EXPRESS DROP SHOWCASE OPENER

Dante Hahn scored in his Express debut. Photo courtesy of Garrett James.

The Express and the Powell River Kings raised the curtain for the 4th annual Bauer BCHL showcase at the Prospera Centre in Chilliwack.

It was the Kings who prevailed by a 7-2 final. Click here for boxscore

Powell River got going just over 6 minutes into the first period when Jonny Evans fired a shot from the circle up over the shoulder of Braden Krogfoss who was down in the paddle down position.

Defenceman Taylor Green - Photo courtesy of Garrett James.

The Express lineup has gone through some changes since the season has began. Thursday the Express dressed former Langley Rivermen forward Dante Hahn (95) as an AP. The 150 game BCHL veteran set the tone for what would be a solid effort in his Express debut. He had their best scoring chance in the first period as he broke through the middle of the ice receiving a pass then went to the backhand where he was robbed by Kings goaltender Jeff Smith.

Defenceman Jake Brien showed some of his physical prowess in the first period. He had a big hit at the Express line as he lined up a Kings player coming down the wing. He had a similar type hit minutes later. This time he was called for charging.

On the ensuing power play Carter Turnbull finished off a 2 on 1 by firing a shot up over the glove of Krogfoss for a 2-0 Kings lead.

Eric Udahl - Photo courtesy of Garrett James.

It didn't take long for the Kings to add to their lead in the second period as just 18 seconds in Jeremy Leclerc scored with a goal up off the rush.

The Express best chance to score Thursday morning came in the second period when Austin McIlmurray was sprung on a breakaway. He was poke checked by Smith. Colton Kerfoot followed up on the play and was robbed by the glove of the fallen goaltender sitting on his backside.

Turnbull added his second power play goal of the game midway through the second period as he beat Krogfoss with a wrist shot top corner over the glove of Krogfoss to put the Kings up 4.

Dante Hahn was arguably the Express most dangerous forward Thursday. The second most dangerous may have been his linemate Blake Hayward. He had two good looks in the second period. His first chance he slid a wrist shot low and just past the far post. Then he ripped a wrist shot off the underside of the crossbar from the slot.

The Express appeared to have gotten on the scoreboard before the second period was done. Colton Kerfoot from the left wing boards threw the puck at the net looking for a streaking McIlmurray. While en route the puck hit a Kings defender and went in the net before reaching McIlmurray who crashed into the cage. The goal was immediately waved off by the referee.

Dante Hahn got the Express on the board in the third period. From the goal line he slid the puck to the crease from the goal line and it bounced in off a Kings defenseman and in to make it a 4-1 game.

The goal was just the second power play goal for the Express this season.

But less than a minute later the Kings re-stored their four goal lead on a goal by Austin Kamer top shelf over the glove. Are you noticing a theme here?

Austin McIlmurray got a small measure of revenge scoring on a similar set up from Colton Kerfoot that resulted on the Express goal being waved off in the 2nd period.

Nick Halagian and Liam Lawson also had third period goals for the Kings.

Powell River outshot the Express 39-33.

The Kings were 2 for 3 on the power play while the Express were 1 for 3.

The Express will play their second game of the showcase Saturday afternoon at 1pm vs. the Nanaimo Clippers. They will play their home opener on Friday October 3rd vs. Cowichan Valley.

Some transaction news to keep you posted on. Forward Michael Merulla  has been traded to the Surrey Eagles. And defenseman Jivan Sidhu (95) has been traded to the Kanata Lasers CCHL for future considerations.

Check out an interview with Express forward Jack Surowiec.