EXPRESS END 2014 WITH A BANG

Express celebrate the 8-1 win.

The Coquitlam Express capped off 2014 with a three game winning streak.  Unlike their previous two wins when they needed Brett Supinski to score in double overtime to get the win, Wednesday night in Merritt they steamrolled the Centennials 8-1.Click here for boxscore

Corey Mackin picked up right where he left off before Christmas with his 4th hat trick of the season and four points to pace the Express attack. 

He helped get things rolling as he helped former Centennial Brendan Lamont to open the scoring with a shorthanded goal just 1:28 into the game.

Mackin was flying in the first period. He had a shorthanded breakaway moments later but was denied by Jonah Imoo as he tried to slide a backhand in the five hole.

Dustin Johnson scored what would turn out to be the lone goal for Merritt at the side of Express goaltender Chris Tai.

From that point forward it was all Express for the rest of the night.

Corey Mackin scored his first of the night a minute after Merritt's tally with a goal from the corner that bounced off Imoo and in.

That was quickly followed by Daniell Lange's 5th of the season pouncing on a loose puck in front. 

Then Mackin would make his second breakaway of the first period count as he snapped a wrister between the pads of Imoo and a 4-1 Express advantage.  That goal ended Imoo's night early after allowing 4 goals on 12 shots.

The Express would get to his replacement Anthony Pupplo in the second period.

Brett Supinski scored his 25th of the season banging home the rebound of a Austin Anselmo point shot.

Then Cody Boyd made ammends for his 14 PIM's in the first period by scoring from the left circle for a 6-1 Express lead.

Mackin completed the hat-trick with a 5 on 3 goal at the side of the Merritt net. The BCHL scoring leader now has 63 points on the season 11 points clear of West Kelowna's Liam Blackburn.  Plus he's sitting at 35 goals in 36 games.

Jackson Cressey hammered the final nail in Merritt's coffin by scoring the final Express goal on another 5 on 3 in the third period. 

Then with the final outcome determined tempers began to flare with three separate fights breaking out at different times in the third period involving Jivan Sidhu,  Dustin Cave and Noah Turanski. 

The most encouraging sign from the Express on this night was no signs whatsoever of a Christmas break hangover. They were on top of their game right from the start and carried it through to the end leaving no doubt who was coming away with the two points. 

The Express will begin 2015 with a home and home with the Langley Rivermen starting Friday in Coquitlam.

DEJA VU ALL OVER AGAIN FOR SUPINSKI AND EXPRESS

It was deja vu all over again for Brett Supinski and the Express. Supinski scored the double overtime winner for a second straight night this time giving the Express a 5-4 win over the Prince George Spruce Kings. The only difference this time around for Supinski is he scored Saturday with plenty of time left on the clock as opposed to the buzzer beater goal Friday night vs. Victoria. Click here for box score



The win gave the Express a two game winning streak heading into the Christmas break.

Saturday the Express jumped on the Spruce Kings early.

Dustin Cave got things started by scoring his first Express goal on the powerplay beating Alex Brooks-Potts on a screen shot just shy of the 5 minute mark.

Just over five minutes later the Express added to their lead. Again it was a defenceman and it was Daniel Fritz scoring a beauty shorthanded as he rushed the puck up the ice and used his speed to attack the lone defender back and cut to the net and score his 8th of the season.

4:05 later it was a 3-0 Express lead in Corey Mackin's 31st of the season from Supinski and Brendan Lamont.

The goal chased Brooks-Potts after 3 goals on 9 shots.

Despite the three goal advantage, it wasn't a true reflection of Express dominance in play. Prince George was playing fairly well despite the early hole.

Late in the first period saw the Express get into penalty trouble with infractions called on Nic Coltura and Cole Bevan 20 seconds apart giving the visitors a 5 on 3 for 1:40.

Prince George would make it count with Chad Staley scoring with 48 seconds remaining in the first period.

Braiden Epp cut the Express lead to one 2:26 into the second period as he threw the puck towards the front of the net and it bounced off something in front and slid past Chris Tai.

The Prince George comeback was complete in the opening seconds of the third period when Jeremiah Luedtke beat Chris Tai with a wrist shot over the glove from the left circle.

Braiden Epp then added his second of the night as he re-directed home a Ryan Fritz pass for the fourth straight goal by Prince George giving them their first lead of the night.

Jesse Jenks who relived Brooks-Potts in the Spruce Kings crease in the first period had shut the door allowing his team to make the comeback.

The Express finally broke through on Jenks as Corey Mackin scored his second of the game and 32nd of the season with just over three minutes remaining in the third period to send the game to overtime tied at four.

Like Friday nothing was decided after 5 minutes of four on four.

The second overtime at 3 on 3 was pretty wild. Both teams were trading two on one breaks like they were going out of style.

Finally the Express buried one of the many quality chances both teams had. Brett Supinski buried the rebound of a Corey Mackin shot out of the air for his second straight overtime winner.

Chris Tai finished with 35 saves for his 9th win of the season in the Express season.

Now the Express are on a much deserved Christmas break. And will have a week and a half off before returning to action on New Years Eve when the Express head up the Coquihalla highway to take on the Merritt Centennials.

I would personally like to take the time to thank everyone for taking the time to check out the blog and have a safe and happy holiday season.

SUPINSKI BEATS THE BUZZER IN EXPRESS WIN OVER GRIZZ

Scoring twice on teddy bear toss night takes the pain away for Brendan Lamont - Photo courtesy of Damon James.

Brett Supinski scored with less than a second remaining in the second overtime to give the Express a dramatic 3-2 overtime win over the Victoria Grizzlies. Click here for box score

The fantastic finish capped off a very entertaining night of hockey that wasn't worthy of seeing the teams finish tied.

Coquitlam entered the game riding a three game losing streak and looked to begin their final two games before the Christmas break on a positive note.

Brayden Krogfoss got just his second start in nearly two months. He's quietly sat and watched the majority of action since the acquisition of Chris Tai. It was understandable that there was a little rust early, but he quickly shook it off and settled in to play what would turn out to be his best game of the season.

It was teddy bear toss night Friday and the local faithful got their chance to toss their stuffed animals late in the first period when Brendan Lamont scored his first of two goals on the night on a 5 on 3 powerplay as he banged home a loose puck at the side of the Victoria net.

The opening period saw the Express get three chances on the powerplay. Things would quickly be evened up in the second period as the Grizzlies got three powerplays of their own in the first 7 minutes of the period. The man advantages allowed the Grizzlies to test Krogfoss who really settled into the game in the second period.

15 minutes into the second period Brendan Lamont was awarded a penalty shot when he was slashed cutting to the net on a chance. On the free pass Lamont initially took his time then sped up crossing up Grizzlies netminder Michael Stiliadis and Lamont slid a backhand through the five hole for his second of the game and a 2-0 Express lead.

Victoria finally broke through in the final minute as Brett Gruber scored a powerplay goal in finishing off a two on one. The Grizzlies fired 19 shots on Krogfoss in the middle frame thanks in large part to nearly 10 minutes of powerplay time in the period.

Gruber added his second of the night again on the powerplay in the third period to erase a two goal Express lead.

Fast forward to the second overtime that had some memorable moments.

On a offensive zone faceoff Corey Mackin and Brett Supinski teamed up to go straight ahead on the draw then had a quick give and go 2 on 0 chance in front of the net and left everyone in disbelief when Supinski coudn't bury the chance on an open net.

At the other end Krogfoss put the final touches on a great 46 save performance with game saving stops off Kevin Massy and Cole Pickup in the final 90 seconds of the second over time.

Following the Pickup chance, there was an faceoff deep in the Express zone with 7 seconds left on the clock. The Express lined up defenceman Daniel Fritz to take the faceoff and on the drop of the puck he quickly fired the puck forward setting up a two on one with Mackin and Supinski with time left on the clock for a chance. And Supinski scored with less than a second remaining in the game burying a Corey Mackin rebound for the 3-2 Express victory.

It was overtime dramatics that had the feel of a playoff type victory.

There's one final game for the Express before the Christmas break Saturday night vs. the Prince George Spruce Kings.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

Getting caught up on a few video highlight packs.

Dec. 3 vs. Surrey

Dec. 7 vs. Merritt.



Highlights courtesy of Jorge Parra and Underdog Productions.

CENTS TAKE GOAL FEST WITH EXPRESS

Merritt Saturday night dropped a 8-7 goal fest in overtime in Victoria. Sunday they were in another goal fest this time knocking off the Express 8-5 Sunday.

Michael Ederer and Gavin Gould each scored a pair of goals for the Cents to help pace their attack. Jivan Sidhu and Corey Mackin each struck twice for the Express in the losing effort.

Merritt showed little signs of coming off back to back games on the Island right from the start of the game. They had the jump on the Express early and were setting the pace.

Merritt sent a message to the Express early that they were serious about keeping a close eye on BCHL scoring leader Corey Mackin as he was levelled three mintues into the game by Josh Teves. There was nothing wrong with the hit, but it showed that the opposition knew who to focus on when facing the Express and make him earn any free ice he was going to get. Mackin bounced back from the hit, he didn't miss a shift. But that hit shifted the Express focus who spent more time early in the first period trying to get retribution for the hit rather than playing the game.

That lack of focus led to the game's first powerplay and Merritt quickly took advantage as Ederer scored his first of the afternoon just 7 seconds into the powerplay. That goal would be the only strike of the first period as the Express were only able to muster 5 shots in the first period.

Merritt carried over their strong start into the opening minutes of the second period buzzing in the Express end. Gavin Gould scored his first of two on the day for a 2-0 Cents lead.

That goal woke the Express up who began to turn the tide. Jivan Sidhu got Coquitlam on the board as he blasted home a slap shot off the post and in 48 seconds after Gould's goal.

Following that goal the Express had their best run of play Sunday. Building momentum and getting chances in the Cents zone. Corey Mackin found himself free of some pretty tight Merritt checking and snapped home a quick pass from former Centennial Brendan Lamont to even the score at two.

Another story from Sunday was Merritt's ability to have a good response following Express goals.

Jake Clifford and Colin Grannary scored 2:14 apart before the second period was done to give Merritt a 4-2 lead after 40.

Mackin pulled the Express back within one in the opening minute of the third period as he again snapped home a quick Lamont pass for a powerplay goal and the 30th of the season for the BCHL scoring leader.

Again Merritt responded as Ederer scored his second of the game for a 5-3 lead and the goals started really coming fast and furious in the third period.

Noah Turanski diving at a loose puck poked home his 2nd of the season and first since the second game of the season to cut the lead back to one at 5-4 with just over 13 minutes to go.

As much as the Express tried to make it a game, this was Merritt's contest. They put the game away with goals 23 seconds apart by Gavin Gould and John Schiavo for a 3 goal Merritt advantage. Those two goals essentially were the final blows to finish the Express off before the two teams finished the game by trading goals one last time off the sticks of Jivan Sidhu for his second of the game and Cole Chorney to round out the scoring.

It was the second straight game the Express played without forwards Joey Santucci, Colton Kerfoot and Cam Bertsch and their absence looked more prominent Sunday than it did in Wednesday's game vs. Surrey.

Next up for the Express are a pair of road games Friday in Chilliwack and Saturday in West Kelowna

BACK TO BACK WINS

The Express posted their second consecutive win by knocking off the Surrey Eagles by a 5-3 score Wednesday night.

The win was the fourth straight win for the Express over their mainland division foes.

Coming off a 13 point weekend in Prince George, the top line of Corey Mackin, Brett Supinski and Brendan Lamont were at it again Wednesday.

That trio teamed up for the games opening goal as Lamont dropped it for Mackin who found Supinski going to the net and he tapped the feed into the net for his first of two on the night get the Express rolling.

With the difficult season Surrey has had, they certainly deserve credit for their ability to battle. They gave the Express a solid test right to the very end tonight.

Latrell Charleson evened the score at one as he took a pass from Joe Drapluk and a shot was wired over the shoulder of Chris Tai.

The end of the first period had a wild finish to it. Corey Mackin scored his 5th shorthanded goal of the season to give the Express a 2-1 lead at 19:39. That goal was the BCHL scoring leader's 100th career point in the BCHL. But just as quickly as the Express took the lead Surrey tied it on Joe Drapluk's powerplay goal 10 seconds later to see the score even at two after 20 minutes.

Drapluk was Surrey's most dangerous player Wednesday. He capped off a two goal and one assist performance by scoring his second of the night three minutes into the second period on a two on one down low in the Express zone.

Brett Supinski pulled the Express even five minutes later as he beat Daniel Davidson with a wrist shot over the blocker on the powerplay at 8:36.

Chris Tai turned aside 28 of 31 Surrey shots for his 8th win of the season. His best save came at a key time late in the second period as he came to his right to deny a Darius Davidson one timer. That save proved to be key as the middle period came to an end.

Moments later Owen Stout showed good poise and patience carrying the puck in the Surrey zone and finding Jackson Cressey who showed good poise and patience of his own to out wait Daniel Davidson to slide home his 7th of the season to give the Express a 4-3 lead going to the third period. The line of Stout, Cressey and Daniell Lange really got a boost following that goal creating good energy and chances for the Express in the final period.

It was the secondary scoring that carried the Express over the top and get the win after the big guns had done their thing.

Michael Merulla gave the Express some insurance by scoring his first BCHL goal with just over 6 minutes remaining. Merulla is starting to find his offensive touch in the BCHL with his first goal after picking up three helpers last weekend in Prince George.

The win for the Express handed Surrey their 16th consecutive loss. The Express return to action Sunday afternoon when they host the Merritt Centennials.

DOGS HAND EXPRESS SECOND STRAIGHT LOSS

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs extended their winning streak to four games and completed a sweep of a very tough Mainland division road trip with a 4-1 win over the Express Sunday. The loss for the Express was their second in a row after falling 2-1 Saturday in Chilliwack.

If Alberni Valley was fatigued following games Friday in Prince George then playing in Surrey Saturday it didn't show at the start as they got the early jump on the Express. The visitors opened the scoring late in the opening frame when the puck got poked past Corey Mackin working the point on the power play and Dylan Haugen scored on a shorthanded breakaway goal.

Chris Tai may have been on the losing end for the Express, but it wasn't from the lack of a very solid game. His quickness with his legs and agility on the 37 shots he faced resulted in another solid game in the crease to keep his team within striking distance all night. Similar to the effort he put forth the night before.

If there's one theme that stands out from the last two outings from the Express has been the lack of quality scoring chances and setting the tempo. Most notably where that stands out were the inability for the Express to hit double digits in shots in a period in their last two games with the exception of the third period Sunday.

Two minutes into the second the Bulldogs extended their lead when Josh Adkins was able to find a loose puck and jam it under Tai at 2:21.

Shortly thereafter the Express were able to break through for their lone goal as Corey Mackin was able to find some free ice and get behind the Bulldogs defense to score his 25th of the season. But it has been a bit of tough go for the Express top line recently as their time and space has been harder to find with tighter checking from their opposition.

Chris Schultz's power play goal at 15:56 restored Alberni Valley's two goal lead on a bomb of a one timer that Chris Tai had little chance of keeping out.

The Express best chance to get back in the game came late in the second period with a 5 on 3 advantage for 1:15 but nothing came out of it as the Express went 0 for 6 while up a man.

Billy Christopoulos wasn't overly busy Sunday finishing with 24 saves. Possibly his best save came off Brett Supinski midway through the second as Christopoulos got his left pad down on a scramble in front.

Justin Merreck put the game on ice for good with an empty netter in the final seconds. Then before the teams could line up for the face-off Brendan Gulka has his emotions get the best of him as he had words for the Bulldogs bench and the Express forward needed to be restrained by an official as he was led off the ice.

Next weekend the Express hit the road for a pair of games in Prince George.

EXPRESS VICTORIOUS IN 1ST OF HOME AND HOME WITH CHIEFS

Express take a page out of the Toronto Maple Leafs book and salute the fans... Oh wait a moment the Leafs don't do that.

Coquitlam picked up their first win in four tries vs. the Chilliwack Chiefs with a 3-1 decision on home ice Friday.

It was the blue line on back that led the charge for the Express Friday with a pair of goals from defencemen and a solid effort from goaltender Chris Tai.

Rookie blueliner Cole Bevan got things started for the Express when he found himself with the puck on his stick in the slot on a pass from Colton Kerfoot and Bevan scored his first BCHL goal to finish off an odd man rush after Tipper Higgins for Chilliwack couldn't convert a 2 on 1 at the other end.

Chris Tai turned aside 33 of 34 Chiefs shots for his 6th win with the Express. His best save may have come in the opening seconds of the second period when he came to his left to deny Higgins who was set up by Craig Puffer.

Daniel Fritz added to the Express attack from the blue line scoring a power play goal with a slap shot of a rolling puck that beat Aiden Pelino at 3:18. Four of Fritz's six goals this season have come on the power play.

Midway through the second period penalties to Cole Bevan and Anthony Gardner 12 seconds apart gave Chilliwack a key must score 5 on 3 advantage. And they did exactly that as Ryan Bowen showed good patience after receiving a pass then making sure to bury it over a sprawled out Chris Tai for Bowen's fourth goal of the season. That would be the only puck to beat Tai in the second period who turned aside the other 11 shots sent his way in the second period.

Cody Boyd's value to the Express as i've said numerous times isn't always measured in points on the scoresheet despite what his recent offensive production will tell you. It's his physical play, and that was very much on display Friday night. He played like a truck with a driver consumed by road rage. And he was taking his anger out on Chilliwack players. A number of guys were on the receiving end of big, body jolting, board rattling hits that left players worse for wear following the hit.

The third period most notably is where the Express penalty killing helped the team earn the two points. They were able to kill off three Chilliwack power plays in the final 12 minutes of the game to keep the Express ahead by a goal until Corey Mackin put the game away with his third shorthanded goal of the season into an empty net with just over two minutes to play. The Express killed off 5 of 6 Chilliwack power plays Friday.

But the story of the game wasn't done there until Chris Tai made a number of other great saves to put the final touches on the Express victory.

The two teams will go at it again Saturday night in Chilliwack.

EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

November 7 vs. Surrey.



November 9 vs. Chilliwack.



Highlights courtesy of Jorge Parra and Underdog Productions.

EXPRESS STREAK SNAPPED AT 5

Chilliwack survived a scare of blowing a 4-0 lead but in the end prevailed 5-4 in double overtime over the Express snapping their winning streak at 5.

It was an interesting game to say the least with the comeback and the shorthanded goals.

More on those in a moment.

It started with a bang as Jordan Kawaguchi with little resistance was able to dance past the Express defense and score just 44 seconds in to get the visitors off on the right foot.

The remainder of the period was fairly even with Chilliwack holding a 11-9 edge in shots.

Then things got interesting for sure.

Chilliwack was on the receiving end of penalty calls, but they were able to do something I've never seen anywhere.

They scored three straight shorthanded goals on three straight shorthanded situations. Jake Hand on a wrist shot from the left wing followed by Ryan Bowen on a breakaway and Jordan Kawaguchi's second of the game on a two on none scored shorthanded markers in a span of 5:38 to open up a 4-0 Chiefs lead.

One shorthanded goal in a game is tough enough to stomach let alone three in row.

If you're looking for signs how this Express team has grown in recent weeks it's how they responded to it.

Cody Boyd and Jackson Cressey scored to cut the lead in half.

Late in the second period a shot by Brendan Lamont may have either hit the post, or the red metal in the back of the net and the puck came out. The red light came on, but after minimal argument from the Express they play wasn't discussed further and the Express went to the room down two.

Coquitlam did outshoot Chilliwack 16-10 in the second period. Then they raised their game even further in the third looking for the equalizer.

BCHL player of the week Corey Mackin added to his BCHL lead with his 23rd goal and 40th point for a power play marker midway through the frame to cut the lead to one.

Due to injuries up front the Express dressed 7 defenceman giving Nic Coltura a chance to draw back in the lineup. And he certainly earned all the ice time he got. He had a very strong outing for the Express in both ends of the rink. He quickly fired up a pass to Joey Santucci who had a wide open lane to the net catching Chilliwack on a bad change and the captain scored on a backhand to tie the score at 4.

After an uneventful first overtime, the second stanza saw the game decided on a two on one for the Chiefs with Kurt Black finishing off the pass from Jake Larson for the game winner.

The power plays were pretty one sided in the Express favour with the Express finishing 2 for 9 while the Chiefs only had two powerplays and couldn't convert.

Coquitlam now hits the road for games this weekend in Trail and Salmon Arm.

EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights from the Express 5-4 win over Salmon Arm.



Highlights courtesy of Jorge Parra and Underdog Productions.

MACKIN PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Coquitlam Express forward Cory Mackin has been named the BCHL Player of the Week for the week ending Nov. 9, the league announced Monday. Mackin racked up six goals, including his third hat trick of the season, and four assists and led the Express to three wins. The Philadelphia native opened with two goals and a helper n a 5-4 win over Salmon Arm, upped the ante to a hat trick in a 6-3 victory over Surrey and concluded with goal and three helpers in a 10-5 triumph against Surrey. The 5-foot-9, 165-pound Ferris State University recruit was named 2nd Star in each contest and took over the BCHL scoring lead with his offensive flurry. Honorable mentions this week: Coquitlam Express F Brendan Lamont: 5G, 2A, 1st Star, hat trick Cowichan Valley Capitals D Rylan Bechtel: 1G, 2A, 3rd Star Vernon Vipers F Anthony Latina: 3G, 1A, 1st Star, GWG Langley Rivermen G Bo Didur: 2W, 1st Star, 2nd Star West Kelowna Warriors F Brayden Gelsinger: 3G, 3A, 1st Star, GWG  

EXPRESS ALUMS ON HTH

Express alumni Kyle Turris and Patrick Wiercioch from the days when the franchise was in Burnaby were featured Sunday on hometown hockey.

Click on the link to see the feature.

LAMONT'S HAT-TRICK PACE'S 5TH STRAIGHT WIN FOR EXPRESS

Brendan Lamont's (left) hat-trick led the charge in 10-5 win over Surrey. Photo courtesy of Damon James.

Brendan Lamont had a hat-trick to lead the goal scoring parade as the Express scored a season high 10 goals in a 10-5 win over the Surrey Eagles. Click here for box score

The win was the 5th straight for the Express who also completed a sweep of the Surrey Eagles in a home and home set in the process.

Coquitlam made sure to leave Surrey in their dust early in the first period scoring 5 times. Daniel Lange scored his first of two on the night to get things rolling by the Express. Surrey quickly tied it but then the Express began to pull away.

Corey Mackin tallied his BCHL leading 22nd goal of the season shorthanded for his second shorthanded goal of the week. That was followed up 4 minutes later by a goal from Joey Santucci as he banged home the rebound off the end boards from a shot by Jackson Cressey.

Joseph Drapluk scored his first of two on the night for Surrey at 17:57 burying a feed from behind the net.

But before the period was done the Express really dealt the Eagles a blow on Lamont's first of the night that was followed 12 seconds later on Austin Anselmo's first BCHL goal. Those last two goals brought an end to the night for Eagles goaltender Daniel Davidson who allowed 5 goals in 13 Express shots.

John Wesley cut the Express lead back down to 2 at 5-3 just over three minutes into the second period. But at this point going forward all Eagle goals were just putting a slight dent in a game that belonged to the Express.

Brett Supinski's 16th of the season quickly re-stored the Express three goal lead at 6-3. That was followed by Lamont's nicest goal of the night as he deflected a rocket of a point shot by Daniel Fritz on the power play.

Lamont then completed his hat-trick less than five minutes into the third period. The final period finished with goals by Joseph Drapluk getting his second of the night for Surrey. Then Daniel Lange getting his second of the night followed by Cody Boyd scoring the third power play goal for the Express on the night to hit double digits.

Coquitlam finished the game with 50 shots for the second straight visit to the South Surrey Arena.

Ten players found the scoresheet for the Express with 7 players registering at least three points. Corey Mackin, Joey Santucci and Brett Supinski all had 1 goal and 3 assists for 4 point nights.

Chris Tai turned aside 21 of 25 shots to improve his record to 5-1.

Wednesday the Express host the Chilliwack Chiefs then will head to Trail and Salmon Arm next weekend.

EXPRESS WIN 4TH STRAIGHT

First and foremost on behalf of everyone in the Express organization we all hope Ty Westgard is ok and wish his family the best after a scary incident to Ty's leg in the opening five minutes of the second period. I would prefer not to speculate on what the exact nature of his injury is. And thank you to the personnel in the building who attended to him before paramedics arrived to take him to the hospital.

Now on to the game which clearly is secondary.

Photo courtesy of Damon James.

The Express extended their winning streak to 4 straight games with a 6-3 win over the Surrey Eagles. Click here for boxscore 

Corey Mackin added to his BCHL lead in the goal scoring race with his third hat-trick of the season to pace the attack. Mackin now has 21 goals on the season. His three points also puts him in a tie with West Kelowna's Liam Blackburn for the lead in the BCHL scoring race with 35 points.

It was a back and forth game in the first two periods. Darius Davidson for Surrey and Corey Mackin traded goals in the first period.

Then in the second period it was John Wesley giving Surrey their second lead of the game at 2-1 shortly after the resumption of play following Ty Westgard's injury. Mackin then added his second of the game beating Daniel Davidson with a wrist shot from the left wing.

Brendan Lamont gave the Express their first lead of the night 19 seconds into the third period as he was hooked on a partial break then was able to poke the puck home for his 5th of the season.

Friday's game was the Express debut for Brendan Gulka who was acquired earlier in the day from the Cowichan Valley Capitals. He left his mark on the contest shortly after Lamont's goal by scoring his first Express marker banging home the rebound of a Joey Santucci shot from the boards.

AP Jordan Funk made things interesting scoring with 3:07 remaining.

But the Express were able to put the game to bed on empty net goals by Corey Mackin to complete the hat-trick and Cody Boyd to round out the scoring.

The two teams will meet again Saturday night at the South Surrey Arena.

EXPRESS ACQUIRE GULKA

Forward Brendan Gulka acquired by the Express Friday from Cowichan Valley. 

The Coquitlam Express have acquired 20 year old forward Brendan Gulka (94) from the Cowichan Valley Capitals in exchange for future considerations.

The 6'1, 210lb Langley native gives the Express a little more of a sand paper element to the forward group with some scoring touch. He has 46 games of BCHL experience mostly with the Langley Rivermen scoring 6 goals and 12 points and 55 PIM's. This season he has 4 goals and 6 points in 11 games. Langley did trade Brendan to Cowichan Valley earlier this season but he never reported.

Gulka is one of those players that you want to have on your team and is not fun to play against as an opponent. He should be more than a little familiar with his new teammates in his battles with the Express in recent meetings in the last 12 months.

Head Coach and GM Barry Wolff expects Brendan to make his Express debut Friday when the Express open a home and home with Surrey in Coquitlam.

CHRIS SPEC 'TAI' CULAR IN EXPRESS WIN

The Coquitlam Express extended their winning streak to three games thanks to a fantastic performance by Chris Tai and a pair of goals from both Corey Mackin and Joey Santucci in a 5-4 win over Salmon Arm. Click here for box score

Tai made 41 saves in the Express crease including 21 in the second period alone to post his third win with the Express. Things didn't start well for Tai and his teammates however.

Salmon Arm jumped on the Express in the opening 10 minutes and were rewarded for it. Karl El-Mir and Josh Blanchard scored 1:02 apart to open up a 2-0 Silverbacks lead midway through the first period. At one point the shots were 9-1 in favor of Salmon Arm.

Brendan Lamont got one back for the Express late in the opening frame after he buried the rebound of a Corey Mackin shot at 16:10 of the first period.

Joey Santucci evened things up for the Express with a power play goal for his fourth of the season with a slap shot that got past the glove of Zach Dyment.

Then the BCHL's goal scoring leader went to work. Corey Mackin scored his first of two on the night on a shorthanded breakaway to give the Express their first lead. It was also the first shorthanded goal for the Express this season.

Mackin then added a goal that will be shown on highlights everywhere. He took the puck in the neutral zone and with time to process what he was going to do, he went to his patented spin-a-rama move from the right wing cutting to the net and roofing a water bottle popping backhand past Dyment for a 4-2 Express lead.



Mackin now leads the BCHL with 18 goals. He also had an assist for a three point night.

Late in the second period came a key sequence in determining the outcome tonight.

The Express ran into penalty trouble with Cody Boyd heading off for unsportsmanlike conduct, Brendan Lamont being sent off for a minor for high sticking which was quickly followed by a double minor high sticking penalty to captain Joey Santucci.

The result was an extended 5 on 3 advantage and a double minor Salmon Arm powerplay that carried over into the third period.

But this is when Chris Tai cemented his first star honors in this game. He was spectacular in the second period. Most notably on the Silverback power play which helped preserve the two goal lead through 40 minutes.

Then in the third the Express were able to kill off the remaining 2:44 of the Santucci penalty to open the frame and hold on to their two goal lead.

This game was destined to have drama going right to the end. Logan Mick cut the Express lead to 4-3 midway through the third period.

Joey Santucci then added his second of the game less than two minutes later when his shot handcuffed Angus Redmond who swatted the rebound of the shot out of the air with his stick and just across the goal line before the net was knocked off. Referee Brett Iverson deserves credit for being in good position to make the call.

Salmon Arm again made it a one goal game as Ross Hedit scored deflecting Phill Middleton's point shot making the finish a nerve racking one.

Santucci is credited with the game winning goal tonight. But he also had to sit and watch his teammates cap off a great night on the penalty kill when he was called for goaltender interference with just under three minutes remaining.

The Express held off Salmon Arm's final push to preserve the victory tonight. The Silverbacks did go 1 for 8 on the power play. But the Express penalty killers deserves plenty of kudos for their efforts to kill off the final 7 Silverback man advantages Wednesday night.

Coquitlam will take their three game win streak and look to build on it with a home and home with Surrey starting Friday night in Coquitlam.

BOYD TO CANISIUS

Photo courtesy of Garrett James Photography.

Coquitlam Express forward Cody Boyd has committed to Canisius University for the 2015-16 season. 

The Johnstown Pennsylvania native is in his second season with the Express. 

During his first season with the Express Boyd committed to Army for this season but had a change of heart and returned to the Express for his 20 year old season. 

In his first season with the Express he 4 goals and 18 points in 54 games. Then in the playoffs he raised his game another level using his tools at 6'3 195lbs to be a physical force during the Express run to their 2nd BCHL championship while chipping in with 3 goals and 9 points in 16 BCHL playoff games. He also added 1 goal in 5 games at the Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup in Dauphin Manitoba.

Boyd would like to thank Coach Barry Wolff, the whole Express organization and his family for all their help in giving him a chance to play Division One College Hockey in the NCAA.

Coach Wolff on Boyd’s commitment: "We are extremely proud of Cody on his commitment and his achievement, his passion and determination for the game are second to none.
He will be a great addition for the Golden Griffins and wish both success!!" 

Canisius Golden Griffins play in Atlantic Hockey Conference and is located in Buffalo New York 

This season he has 1 goal 4 assists in 18 games. Boyd's value can't truly be measured in goals and points. It's the physical element he brings to the rink each night. It's that element of the game he feels is the true measuring stick of how he helps his teammates each night. 

Congratulations Cody. 

BEST OF OCTOBER FOR EXPRESS

Here's the best of from the Express home games in October courtesy of Jorge Parra and Underdog Productions.

EXPRESS SWEEP HOME AND HOME WITH RIVERMEN

The Coquitlam Express have their first winning streak of the season after taking both games of a home and home with the Langley Rivermen. The Express followed up their 7-5 win Friday with a great road performance winning 4-2 at the Langley Events Centre Saturday. Click here for boxscore

The visitors had to weather a bit of an early storm as Langley opened up a 5-0 advantage in shots but couldn't beat Chris Tai who earned his second Express win.

Saturday the Express did something they haven't done a lot of this season and that is score first. Jivan Sidhu on the power play scored his second of the season as he pinched in from the point and snapped home Cody Boyd's backdoor pass for a 1-0 Express lead.

That was followed up 2:30 later on Corey Mackin's now BCHL leading 16th goal of the season for a 2-0 Express lead. Those goals gave the Express plenty of jump that carried them through the majority of the game.

Bo Didur took the loss for Langley, but he was a big reason why this game wasn't more lopsided in the Express favor all night long. His best save came off Corey Mackin as he was set up by Brendan Lamont but Didur came to his left for a fantastic save.

In the second the Express added to their lead early as Brett Supinski showed some pretty slick mitts to dangle to the Langley net and slide home his 15th goal of the season at 1:43. Didur's fine work showed up again in the second period with a number of big stops of Jackson Cressey on two occasions in the second period and a Corey Mackin shorthanded breakaway.

Gage Torrell got Langley on the board with some slick hands of his own as he knocked down Jacob Kearley's point shot and was able to slide the puck into an open net past Chris Tai.

Matthew Graham suddenly cut the Express lead down to one midway through the third period as his wrist shot from the right wing handcuffed Chris Tai and the shot went off Tai's glove and in for a 3-2 game. But that would be the lone blemish for Tai Saturday. He didn't have to be a story in this game as his team played so well in front of him. Tai only needed to turn aside 22 of 24 shots for his second Express win. In a season with so many games where goaltending has been an issue. It's certainly nice for the Express where their play in front of their goaltender puts the work between the pipes on the back burner.

Jackson Cressey may have played his best game in the BCHL Saturday. He had two grade A scoring chances in the game but couldn't convert. He also had a hand in a few others. He was finally rewarded for his play in the final minute of the game as Joey Santucci set him up for an empty net goal to ice the win for the Express.

The Express will look to extend their winning streak to 3 games when they host their expansion cousins the Salmon Arm Siverbacks Wednesday night.

RIVERMEN @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Here's the highlights of the Express 7-5 win over Langley Friday night.

Highlights courtesy of Jorge Parra and Underdog Productions.

EXPRESS WIN SHOOTOUT WITH RIVERMEN

1st star Corey Mackin had his 2nd hat-trick of the season vs. Langley plus 2 assists. Photo Courtesy of Damon James.

The seesaw got a work out Friday as the Express and Rivermen went back and forth all night with the Express prevailing 7-5 for their 4th win of the season. Click here for boxscore

The top line of Corey Mackin, Brent Supinski and Brendan Lamont paced the Express attack combining for 12 points with Mackin leading the way with his second hat-trick of the season vs. Langley and 5 points.

The seesaw was tested less than 4 minutes into the game with Marcus Vela opening the scoring at 3:15. But 35 seconds later it was tied at one on Mackin's first of the night.

Chris Tai posted his first Express victory by turning aside 42 of 47 Langley shots sent his way. His best work came in the first period when 21 pucks were sent his direction.

Kevan Killistoff re-stored Langley's power play beating Tai with a wrist shot at 16;16. 

The final two periods really saw the teams test the durability of the proverbial seesaw tonight.

The opening minute of the second period saw the Express tie the game on Brett Supinski's first of two on the night.

40 seconds later Langley took their second lead of Colton Kehler's first goal as a member of the Rivermen.

Brett Supinski scored the prettiest goal of the night with his second of the evening. The puck found Mackin in the slot who quickly chopped it over to Supinski who danced past a Langley defender then cut to the goal and put it past the outstretched leg of Langley goaltender Darren Martin.

Late in the second period the Express took their first lead on Cody Boyd's first goal of the season. He poked home the loose puck in the crease after Colton Kerfoot dropped the puck back for Jackson Cressey who wired a shot off the cross bar from the slot.

The third period saw the teams really see what the seesaw was made of with 5 goals.

Langley tied it at 4 on their second power play goal of the night off the stick of Matthew Graham. 2:12 later the Express went ahead again on Daniel Fritz's 5th of the season when he wired a shot home off the cross bar.

That was followed 24 seconds later on Kevan Killistoff's second of the night to even things again at 5.

1:45 after Killistoff's goal the Express went ahead again as Supinski and Mackin with a few quick passes to set up Corey Mackin for his second of the game.

The Express could finally exhale with over a minute remaining in the third period when Corey Mackin completed his hat-trick by hitting the empty net after stealing the puck at the Rivermen blue line.

Mackin's line mates saw Brett Supinski score two goals and an assist. Brendan Lamont was in a giving mood with 4 helpers.

The teams will have a re-match Saturday night at the Langley Events Centre.

SPRUCE KINGS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Here's the highlights of Prince George's 3-2 win over the Express Wednesday.



Highlights courtesy of Jorge Parra and Underdog Productions.

SPRUCE KINGS EDGE EXPRESS

Prince George opened up a 3-0 Click here for box score second period lead and wound up holding on for a 3-2 win over the Express Wednesday night.

Colton Kerfoot scored both goals for the Express in the losing cause.

The first period saw Prince George jump on the Express testing Chris Tai with the first 8 shots of the game. Jake Lebrun broke the ice when he snapped home a pass from Jeremiah Luedtke at the bottom of the right circle. Click here for box score

Prince George expanded their lead on the second period when Justin Rai beat Chris Tai with a wrist shot to the stick side from the left wing. Five minutes later Chad Staley gave the Spruce Kings a 3-0 lead converting a great back pass from behind the net by Luedtke.

Looking for a spark it came from rookie Colton Kerfoot. He struck for a pair of goals in the final six minutes of the second period to cut the lead down to one heading to the third period. Kerfoot's first goal came off the deflection of a Cole Bevan point shot. His second saw him alone at the side of the net where he snapped home a pass from Brett Supinski.

Three Express penalties cut into the time the Express could have used to attempt a comeback in the third period. The Express penalty killers did a good job to kill off the penalties to keep the Express only down a goal.

The final shots saw Prince George outshoot the Express 32-21. Spruce Kings goaltender Jesse Jenks just needed to be steady in the Spruce Kings crease en route to posting the win. Chris Tai also looked solid in his first Express start with 29 saves.

Both teams take on Langley next with Prince George visiting the LEC Thursday and the Rivermen coming to Coquitlam for the first of a home and home Friday.

KERFOOT TO HARVARD PART 2.

 As we learned over the weekend Colton Kerfoot has committed to Harvard University for the fall of 2016. Below is the official release from the Express.

The Coquitlam Express of the BCHL are proud to announce that Express Forward Colton Kerfoot has committed to the Harvard Crimson Hockey Team for 2016.

Kerfoot who joined the Express in their playoff run last season, after his season with the Vancouver Giants major midget team,  has started this year with a solid start posting 4 goals and 3 assists in 15 games.

Kerfoot says he is excited for the opportunity for the academics that Harvard offers and a chance to play NCAA division one hockey.

Head Coach and General Manager Barry Wolff,  we are extremely excited and Proud of Colton.

To attend Harvard is a huge achievement for any one, Harvard is getting  is a hard working, skilled first class hockey player.

Colton will play with older brother Alexander during his senior season. Alexander is also is an Express alum playing two seasons with the Express from 2011 to 2013. Alexander was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the 5th round in 2012.

RIVERMEN FLOOD EXPRESS EARLY AND OFTEN

The Langley Rivermen put five goals on the board in the first period on Brayden Krogfoss en route to a 6-1 win over the Express.

The goals came early and often in the first period for Langley. Evan Anderson got things started by scoring on the first shot of the game with a wrister from the left circle that beat Krogfoss over the glove at 1:29.

Rookie Justin Szeto scored his second of the season for a 2-0 Langley lead letting a shot fly from the slot at 6:14.

Poor defensive breakdowns and Langley players being left to their lonesome was a consistent theme of the first period.

27 seconds after Szeto's goal Kevan Killistoff found himself all alone in the circle and took a pass out from behind the net and snapped it through the legs of Krogfoss.

Killistoff added his second of the period at 17:42 on the power play as a quick pass from the slot to the goal line to Ben Butcher who slid it to the Langley captain who had a tap in from the goal crease for a 4-0 Langley lead.

I'm sure frustrated by the start to the period for Brayden Krogfoss had an impact on the 5th Langley goal as Zac Masson scored from well out on a wrist shot for a 5-0 lead with just over a minute remaining.

Newcomer Chris Tai wasn't expected to play for the Express this weekend but he was thrust into action for the start of the second period following the 5 goal on 11 shot first period for the Rivermen.

There wasn't much to report from the final 40 minutes of the game that had much of an impact on the final score.

Tai was solid in his 40 minutes of action turning aside 20 of the 21 shots sent his way. The only goal to beat him was a slap shot by newly re-acquired Charlie Pelnik who pinched in from the point and hammered the puck home for a 6-0 lead on the only goal of the second period.

Brett Supinski broke Bo Didur's shutout bid in the third period with a a power play goal.

Other than that, it was a pretty routine night for the Langley net minder who wasn't overly tested turning aside 32 of 33 shots for his fourth win of the season.

Up next for the Express is a Wednesday night home game vs. Prince George.

KERFOOT TO HARVARD

Forward Colton Kerfoot has committed to Harvard University for the fall of 2016.

He will join his older brother Alexander who will be a senior at the prestigious Ivy League school when the younger Kerfoot begins his college career.

So far in his first full season in the BCHL Colton has 4 goals and 3 assists for 7 points in 15 games.

Congratulations Colton.

EXPRESS DOMINANT IN 3RD WIN OF THE SEASON

It was far and away their most complete and dominant game of the season in a season to date that hasn't had too many.

The Express picked up their third win of the season winning 5-2 in Surrey Friday night.

It started right from the drop of the puck and pretty much carried through most of the night. The Express were fast, forcing turnovers and making Surrey play with their heads on a swivel.

Great forechecking pressure resulted in Eagle turnovers deep in their own zone which quickly turned into Express scoring chances.

Corey Mackin scored twice for the Express with both goals coming in the first period. His first goal coming at 7:34 after some quick passes and a tap in past Christian Short.

Mackin's second of the night came at 15:20 as he banged home the rebound of Daniel Fritz point shot.

In a period that saw nearly everything go right for the Express including outshooting Surrey 18-2 in the period, the only downside was losing Jackson Cressey in the period after he was high sticked which didn't result in a power play. Cressey didn't return to the game.

The second period was much like the first, all Express.

Jivan Sidhu scored his first Express goal on a point shot that deflected off a Surrey player past Chrisitian Short for a 3-0 lead at 5:34.

Brett Supinski scored his 11th of the season from the slot for a 4 goal Express advantage at 13:59.

It was at that point you began to wonder if a second puck was needed on the ice for the Eagles to play with because the Express owned the one that was in play. The shots at one point were 34-4 in favor of the Express. And keep in mind this game was played in Surrey so it was the Eagles game day staff that was keeping track of shots on goal.

Brayden Krogfoss... Oh yes him. He was an after thought for most of the first 35 minutes of the game. He finally started to get a little work for the Express late in the second period.

Darius Davidson got Surrey on the board with the man advantage scoring from the side of the net past a sprawled out Krogfoss who had no chance on the play.

Then in the final minute of the second period Joe Drapluk sprinted into the Express zone and beat Krogfoss to make it a 4-2 game heading into the final twenty.

The goal gave Surrey a little life going into the third period but they were never really able to build on it.

Joey Santucci capped off a 50-16 shot advantage on the night for the Express by scoring an empty net goal in the final minute to put the game to bed.

The Express travel to the Langley Events Saturday for the second meeting of the season with the Langley Rivermen.

NOTES:

Newly acquired Chris Tai backed up Krogfoss Friday.

The Express have also added (96) Defenceman Cole Bevan who has 19 games WHL experience mostly with Swift Current and Saskatoon. He made his Express debut Friday. 

CHIEFS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Here's the highlights of Friday's 5-3 Chilliwack win over the Express.



Highlights courtesy of Jorge Parra and Underdog Productions.

EXPESS ADD GOALTENDER TAI

Christopher Tai battles Fort McMurray during last year's AJHL playoffs.

It's no surprise with the start the Express have had that changes were coming to a team with a record of 2-9-0-2 riding a six game losing streak and having allowed the most goals of any team in the BCHL with 62 in the process.

The first change came with the addition of Jivan Sidhu earlier this season. Then a few more have come with the addition of 20 year old defenceman Dustin Cave from Sherwood Park (AJHL) for future considerations over the weekend. That move giving the Express their first blue liner that has the year (94) on his birth certificate.

Now the Express have acquired goaltender Christopher Tai (95) from the Lloydminster Bobcats of the AJHL in exchange for future considerations.

The soon to be 19 year old Delta native has split time with the WHL and AJHL. He has a 5-6 record in the WHL with Medicine Hat, Brandon and Lethbridge and posted a 4.54 GAA and .867 save percentage. Most recently his WHL rights belonged to Kelowna.

Last season in Lloydminster he posted a 4-3 record in 7 games with a 2.24 GAA and .911 save percentage with one shutout. He had a nice run in the playoffs last year positing a 6-4 mark in 10 games with a 2.29 GAA and .919 save percentage with 2 shutouts.

If you want to see some of Christopher Tai's work last year Click here to be taken to the Fort McMurray Oil Barons (AJHL) Youtube page and look for game highlights between Fort McMurray and Lloydminster in last years playoffs.

Welcome to the Express Christopher.

EXPRESS DROP OT HEART BREAKER IN SURREY

Chase McMurphy's deflection goal in overtime handed the Express a heart breaking 4-3 set back to the Surrey Eagles. In a game the Express played well enough to win they still ended up being on the wrong side of the final score and the team has now lost six straight contests picking up just one point in those six games with the loss in the extra session Sunday.

This weekend the Express saw themselves fall behind in the first period in each of their three games. Darius Davidson put the Express in an early hole just over two minutes when he beat Pierce Dushenko with a wrist shot from the right wing that beat him past the blocker.

Late in the opening frame the Express got a lift from killing off a 5 on 3 Eagles power play that lasted 1:25. Dushenko came up with one of his best saves of the season to keep the Express down a goal as he reached back and swatted a puck away that was headed for the net.

Then in the final minute the Express evened things up on the fourth goal of the season by Daniel Fritz who scored on a wrist shot that rang off the post and in past Eagles goaltender Christian Short.

Ben Vikich put Surrey in the lead for the second time at 7:39 when he found a loose puck at the side of the net and slid it home. The middle period however did belong to the Express. They set the tempo and were the better team on the ice. They were rewarded for their play at 19:59 of the period when Daniell Lange scored at the start of power play by going straight forward on the draw surprising everybody in the building including yours truly. The goal was Lange's first of the season.

The visitors took their lone lead of the game less than four minutes into the third period as Jivan Sidhu fired a great pass up to Corey Mackin to spring a 2 on 1 where Mackin slid it across to Brett Supinski who scored his 10th of the season for a 3-2 Express lead.

The lead only lasted 2:17 when Joe Drapluk was able to jam a puck under the pad of Dushenko. So it was off to overtime for the second time for the Express this season.

The game was decided at 3:16 of the first OT after Surrey won a draw in the Express zone and Brian Drapluk's shot hit Chase McMurphy and trickled home. The loss was a pretty devastating one for the Express to take considering how hard they played. Can't help but feel for Pierce Dushenko who saw his record fall to 0-7 on the season. The deeply dejected look he had on the ice following the game was understandable considering he played well enough to get his first win of the season. His teammates understood as well how hard he took the loss and made sure to console him on the ice following another loss.

On special teams the Express finished 1 for 4 to improve their BCHL's best power play mark. The penalty killing had it's second perfect night in the last three outings killing off all six Surrey advantages.

The win saw Surrey improve to three points clear of the Express for fourth place in the Mainland division standings. Both sides will go at it again Friday night again in the South Surrey Arena.

CHIEFS SWEEP HOME AND HOME

Craig Puffer's hat-trick led the charge for the Chilliwack Chiefs who improved to 5-0 on home ice this season with a 6-3 win over the Express to extend their losing streak to 5 games Saturday night.

Chilliwack started quickly by scoring three times in the first period. Liam Ferguson got things rolling re-directing home a pass from Tanner Campbell just over three minutes into the game.

Shortly thereafter came some controversy. After the puck appeared to hit the netting in the corner in the Chilliwack end of the rink, the play resumed for about a minute, then off the rush Puffer scored his first of the night putting home a juicy rebound from the slot after a shot by Tipper Higgins.

Puffer would get his second of the night at 16:04 when he had plenty of time on a two on one to pick his spot and beat Brayden Krogfoss with a wrist shot stick side.

Corey Mackin would get one back for the Express in the final minute of the first period from the slot on the power play set up by Brett Supinski and Joey Santucci.

Saturday saw the Express penalty killing have another tough night allowing a pair of goals in the second period. The first one completed Craig Puffer's hat-trick with a backhand from the slot midway through the second period.

The line of Jackson Cressey, Colton Kerfoot and Nic Rasovic may have been the Express best line at least at 5 on 5. They had a number of decent shifts in the Chilliwack zone. They were involved in the second goal for the Express as Kerfoot set up Cressey for his second goal in as many nights.

Chilliwack's second power play goal of the game came off the stick of Jake Hand who beat Krogfoss with a wrister from the right circle top corner.

Saturday's game was the 5th time this season the Express had given up multiple power play goals and 7th time they've allowed 5 or more goals in a game.

The teams traded goals in the third period on a deflection by Kurt Black for Chilliwack and Joey Santucci scoring his second of the season on the power play for the Express.

The Express will look to snap their streak Sunday afternoon in Surrey.

TRADE NEWS:

Saturday the Express acquired twenty year old defenceman Dustin Cave from the Sherwood Park Crusaders (AJHL) in exchange for future considerations.

Cave gives the Express their first 20 year old on the blue line with plenty of junior A experience. He has 208 career games in the BCHL with West Kelowna, Salmon Arm, Sherwood Park and the Calgary Mustangs.

The Tappen BC native has 4 goals and 25 career assists combined in the BCHL and AJHL.

"We needed to add a veteran presence to our line up. Dustin brings a strong work ethic, leadership and will help settle down our defense core. He's a first class individual and we are excited to have him."  - Express Head Coach and General Manager Barry Wolff.

He met his teammates for the first time late Saturday in Chilliwack post game after driving all day from Sherwood park. He will make his Express debut Sunday afternoon in Surrey. 

LARSON AND PUFFER PACE CHIEFS VICTORY

The Chilliwack Chiefs picked up their 8th win in their first 10 games by scoring twice in the third period to knock off the Express 5-3 Friday night extending their losing streak to four games.

Jordan Kawaguchi got Chilliwack off on the right foot at 11:43 as he was able to find a loose puck in the crease and poke it in the discarded goal.

If there's been one bright spot on an Express season that hasn't had too many it's been their power play. It struck with just under three minutes remaining in the first period as Jackson Cressey scored his first of the season beating Mitchell Datz from the slot.

The second period started with a bang. First Colton Kerfoot scored on the rebound of a Jackson Cressey shot 59 seconds into the second period for what would turn out to be the lone Express lead of the night at 2-1. Cressey and Kerfoot each finished with a goal and an assist.

But as quickly the Express took the lead, Chilliwack took it right back. 51 seconds after Kerfoot's goal Jake Larson on a breakaway tied the game beating Pierce Dushenko with a wrist shot over the glove. Then as soon as the Express fished the puck out their net they were doing it again 8 seconds later as Craig Puffer scored also beating Dushenko with a wrist shot over the glove.

Again the Express saving grace their power play would even things up as Brett Supinski scored from the slot at 11:47 with his fourth power play goal of the season to even things up at 3. The special teams battle favored the Express Friday as they went 2 for 6 on the power play while killing off all 4 Chilliwack power plays including back to back penalties late in the second period to preserve the 3-3 tie heading to the third period.

Coquitlam had a strong push to open the third period looking to take the lead for a second time but it wasn't meant to be.

Against the flow of play somewhat Craig Puffer scored his second of the night come off the boards and beating Dushenko with a backhand from the slot for a 4-3 Chilliwack lead. Then Jake Larson scored his second of the night with just over 6 minutes remaining scoring on a deflected shot that fluttered into the net to essentially seal the game.

The effort level from the Express can't be faulted in this game. It was a fairly even contest. Chilliwack did finish with a 34-31 edge in shots.

The teams will meet again Saturday night for the second game of the weekend home and home in Chilliwack.

EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of the 5-4 Rivermen win over the Express Friday.

Here's the highlights from Sunday's come from behind win vs. Nanaimo.



Highlights courtesy of Jorge Parra and Underdog Productions.

3RD PERIOD RALLY LEADS TO EXPRESS SECOND WIN

Third period goals by Nic Rasovic and the second and third goals of the afternoon by Brett Supinski lead a enormous rally for a 4-3 win over Nanaimo for just the second victory of the season for the Express. Click here for boxscore

There aren't many times when just the second victory of the season can be an emotional one, but that certainly can be said for the Express on this occasion.

Nanaimo entered the game riding a four game winning streak and took their first two games of their Mainland road swing with wins over Surrey and Langley. They got off on the right foot on a goal by Nicolas Carrier scoring on a deflection that slid through the legs of Brayden Krogfross.

In each of the previous two outings for the Express the opposition would get an extended 5 on 3 power play and would score on it to eventually come away victorious. Sunday it was the Express' turn for a extended 1st period 5 on 3. Brett Supinski scored his first of the game on the advantage to even the score for the Express at 17:31 of the first period.

As the Express continue their work to try and improve and turn the ship in the right direction there were positive signs throughout the course of Sunday's game. They consistently were able to establish a cycle in the offensive zone that hasn't been a element of the Express game earlier this season. That is part of the reason why the Express finished the first period with 18 shots on goal.

Jake Wozney playing in his first BCHL game gave Nanaimo a 2-1 lead in the second period banging home the rebound following a won face-off in the Express end of the rink.

San Jose Sharks draft pick Jacob Jackson gave Nanaimo a 3-1 lead when his shot beat Krogfross over the glove from the left wing.

In order for the Express to get back in the win column it was about finding ways to do the little things well incrementally over the course of the game. That included improvement in the discipline department and penalty killing. They certainly ticked that box off on Sunday.

The biggest penalty kill of the game came midway through the third period with Nic Rasovic in the box for elbowing. That capped off a a perfect 3 for 3 game for the Express while a man down. In order to have a strong night while a man down you need a big save from your goaltender. Brayden Krogfross came up with his biggest making a save on Jackson from the slot to keep the Express down just a pair. Krogfoss finished with 36 saves to pick up his second win.

Following the conclusion of the Rasovic penalty he picked up a Jivan Sidhu clearing attempt coming out of the box and scored his first of the season on the backhand.

That goal gave the Express the boost they needed for their big finish. They re-established their cycle and began to press for the equalizer. It came with just over two minutes remaining in the third period as Supinski found himself with the puck on his stick and eye to eye with Guillime Decelles and the Union committed forward scored top shelf for his second of the game.

Then in the final minute Brendan Lamont like a bull in a china shop diligently worked the puck in the Clipper zone deep and eventually got the puck to the net leading to a scramble and Supinski capped off his first BCHL hat-trick to give the Express their lone lead of the night with just 32 seconds to play.

The Express battled hard for the full 60 minutes and were rewarded for their effort. They finished with a season high 43 shots on goal.

Next weekend the Express will hit the road for it's first real road trip of the season with visits on the way to Alberni Valley, Cowichan Valley and Powell River.

BRAD APARTMENT "HUNTING" IN OIL COUNTRY

Former Express (06-08) captain Brad Hunt has done nothing but impress the Edmonton Oiler brass during training camp. So much so Oilers head coach Dallas Eakins has had a really tough time to keep his very high praise a little subdued and subtle.

Sunday after the Oilers final cuts following their game Saturday night in Vancouver Hunt learned he will be starting the season in Edmonton.

His ability to work the power play has been one of the main areas that has caught the attention of Dallas Eakins.

Hunt made his NHL debut last season playing three games last season in Edmonton in January. He spent the majority of the season last year with the Oilers AHL affiliate in Oklahoma City where he had a fantastic season. He was 5th among AHL defenceman with 50 points while finding the back of the net 11 times. He was recognized at the end of the season by being named a second team all star.

Edmonton will open their season Thursday at home to Calgary.

Here's his post game comments Saturday in Vancouver courtesy of Oilers TV.




Here's Oilers Coach Dallas Eakins pre-game thoughts Saturday with a very in-depth breakdown of Hunt's play to date starting at the 1:46 mark of the video.

MACKIN'S HAT-TRICK NOT ENOUGH AS EXPRESS FALL TO RIVERMEN

Corey Mackin's first BCHL hat-trick wasn't enough for the Express as they fell 5-4 to the Langley Rivermen Friday night. Click here for box score

The Express remain with just one win of the season with a record of 1-4-0-1 through the first six games of the season.

As the team tries to improve as the season goes along the lessons learned along the way are pretty tough.

Things started well for Mackin and the Express with Mackin scoring his first of the night after he picked off a pass in the neutral zone and scored on his own rebound beating Bo Didur.

Three minutes later however Langley pulled even on William Campion's point shot that changed directions and find it's way past Pierce Dushenko.

It was another strong night for the Express powerplay striking twice on eight advantages. The first goal coming off the stick of Corey Mackin who snapped home Joey Santucci's cross ice feed for his second of the night.

But for as good as the powerplay has been for the Express, the penalty killing has been as equally if not even more not good enough.

For the second straight game the opposition got an extended 5 on 3 advantage, and for the second straight game the Express would find themselves fishing the puck out of their net as the game turns in favour of the opposition.

Gage Torrell and Matthew Graham scored 36 seconds apart to give Langley a 3-2 lead going to the second period.

The Express have now given up a BCHL high 12 powerplay goals on 32 shorthanded situations and their penalty killing sits dead last at 62.5%. They've given up at least one powerplay goal in each of their five losses and multiple powerplay goals in four of the six lossses to start the season.

Corey Mackin completed his first BCHL hat-trick 13 minutes into the second period snapping home a wrist shot from the slot that was tipped past Didur.

Newcomer Jivan Sidhu acquired earlier in the day from the Nipawin Hawks of the SJHL made his Express debut for the Express Friday. He was on the wrong end of a turnover of the puck coming out of his own zone that allowed Kevan Killistoff to score at 3:46 to give Langley a 4-3 lead.

41 seconds later Langley struck again as Gage Torrel scored his second of the night re-directing Jacob Zeleznikar's point shot past Pierce Dushenko. Langley finished the night with 42 shots. It was the third time this season an Express netminder had faced 40 plus shots.

Cameron Bertsch gave the Express hope when he converted as pass from Nic Rasovic for his first BCHL regular season goal with 7:18 to play.

That led to some momentum and some of the best scoring chances for the Express on the night. More specifically Brett Supinski. His first best chance when he put his own rebound off the post with Didur beat. Then his second came on a late Express powerplay with Supinski set up in front but Didur fired up his glove for his best of 28 saves on the night.

The Express will get their next crack at their second win of the season Sunday afternoon vs. Nanaimo.

WARRIORS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Here's the highlights from Tuesday's game vs. West Kelowna.



Highlights courtesy of Jorge Parra and Underdog Productions. Click here to see previous Express youtube highlights

WARRIORS USE LATE RALLY TO DROP EXPRESS IN OT

Brett Mennear scored OT winner Tuesday. Photo courtesy of Garrett James Photography.

West Kelowna fired 50 shots and scored six times for the second time in 10 days vs. the Express in a 6-5 come from behind overtime win. Click here for box score

The Warriors battled back from a pair of two goal deficits as part of their win on a rare Tuesday game played at the Poirier Sports and Leisure centre.

The first two goal deficit for West Kelowna came in the first period as the Express got off to a good start. Daniel Fritz scored his second powerplay goal of the season beating a screen Scott Patton for Fritz's second goal of the season.

Express celebrate second goal. Photo courtesy of Garrett James.

That was followed up just over four minutes later as Colton Kerfoot scored for a second straight night banging home a rebound after Cody Boyd powered the puck to the front of the net from the right wing.

Then came a run of penalties for the Express. The Warriors had a pair of 5 on 3 opportunities for at least 1:13 in length in the first period. The second two man advantage proved to be fruitful as Jason Cotton scored with a wrist shot over the shoulder of Brayden Krogfross with 1:17 remaining in the first period.

West Kelowna's first come back from a two goal deficit was completed 2:21 in to the second period as Ryan Ivey scored from the left wing beating Krogfross to the glove side. That goal really sparked West Kelowna for the remainder of the game as they started to pull away in the shot department.

But the game quickly turned in favour of the Express as Corey Mackin and Brett Supinski scored 10 seconds apart midway through the second period to give the Express their second two goal lead of the night. Those two goals spelled the end of the night for Patton who was lifted after allowing 4 goals on 14 shots.

Recently acquired Michael Buonincontri scored in his first game with West Kelowna just 1:01 after Supinski's goal to cut the defict back down to one. On the play however Buonincontri was shaken up and did not return to the game.

2:01 after that goal it was a two goal lead for the Express again as Fritz scored his second powerplay goal of the night converting a pass from Colton Kerfoot.

Despite outscoring the Warriors 3-2 in the period, the shots favoured the Warriors 18-7 in the middle frame and there was no certain feeling the game was decided entering the third period.

Jonathan Desbiens scored 12 minutes into the period on a set up from Liam Blackburn behind the net to pull the Warriors within one.

Then in the final minute Desbiens scored again re-directing as Kristian Blumenschein point shot to send the game to overtime.

The teams traded shots and chances in the first 4 on 4 overtime session with West Kelowna holding a 6-5 advantage but nothing was decided.

3 on 3 overtime saw Brendan Lamont haul Jordan Masters down to the ice forcing the official to make the call and the automatic penalty shot.

On the free pass Krogfross kept the game alive with a glove save.

Rutigliano and Santucci come together. Photo courtesy of Garrett James.

But on the Warriors 51st shot of they night they came away victorious as Brett Mennear found himself alone in front and he poked his own rebound home for a 6-5 win.

Brayden Krogfross did all he could to keep the Express in the game. Tuesday's contest was the 3rd time in 5 games the Express had allowed 40+ shots.

The Express finished the month of September with a 1-3-0-1 record. They open October Friday night with a home game vs. the Langley Rivermen.