CENTS EDGE EXPRESS TO END 2015

The Express saw 2015 come to an end with a 5-4 loss in Merritt on New Years Eve Thursday. Click here for boxscore

Coquitlam held the lead on three separate occasions but it still wasn't enough on this night.

Newly minted World Jr. A Challenge gold medalist Blake Hayward opened the scoring for the Express just over four minutes in to the game beating Cole Kehler with a wrist shot over the stick coming down the left wing side.

From there Merritt took over the game for the next 10 minutes or so. AP Carter Shannon found a loose puck at the side of the Express net and was able to jam his first BCHL goal past Lawson Fenton to tie the game at one.

Then Lawson Fenton stood on his head just to keep the game even. On two separate two on one breaks Fenton came across to his left to make miraculous saves. One with his glove and another with his left pad.

Merritt finally was able to fire another puck past Fenton the power play. A pass out from the corner by Colin Grannary found Gavin Gould alone in the slot in front of Fenton and Gould snapped home a shot past the glove of Fenton for a 2-1 Cents lead. The goal came with just under six minutes remaining in the first period and by that point Merritt already had a 20-6 advantage in shots.

In the final 5 minutes the Express were able to turn the tables somewhat. Jackson Cressey pulled the Express even 1:14 later burying his own rebound for his 21st goal of the season. 42 seconds later Austin McIlMurray gave the Express their second lead of the night when he knocked down a clearing attempt then cut to the slot and beat Cole Kehler with a backhand for a 3-2 Express lead.

The Express were able to take that lead to the room after the first period. But that's only due to the play of Lawson Fenton who made 18 first period saves.

Colin Grannary had a great finish to 2015, he evened things up for Merritt in the second period by taking a drop pass from Mitch Lipon and beat Fenton with a shot up over the glove after a clean look from the slot to tie the game at three.

Just as Grannary was having a great finish to 2015 for the Cents, the same could be said for Express captain Jackson Cressey. He found a loose puck in front of the Merritt net and buried it for his second of the game to give the Express the lead for the third time on the night assisted by Owen Stout and Taylor Green.

The story of this game was the Express' inability to protect a lead and shut down the Cents top line of Granary, Mitch Lipon and Tyler Ward. Merritt tied the game off a goal from Ward just over two minutes into the third period when he was able to bury the rebound of a Granary shot from the right wing.

Five minutes later after the Express failed to clear the puck out of their zone, the Cents top line dazzled the fans in attendance with a beautiful passing play and Mitch Lipon was on the business end of the three way passing play snapping it past Fenton who had no chance on the one timer for a 5-4 Centennials lead. Merritt's top line combined for three goals and six assists for nine points.

In the final minutes the Express had their chances to equalize but were unable to get another puck past Kehler. The best chance for the Express came off the stick of newly acquired former Centennial Ryan Coghlan who had a clean look from the left wing side but couldn't beat his former teammate and create a memorable story line for Coghlan in his Express debut.

Merritt finished with 49 shots while the Express had 41 shots in this back and forth affair. The Centennials extended their winning streak to three straight games. For the Express they now return home to begin a 7 game home stand starting Saturday night vs. Prince George. 

EXPRESS ACQUIRE VETERAN HELP FOR BLUELINE

The Coquitlam Express have acquired 20 year old defenseman Ryan Coghlan (95) from the Merritt Centennials in exchange for future considerations.

This season he has 2 goals and 7 assists for 9 points in 23 games with Merritt this season. The move instantly gives the Express a defenceman with 169 career games of junior hockey experience in the BCHL and WHL.

In 88 career games with the Cowichan Valley Capitals, Nanaimo Clippers and Merritt Centennials he has 5 goals and 13 assists for 18 points and 88 PIM's. He also appeared in 23 career playoff games last season with the Nanaimo Clippers where they advanced to the Fred Page Cup final.

Coghlan also has 81 career WHL games with the Saskatoon Blades and Prince Albert Raiders with 7 goals and 12 assists for 19 points and 48 PIM's.

The Nanaimo, BC native stands at 6'0 and weighs in at 215lbs.

"Coghlan will bring big game experience and a more calming influence to our defense group." - Express Head Coach and GM Barry Wolff

The Express return to action on New Years Eve when they will face Coghlan's old team the Merritt Centennials at 4pm in Merritt. They will kick off 2016 at home on Saturday night when the Express play host to the Prince George Spruce Kings. You can hear all the action on Tri City Radio CKPM FM 98.7. 

UDAHL TO BU

Udahl commits to BU - Photo courtesy of Damon James

Forward Erik Udahl (96) has committed to Boston University. His commitment takes place immediately and he has moved on to BU to begin his NCAA career. The Terriers play in the Hockey East Conference.

The move allows the Warpole Massachusetts native to play his college hockey in his hometown.

Udahl had seven goals and four assists for eleven points in 33 games with the Express this season. Last season he had nine goals and ten assists for 19 points in 48 games with the Langley Rivermen.

In 81 career BCHL games over parts of the last two seasons with the Express and Rivermen, Udahl had 16 goals and 14 assists for 30 points.

"We're extremely proud of Erik, his work ethic and desire to improve his game are two big reasons he's getting this opportunity. It's a tough time to lose a player to the next level, but this is why we're in junior hockey to help move players to the next level. This is a great opportunity for Erik to go to a great program and school close to home." - Express GM and Head Coach Barry Wolff.

"I would like to thank Head Coach Barry Wolff and the Coqutilam Express for a great first half of the season. I'm sad to be leaving, but playing for Boston U is my dream school and I'm very excited to face every challenge thrown at me. I wish the Express the best of luck for the rest of the season and I will miss everyone in the organization very deeply." - Erik Udahl.

The Express would like to thank Erik for his contributions to the team and best of luck at BU.

Click here for more insight why Udahl moved on to BU

EXPRESS BURY EAGLES EARLY AND OFTEN

06 RBC Cup champ Keith Seabrook - Photo courtesy of Damon James.

In the first Express alumni night in the teams 15 year history, the former players were given a show by the modern day Express in the form of a 8-2 win of the Surrey Eagles. Click here for boxscore

Among the alumni in attendance were former captains Dylan Herold and Alex Petan. Members of the 2006 Royal Bank cup team including Max Grassi, Keith Seabrook, Mark Soares, coach Dave McLellan, support staff Paul Ng, Mischa Polzin, Barry Jebolt and Bill Reimer. Plus 2014 Fred Page cup champion Brendan Lamont.

It didn't take long for the Express to get their offense flowing, Eric Udhal got the offensive parade going converting a pass out from behind the net from Alex Ambrosio to open scoring.

Pinchuk slides home a highlight reel goal - Photo courtesy of Damon James.

88 seconds later Luca Leone scored his first of two on the night for a 2-0 lead. That goal started what would be a career best four point night for Leone. His line with Owen Stout and Jack Surowiec had shown some good chemistry in recent outings that would explode on this night. Leone had just two assists since his last goal on November 13th vs. Surrey.

From there the Express confidence was only growing. Jarrel Pinchuk scored a highlight reel goal attacking the Eagles defense on the rush then beating Eagles goaltender Justin Laforest to the poke check and sliding it under the goaltender for a 3-0 Express lead.

That goal brought Laforest's night to an end pretty quickly.

Daniel Davidson was welcomed to the game by Leone's second of the game finishing off a 2 on 1 with Austin McIlMurray. This all coming before the game was 10 minutes old.

Austin McIlMurray capped off the first period with a power play goal in the final minute of the opening period.

The onslaught just kept on coming in the second period.

Leone and Surowic had lots to smile about - Photo courtesy of Damon James.

Luca Leone then got in the spirit of giving by playing the puck through his feet then setting up Charlie Barrow for a 6-0 Express lead.

Then Austin McIlMurray scored his second of the game and the third power play goal of the night for the Express to make it 7-0.

Taylor Green had three assists in the game and extended the longest current assist streak in the BCHL to 6 games.

Kurt Black and Paul McAvoy struck for the only Eagles goals on the night in the final minute of the second period and with just under 6 minutes to go in the third period.

Troy Robillard - Photo courtesy of Damon James.

Then the line of Stout, Leone and Surowiec capped off an 8 point night with Surowiec finishing off a pretty passing play between Stout and Leone. Surowiec had 1 goal and 1 assist, Stout had two assists while Leone had four points.

The win pulled the Express back to the .500 mark at 15-15-1-4. The Express will play their final game before Christmas Saturday night in Langley. The Express sit four points back of Langley for third place in the Mainland division.

EXPRESS ALUMNI VIDEOS

Two Express alumni now in the NHL took some time from their busy schedules to record special messages as for alumni night Friday vs. the Surrey Eagles.

David Jones

Andrew Ladd

Special thanks to David, Andrew, the Calgary Flames and Winnipeg Jets for helping make this happen.

EXPRESS STUFF EAGLES ON TEDDY BEAR TOSS NIGHT

Lawson Fenton with a furry friend - Photo courtesy of Damon James

The Express completed a weekend sweep of a home and home set with the Surrey Eagles with a 5-2 win Saturday night in Coquitlam. Click here for boxscore

It was the 2015 teddy bear toss night for the Express. Captain Jackson Cressey is the answer to the trivia question of who scored the goal that got the bears flying? He re-directed a Colton Kerfoot pass midway through the first period to open the scoring.

J. Cressey got bears flying - Photo courtesy of Damon James

Like the night before in Surrey, the Express top line had another solid night offensively. Austin McIlMurray scored a power play goal from the slot for a 2-0 Express lead after the first period.

Matt Michie put the Express up 3-0 in the second period as he pounced on a loose puck in the crease following a chance for Cam Bertsch. The line of Bertsch, Eric Udahl and Matt Michie had a solid night for the Express creating chances with their speed all night long.

Jack Surowiec - Photo courtesy of Damon James

The Eagles quickly responded shortly after the Michie goal thanks to a deft Donovan Ott tip of a Trent Huitema point shot. That would be the only goal to beat Express goaltender Lawson Fenton who only faced 10 Eagles shots in the first two periods.

Jackson Cressy capped off a second straight two goal night by tipping a Austin McIlMurray shot early the third period for a 4-1 Express lead. Last night the line of McIlMurray, Cressey and Kerfoot combined for 9 points. Saturday they combined for 8 points with two goals and an assist from Cressey, one goal and two assists for McIlMurray and two assists for Kerfoot.

With the absence of Blake Hayward at the World Junior A Challenge, Jack Surowiec has been moved to his spot on the line with Luca Lenoe and Owen Stout. That line the last two games and most notably tonight has shown some chemistry and generating chances. That line didn't hit the scoresheet but they had some good shifts in the Surrey zone. Most notably in the third period. That is something the coaches have stressed about wanting to see more of recently.

Fenton made 19 saves for the win - Photo courtesy of Damon James

Jeffrey Stewart was credited with the second Eagles goal finding a loose puck and poking it past Fenton. The Express goaltender saw his team play a pretty clean game in front of their goaltender who made 19 saves for his 6th win of the season.

Cam Bertsch rounded out the scoring in the dying seconds of the game with an empty net goal.

The Express will play their third straight game against the Surrey Eagles next Friday in Coquitlam. It will be a special night as the Express welcome back a number of former players and staff for the first ever alumni night.

TOP LINE PACES EXPRESS VS. SURREY

Luca Leone - Photo Courtesy of Garrett James

The line of Austin McIlMurray, Colton Kerfoot and Jackson Cressey scored four of the five Express goals in a 5-1 win over the Surrey Eagles at the South Surrey Arena. Click here for boxscore

The Express captain scored a pair of goals and Colton Kerfoot had four points with one goal and three assists.

Cressey and Kerfoot - Photo Courtesy of Garrett James

Before the big guns got going it was Kurt Black who opened the scoring for Surrey six minutes into the game.

Just two and a half minutes later Jackson Cressey scored his first of two on the night to even the game at one.

Then Colton Kerfoot scored a power play goal late in the first period for a 2-1 Express lead after 20 minutes. That goal pulled Kerfoot back into a tie with Cressey for the team lead in goals with 17. Cressey and Kerfoot have gone back and forth atop of the Express goal scoring race recently.

The Express captain went back into the lead in the second period with his 18th of the season taking a Kerfoot pass in the slot and burying his own rebound past Justin LaForest for a 3-1 Express lead after two periods.

Throughout the night the Express got solid contributions from all four lines. Luca Leone showed signs of breaking out with some of the chances he created in the second period.

Keegan Jones - Photo Courtesy of Garrett James

Owen Stout helped pulled the Express into a 4-1 lead when he dangled his way to the Eagles net and
Jarrell Pinchuk jumping into the rush poked home a loose puck lying in the crease.

There were some decent hits delivered on each side. Jake Brien continued his solid first season in the league by delivering a number of hits throughout the night.

Most of the hits on the night were clean except for one that led to the final goal of the night. Eagles defenseman Matthew Brown stretched out with his forearm and delivered a hit to the head of Cam Bertsch. The Express forward was a little shaken up following the hit.

Jack Surowiec - Photo Courtesy of Garrett James

The Express got their best revenge by converting on the power play. Austin McIlMurray unleashed a one timer under the crossbar from the left circle to round out the scoring.

The line of Cressey, Kerfoot and McIlMurray combined for four goals and five assists for nine points.

Tyger Howat had a tidy night making 30 saves for his 7th win of the season.

The Express and Eagles will meet again Saturday night in Coquitlam. 

WILD DOUBLE UP ON EXPRESS

Alex Ambrosio - Photo courtesy of Damon James

Charlie Combs scored a pair of goals and added an assist in a 6-3 Wenatchee win over the Express.
It was Wenatchee's fourth win in five games vs. the Express this season. Click here for boxscore

Green celebrates with Michie after his goal - Photo courtesy of Damon James

Wenatchee struck first after the Express failed to complete a D to D pass and Austin Chavez stole the puck and beat Lawson Fenton with a backhand just over five minutes into the game.

The last time Wenatchee visited the Express, it was the Express penalty kill that was key to help them to victory. It played a big role for the Express in the first period.

The Express killed off a pair of Wild power plays to keep the Wild only up a goal. Upon the conclusion of Matt Michie's penalty he came out of the box and took a pass from Taylor Green and scored on the breakaway to tie the game at one. Express netminder Lawson Fenton drew the second assist on the goal. It was in very similar fashion to the goal that Jack Surowiec scored recently vs. Prince George.

Jackson Cressey scores a shorthanded goal - Photo courtesy of D. James.

Jackson Cressey returned to the Express Wednesday after selection camp for the World Junior A Challenge. He gave the Express their first lead of the night late in the first period stealing the puck in the corner and cutting to the net to score his second shorthanded goal of the season for a 2-1 Express lead after the first period.

Bryan Yoon pulled the Wild even in the opening minute of the second period. He snapped a shot under the pad of Lawson Fenton just 35 seconds into the period. That goal gave the Wild some life who fired the first five shots of the period.

Colton Kerfoot stemmed the Wild momentum as he teamed up with Jackson Cressey for a give and go at the Wild line, then Cressey slid it to Kerfoot who beat Chase Perry on the short side for a 3-2 Express lead.

Charlie Combs dressed for just his third game with the Wild Wednesday. He made quite an impact for the Wild on this night. He made a nice chip play on the boards at the Express line to get past the defense then feather a perfect pass across to Blake Christensen to even the score at three. Wild goaltender Chase Perry had the second assist on the play.

Lawson Fenton finished with 25 saves - Photo courtesy of Damon James

Then Combs took a saucy little pass from Brendan Harris to score a power play goal with Alex Ambrosio in the box serving a elbowing penalty for a hit I thought was clean.

The Express entered the third period trailing by a goal. They opened the period with 90 seconds of power play time but were unable to generate a shot. It was a sign of things to come for the Express. It took them until the midway mark of the third period to register their first shot of the period. The Express finished with just 19 shots on the game.

In the meantime the Wild added to their lead when Daniel Nachbaur undressed the Express defense and scored a highlight reel goal for a 5-3 Wild lead.

Then Combs capped off a a three point night by scoring as Express netminder Lawson Fenton was caught in no mans land while he was heading to the bench for the extra attacker in the final minute of the game.

Up next for the Express this weekend is a home and home with the Eagles starting Friday in Surrey. 

HAYWARD AND WOLFF AUDIO ON WJAC

Photo courtesy of Damon James

Wednesday morning I spoke with Blake Hayward and Barry Wolff about the upcoming World Junior A Challenge.

Click here to listen to Blake Hayward

Click here to listen to Barry Wolff

WILD @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

A quick flashback to the last time the Express faced Wenatchee in Coquitlam on Nov. 20 a 4-1 Express win.

Highlights courtesy of Jorge Parra and Underdog Productions.

HAYWARD TO PLAY FOR TEAM CANADA WEST

Express forward Blake Hayward has made the cut and will play for Team Canada West at the upcoming World Junior A Challenge. Captain Jackson Cressey unfortunately didn't make the team.
Click here to view roster

Hayward (98) is in his first full season in the BCHL with the Express. He has 3 goals and 7 points in 29 games this season. This will be his first opportunity to play at the World Junior A challenge which will take place in Coburg and Whitby Ontario from December 13-19. The first game for Team Canada West will be on the 13th vs Czech Republic Click here for schedule

The 22 man roster consists of 9 players from the BCHL, 11 players from the AJHL and 2 from the MJHL.

Express Head Coach and GM Barry Wolff will serve as an assistant coach for Team Canada West. He previously served in that role at the 2010 tournament in Penticton.

Previous Express alumni to take part in the World Junior A Challenge include Kyle Turris, Tyler McNeely, Brodie Reid, Alexander Kerfoot, Brandon Morley and Zach Pryzbek. 

BULLDOGS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights from the Bulldogs 5-4 2OT win over the Express Sunday afternoon.

Highlights courtesy of Jorge Parra and Underdog Productions.

BULLDOGS PREVAIL IN 2OT AFTER EXPRESS RALLY

The Express erased a three goal deficit, but it still wasn't enough as they fell 5-4 in double overtime Sunday afternoon to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Click here for boxscore

Both teams were wrapping up a long week. The Express were playing their fourth game in five days. Alberni Valley was playing their third game in as many days after starting their weekend Friday night in Trail.

Early on it was the Bulldogs who looked like the fresher team. Nathan Dingman opened the scoring when his shot from the right wing rang off the goal post but buried the rebound of his original shot beating Tyger Howat with a shot between the pads.

The Bulldogs entered the game with just one win in their last eight games. One of the areas that has hurt Alberni Valley during that time was their penalty kill. It would be one area that would keep the Express in the game.

Charlie Barrow pulled the Express even with a power play goal midway through the first period unleashing a one timer from the left point after a won faceoff in the Bulldogs zone.

The game was only tied for seventeen seconds as Chris Schutz snapped a shot from the slot between the pads of Howat after the Express were soft in their defensive zone coverage after the pass came out from the corner.

Dingman added his second of the game early in the second period standing in front of the Express net and finishing off a feed from Ryan Finnegan and tipping it in from the lip of the blue paint in front of Howat. Finnegan and Quinn Syrydiuk each had a pair of assists on the Dingman goals.

More Express defensive breakdowns led to the fourth Bulldogs goal. Kyle Kauffman found himself alone in front of Howat and he buried the rebound of his own shot for a 4-1 Bulldogs lead just 1:22 after Dingman's goal.

Owen Stout began the Express comeback with a wrist shot from the right wing that beat Brody Claeys over the glove. Sunday's game would be a career afternoon for Stout as he finished with one goal and three assists for four points.

Stout then had a hand on Taylor Green's power play goal that pulled the Express within one. Green providing the screen on the power play tipped Charlie Barrow's point shot. Barrow finished with one goal and an assist and was great all over the ice for the Express Sunday.

The Express played this game with only 11 forwards after Jackson Cressey and Blake Hayward met up with Head Coach Barry Wolff in Leduc Alberta for the start of selection camp for Team Canada West for the upcoming World Junior A Challenge. Midway through the second period the Express were down to 10 forwards after Matt Michie was ejected following his fight after he had to answer the bell for his hit on Quinn Syrydiuk along the boards.

Austin McIlMurray completed the come back for the Express in the third period with the third power play goal for the Express. They finished 3 for 4 on the power play and killed off all three Bulldogs power plays.

Early in overtime the Express had their chances to take the two points. McIlMurray had two good chances in the first two minutes but wasn't able to strike for his second overtime winner of the season.

Alberni Valley prevailed in the first minute of the second overtime as Bulldogs defenseman Paul Meyer beat an Express defenseman to the puck to keep it in the Express end. Then Meyer snapped a shot through the legs of Howat from a sharp angle for the 5-4 Alberni Valley win.

The Bulldogs finished with 49 shots while the Express sent 31 pucks the way of Brody Claeys.

The Express finished their busy four game in five day week picking up three of a possible eight points. They will host the Wenatchee Wild on Wednesday.

CHIEFS POUNCE ON FATIGUED EXPRESS

Chilliwack took advantage of an Express team playing it's third game in three nights in combination of a trip up to Prince George the night before and the final result was a 9-4 Chiefs win Friday night in Chilliwack. Click here for boxscore

Early on it didn't appear the Express were a tired group. They jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first four minutes.

Erik Udahl converted a 2 on 1 snapping home a set up from Cam Bertsch. That was followed a minute later by a goal from Jack Surowiec with a shot from the left wing beating Matteo Esposito.

That fast start woke Chilliwack up and they got their feet moving forcing the fatigued Express to try and keep up.

Jordan Kawaguchi scored twice in a span of 1:45 and the Express two goal lead was erased.

By then Chilliwack was well on their way controlling the puck in the Express end of the ice.

Zach Guittari beat Tyger Howat with a blast from the right point for a 3-2 Chiefs lead. Nearly two minutes later Chilliwack struck again on a goal by Kale Kane converting a pass from behind the net by Vimal Sukumaran.

The Express scored on their first two shots of the game. Then it took them over 14 minutes to register their next shot. Chilliwack outshot the Express 25-4 in the first period.

It was more of the same in the second period. Kawaguchi completed his hat-trick in the opening minute of the second period beating Howat with a wrist shot over his glove.

That goal brought an end to Howat's night after 5 goals on 26 shots. That comes on the heels of being forced to come in off the bench the night before midway through the game in Prince George.

Lawson Fenton came in and was quickly welcomed to the game with a fantastic scoring chance by Jesse Lansdell. That would be a sign of things to come as Fenton faced a countless number of high quality scoring chances in his two periods of relief.

Owen Stout scored for a second straight night with a power play goal to cut the Chiefs lead to 5-3.

It was 7-3 Chiefs after the second period following a two on one goal by Kane for his second of the night and a Vimal Sukumaran shorthanded breakaway goal.

Darien Craighead with a snap shot from the wing and Jake Smith with a wrist shot from the slot on the power play added to Chilliwack's lead in the third period before Colton Kerfoot rounded out the scoring on a power play.

Jordan Kawaguchi lead the way for the Chiefs with the hat-trick while defenseman Austin Adam had four helpers and Vimal Sukumaran had 1 goal and 2 assists.

Chilliwack finished with 57 shots to just 18 for the Express. The win extended Chilliwack's home ice winning streak over the Express to 10 straight games including the playoffs.

The Express get a much needed night off Saturday and time away from the bus before hosting Alberni Valley Sunday afternoon. 

EXPRESS IMMUNE TO VIPER VENOM

Charlie Barrlow - Photo courtesy of Garrett James

The Express completed a sweep of the two game regular season series with the Vernon Vipers with a 5-1 win Friday night. Coquitlam took the first meeting of the season 4-3 in overtime in Vernon in September. Click here for boxscore

Wednesday's game kicked off a very busy week for the Express with four games in five nights with plenty of travel in between.

Accumulating the points now will be key as the week drags on and travel begins to take it's toll.

Alex Ambrosio opened the scoring for the Express as he buried the rebound of his own shot just three minutes into the game. Ambrosio has goals in each of his last two games.

Erik Udahl leads a rush - Photo courtesy of Garrett James

Five minutes later the Express struck again. Austin McIlMurray converted a quick pass Colton Kerfoot pass from the corner for a 2-0 Express lead snapping a shot past Andrew Shortridge.

McIlMurray has goals in three of the last five games with all three of those goals coming in the first period.

Shortridge did his part to keep the Express up only just two after a breakaway save off Cam Bertsch and Charlie Barrow moments later with the Express shorthanded.

Tyger Howat made 15 saves for the Express in the first period. His best coming in the dying seconds of the first period on a Vernon power play.

This game really turned in favour of the Express in the first seven minutes of the second period.

One of Tyger Howat's 41 saves - Photo courtesy of Garrett James

Vernon got a 5 on 3 power play for 1:14. The Vipers best chance to get on the board didn't even count as a shot as Latrell Charleson wired a shot off the cross bar.

Then after killing off a Jack Surowiec penalty he was hit with a pass coming out of the penalty box by Jarell Pinchuk and Surowiec converted on the breakaway for a 3-0 Express lead.

Up three in the second period Tyger Howat rose to the occasion to keep the Vernon Vipers off the board. He finished the period with 13 saves.

Colton Kerfoot capped off the second period scoring a power play goal in the dying seconds frame. Austin McIlMurray drew one of the assists. He along with Kerfoot each finished with 1 goal and 1 assist.

Andrew Shortridge's night came to an end of the second period after allowing four goals on seventeen shots.

Colton Kerfoot had 1 goal and 1 assist Photo courtesy of Garrett James

Brendan Barry was welcomed to the game by a goal from Cam Bertsch who beat Barry with a shot that appeared to surprise him off a face-off.

The Express spread their offense around with three of the four lines chipping in with the five goals.

The only downside on what was an otherwise solid night for Tyger Howat was that he wasn't able to post his first BCHL shutout. Darren Rizzolo scored Vernon's only goal on a third period power play.

Howat finished with 41 saves for his 6th win of the season.

Thursday night the Express will continue their busy week with their final regular season visit to Prince George.