sean Kuraly, who topped the list in 2011.

J.T. Stenglein added two goals, Austin Cangelosi and Alex Kile also scored and Ian Brady chipped in with three assists as the U.S. finished atop the podium for the fourth time in the last five years. Sunday’s win also marked the American’s third win over Canada West in that span, joining wins in 2008 and 2009.

Brady’s three assists gave him eight for the tournament, a new World Junior A Challenge record.

Eamon McAdam stopped 26 shots for his fourth win in the U.S. goal, tying the tournament record.

Seb Lloyd (Prince George, B.C./West Kelowna, BCHL), Evan Richardson (Nanaimo, B.C./Powell River, BCHL) and Brandon Morley (Burnaby, B.C./Coquitlam, BCHL) had the goals for Canada West, which scored three times in a span of 8:32 in the second period to turn a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 lead, but didn’t score again.

The Canadians finished with silver for the third time – all three gold medal game defeats have come at the hands of the United States.

Jonah Imoo (Surrey, B.C./Powell River, BCHL), who was named the goaltender on the tournament all-star team following the game, took the loss after a 27-save performance, his first defeat of the week.

Joining Imoo on the all-star team were Hinostroza, Brady, Canada West forward Wade Murphy (Victoria, B.C./Penticton, BCHL), Canada West defenceman Troy Stecher (Richmond, B.C./Penticton, BCHL) and Swiss forward Sandro Zangger.

RIVERMEN TOP EXPRESS

The Langley Rivermen topped the Coquitlam Express at the Langley Events Centre Saturday night 4-2. The shorthanded Express were outshot 38-27, but had quite a few good scoring chances throughout the course of the game they weren't able to finish.

Langley opened the scoring on a powerplay as Matt Ustaski from a sharp angle slid the puck low past the far side on Huggins at 4:51.

The Express responded with a powerplay goal of their own. Mark Begert got his point shot through to the net and John Siemer collected the rebound and showed his slick hands tucking the puck past James Barr.

James Robinson had a great opportunity to put Langley back into the lead. He was hauled down on a partial breakaway and awarded a penalty shot. On the free pass Cole Huggins turned his shot aside. Huggins is three for three on penalty shots faced this season.

Robinson would get a measure of revenge a few minutes later. He carried the puck into the Express zone and behind the net where he centered it for Austin Azurdia who chopped at it and the puck went off an Express defenders stick and over the left shoulder of Huggins to give the Rivermen their second lead of the game.

Langley did take their lead into the second period. But it easily could have been a different story based on the Express chances. Mitchell Fyffe had two good chances alone in front of the net but was denied by Barr. Phil Zielonka rang a shot off the underside off the crossbar in the final seconds of the period.

Zielonka's knack for finding the good scoring areas to shoot from helped lead to the tying goal for the Express. He cut into the slot and got a good shot away. It was stopped but John Siemer was there in front of the net to bang home his second of the game.

Siemer nearly got his third of the game minutes later as he came down the right wing and fired a shot off the post. The chances kept coming for the Express. Mitchell Fyffe had two more good chances to score in the second. His best of the night came on a centering pass at the lip of the crease but couldn't direct home the feed. Callum Hofford had a good chance reading the play and jumping into the rush on a 3 on 2 break but his one timer was turned aside.

Langley took their third lead of the game on a nice goal by the recently acquired Evan Anderson. He made a nice toe drag move to cut the puck into the middle of the ice then snapped a shot over the glove of Cole Huggins.

A turnover deep in the Express zone quickly resulted into some insurance for the Rivermen in the third period. The puck was coughed up deep in the zone and Mario Puskarich quickly set up former Express Evan Campbell who snapped it through the legs of Huggins to seal the game for the Rivermen. Campbell, Robinson and Puskarich each had 2 point nights for the victorious home team.

Saturday's game was the 6th of 7 games for the Express in which they're without the services of Alexander Kerfoot, Zach Pryzbek and Brandon Morley. So far the Express have posted a 3-3 mark in the 6 games without the trio at the World Junior A Challenge. They have a chance to finish the 7 games without those three above .500 when they travel to Surrey for a game on Monday afternoon.

CHIEFS POWER PAST EXPRESS

Chilliwack used three powerplay goals to pace their offence en route to a 4-2 win over the Express Friday.

The Chiefs have yet to lose to the Express this season with 3 wins and a tie in 4 games vs. Coquitlam and all 3 wins have come in Coquitlam.

The Express again were considerably shorthanded with 8 regulars out of the lineup either with injuries or at the World Junior A Challenge.

Chilliwack was also missing two key players with Austin Plevy and Cooper Rush in Nova Scotia at the CJHL Top Prospects games this weekend.

Trevor Hills took Plevy's place on the Chiefs top line with Luke Esposito and Josh Hansen.

And it was Hills who got the offence rolling as he cut into the slot and snapped a shot through the legs of Cole Huggins to open the scoring at 14:16.

Mitch Gillam turned aside 31 of 33 shots in the game. 9 of those saves came in the first period. He denied Mitchell Fyffe and Justin Georgeson on two of the best Express chances in the first period.

Hills added to Chilliwack's lead scoring his second powerplay goal of the game as a point shot by Alex Perron-Fontaine was stopped and the rebound bounced to Hills who had a gaping net to slide the puck home.

One of the lines that played for the Express was a very young but skilled line featuring 17 year old Adam Rockwood, 16 year old Luca Leone and 15 year old phenom Matthew Barzal who dresssed for his 3rd game with the Express as an AP.

Barzal picked up his first BCHL point in the third period as he slid the puck up to centre for Leone who had a breakaway from the red line in and he made no mistake sliding the puck through the legs of Mitch Gillam to get the Express on the board at 2:19.

Just over two minutes later the Chiefs restored their two goal advantage. Luke Esposito snapped home the puck at the side of the net to put the Chiefs up 3-1. Hills and Perron-Fontaine each picked up their third points of the game on the goal by Esposito.

The Express have given up just 4 powerplay goals at home this season. The Chiefs have scored all 4 of those goals in the Express barn.

The game on the scoreboard was decided on special teams. The Chiefs went 3 for 7 with the man advantage while the Express went just 1 for 7.

Jarret Babych rounded out the scoring just over two minutes after Esposito's goal as he cut into the slot and fired a shot over the glove of Huggins.

The lone Express powerplay goal of the net came midway through the final period off a won faceoff and Phil Zielonka snapped the puck past Gilliam to round out the scoring.

Chilliwack outshot the Express 48-33. The Chiefs still haven't lost in regulation against a Mainland division opponent this season improving to 7-0-1-1 within the division this season.

The Express will get right back on the horse with another divisional contest Saturday in Langley.

On another note, Team Canada West will play for gold for a second straight year at the World Junior A Challenge as they knocked off Team Canada East 1-0 in the semi finals. They will play the USA Sunday in the final after they knocked off Switzerland 7-4 earlier in the day.

CANADA WEST THROUGH TO SEMIS

Canada West finished their round robin 2-0 at the World Junior A Challenge in Darmouth Nova Scotia, and as a result they have punched a ticket to the semi finals.

They opened the tournament Tuesday and blanked the Czechs 7-0. Coquitlam Express forward Alex Kerfoot opened the scoring for Canada West just 3:25 into the game on the powerplay. The goal would be the start of a three point game for Kerfoot who finished with two goals and an assist.

Penticton Vees forward Wade Murphy scored a pair of goals for Canada West. He would be named the player of the game for Canada West. Jonah Imoo of the Powell River Kings made 20 saves to post the shutout.

Wednesday's game vs. Russia was a battle for first place in Group A. Russia opened the tournament with a 6-1 win over the Czechs Monday.

The game was scoreless after 20 minutes of play. The best chance to open the scoring was a penalty shot for Kerfoot, but he was stopped on a deke as he went to the backhand. Kerfoot helped opened the scoring as he picked up an assist on Wade Murphy's powerplay goal. Russia quickly replied with a pair of goals in two minutes.

Kerfoot was instrumental in setting up the game tying goal as he made a great head fake then zipped a back door pass to Seb Lloyd who tied the game at two with just fifteen seconds remaining in the second period.

Aaron Hadley of the Vernon Vipers gave Canada West their second lead of the game two minutes into the third period. A powerplay goal by Sergei Stetsenko tied the game at three for Russia as they capitalized on a  5 on 3 advantage.

The game remained tied at three through 60 minutes of play. A pair of Penticton Vees teamed up to score the winner for Canada West. Wade Murphy passed the puck up to Troy Stether who walked in on the right wing and picked the top corner for the winning goal to give Canada West the 4-3 victory.

Jonah Imoo was much busier this time around as he made 37 saves on 40 shots in the Canada West crease. The Canadians only managed 19 shots in the game.

Canada West now has a day off and will play in a semi final Friday. 

JON CALVANO SHOW WEEK 7

Week 7 of the Jon Calvano show recaps the three game weekend for the Express where they went 2-1. We discuss a number of players stepping up their game with the team battling through numerous injuries and 3 players out of the lineup at the WJAC. We also discuss a number of key players playing through injuries just to help the club fill the roster with as many able bodies possible. Plus we look ahead to this weekend's 3 divisional games vs. Chilliwack, Langley and Surrey.
 

ISLAND ROAD SWING RECAP

The Coquitlam Express had a three game road swing this weekend with visits to Powell River, Alberni Valley and Cowichan Valley.

The Express came home with a 2-1 record.

Friday in Powell River, it was the first meeting of the season between the two teams. And the first time the teams saw each other since the first round of last years playoffs where the Kings prevailed in 6 games.

The road trip started well for the Express with a 3-0 win over the Kings. Cole Huggins made 31 saves for his 3rd shutout of the season and his 5th in his Express career. The 5 shutouts now stands as a new Express franchise record for most career shutouts. He shared the mark with Matthew Gordon who set the mark in the 06-07 season.

The Express scored one goal in each period. Phillip Zielonka struck early in the first period on the powerplay. Zielonka along with Adam Rockwood helped set up Luca Leone midway through the second period. John Siemer then put the game away with an empty net goal in the third period. Zielonka finished the game with 3 points with 1 goal and 2 assists.

The next night the Express headed to Alberni Valley for the second meeting of the season with the Bulldogs.

Daniel Urbani got the start for the Express in between the pipes. He would wind up having a very busy night. Less than two minutes into the game the Bulldogs had opened the scoring on a goal by Dylan Haugen.

Zach Funk put the Bulldogs up a pair 12 minutes into the second period. John Siemer got the Express on the board at 17:22. But just 31 seconds later the Bulldogs had re-stored their two goal lead on a goal by Ryan Laugh.

The Express stormed back early in the third period. Phil Zielonka opened the period scoring a pair of goals just 51 seconds apart to pull the Express even by the 1:18 mark.

5 minutes later Lars Hepso put the Bulldogs up for good scoring at 6:48. Manny Galedakis rounded out the scoring with just over a minute left in the game. The Bulldogs fired 48 shots on Daniel Urbani.

The loss was the first on the road for the Express this season in 8 games.

The road trip wrapped up Sunday afternoon in Cowichan Valley.

The visitors got off to a fast start by opening up a 2-0 lead before the game was 7 minutes old on goals by Adam Rockwood and Luca Leone.

Mitch Nardi scored his third of the season late in the second period and the Express appeared to be in good shape leading 3-0 heading to the final frame.

But the Caps reminded us all that no lead is safe in junior hockey. Keyler Bruce on a powerplay scored early in the third period to get Cowichan Valley on the board.

The Express appeared to be in cruise control taking their two goal lead into the final 5 minutes of the third period. Then in a blink of an eye the game had changed. The Caps scored a pair of goals 6 seconds apart and suddenly the game was tied at 3.

Momentum appeared to be on Cowichan's side after the quick strikes. But John Siemer broke the deadlock with just 15 seconds left snapping home a wrist shot from the right wing to give the Express the lead for good.

A pretty impressive weekend from the Express where they finished 2-1 on the road when you consider the short lineup the Express dressed in all 3 games.

The Express hit the road with a long list of injuries and absences due to the World Junior A Challenge. And as the weekend went along the list of able bodies available got shorter and shorter.

After this weekend's action the Express are now tied with the Surrey Eagles for third place in the very tight Mainland division. Plus they're 1 point back of Chilliwack for 2nd and 2 points behind Prince George for first.

Next weekend the Express have 3 very important divsional games against Chilliwack, Langley and Surrey. 

EXPRESS GO 3 FOR 3 AT TEAM CANADA WEST CAMP

Returnees Alexander Kerfoot and Brandon Morley plus newcomer Zach Pryzbek will play for Canada West at the upcoming World Junior A Challenge in Darmouth Nova Scotia starting next week.

This is the first time the Express will have 3 members on the Team Canada West team. In the inaugural event in 2006, the Express had a pair of representatives (Kyle Turris and Tyler McNeely)

The full roster of 22 players was announced Thursday following a week long selection camp in Calgary Alberta.

The BCHL is well represented among the 22 players with 15 players representing 8 BCHL teams. Kerfoot and Morley along with Evan Richardson of Powell River, Vernon's Aaron Hadley and Penticton's Troy Stetcher are back for a second go round after helping Team Canada West win gold at the World Junior A Challenge last year looking for a repeat performance. Last year the line of Kerfoot, Morley and Richardson was instrumental helping Canada West win the gold medal at the World Junior A Challenge in Langley.

This season Kerfoot is second in Express scoring with 6 goals and 16 points in 12 games. Prior to the season he committed to Harvard University for the fall of 2013. He was selected by the New Jersey Devils in the 5th round 150th overall. He won a gold medal at the 2011 World Junior A Challenge.

Pryzbek is in his first season with the Express. He has 3 goals and 6 points in 14 games this season. He is committed to Brown University for the fall of 2013.

Morley was acquired in a trade earlier this season from the Surrey Eagles where he was their team captain in exchange for Brady Shaw. He has 5 assists in 13 games this season. He won a gold medial at the 2011 World Junior A Challenge.

The 2012 World Junior A Challenge runs from November 5-11 in Darmouth, Nova Scotia. Team Canada West will play one exhibition game before the tournament begins this Saturday vs. last years Bronze Medalists from the USA. They will begin the tournament Tuesday vs. Czech Republic.

Congratulations to Alexander, Brandon and Zach. Go bring home the gold.

Click here for the full Team Canada West roster