KINGS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

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



Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen.

CLIPPERS @ EXPRESS HI-LITES

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

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



Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen.

BULLDOGS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

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



Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen.

CAPITAL GAINS FOR TURRIS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck Kyle with your new club.

EXPRESS OVER POWER BULLDOGS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CLIPPERS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

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



Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen.

EXPRESS SLIDE INTO PLAYOFF SPOT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BCHL BROADCASTER POLL

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

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

Mid Season Accolades

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

Annual Awards:

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

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

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

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

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

Best Defenseman

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

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

Awards that could exist

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

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

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

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

Coastal: Morley Brothers (Surrey, 50%)

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

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

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

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

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

CAPS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

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



Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen.

1ST PLACE CAPS RALLY IN 3RD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EAGLES @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

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



Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen.

EXPRESS TAKE SERIES EDGE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WIERCIOCH TAKES PUCK IN THE THROAT

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

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

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

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

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

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

KERFOOT & STRAIGHT LISTED AS DRAFT PROSPECTS

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

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

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

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

EAGLES @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

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



Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen.

EAGLES KNOCK OFF EXPRESS, MAYBE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EXPRESS TAKE GAME 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They will do it all over again Sunday in Surrey.

EXPRESS RUN THE RIVER DRY

Photo courtesy of Vancity Sports Blog:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

POWERFUL BOUNCE BACK

The Express scored three power play goals and took advantage of a frustrated Langley Rivermen squad to take the second of a weekend home and home 6-3 at the Langley Events Centre.

24 hours earlier the Express fell behind early and got caught up in Langley's 1-3-1 trap.

Giving up the first goal last night allowed Langley to quickly settle into their defensive set up. The Express fortunes were better on this night as Cody Michelle followed up his two goal performance Friday by opening the scoring Saturday.

The lead only lasted 16 seconds as former Express Evan Campbell tied it up poking a puck that snuck through Khaleed Devji's pads.

The game last night tested the resolve of the Express when Langley wanted to stir things up. On this night the Express made Langley pay for any shenanigans by striking on the powerplay.

Brady Shaw put the Express back in the lead as he scored on the powerplay with Jim Kruger sprawling in his crease.

Malcom Mckinney blasted the second powerplay goal of the period for the Express from the left boards to open up a 3-1 lead. The goal was helped by a deft screen by Cody Michelle.

The lead prevented Langley from going into complete lock down mode like they did Friday.

Zac Holstrom showed great determination to set up the 4th Express goal in the second period. He came out of the penalty box and muscled off a Langley defender then fired a great backhand pass to Alex Petan who put it in the gaping net.

Chris Tracy got one back for Langley scoring in the final minute.

Stephen Ryan played as an AP Saturday. He was the was the recipient of a great break out pass by Michelle and Ryan roofed it short side from the left wing.

As it became more and more apparent that the Express would come out of this one victorious, Langley started to lose their composure and tried to take some liberties on the Express.

It just resulted in more powerplays and Brady Shaw scored his second of the game and the third powerplay goal for the Express to put them up 6-2.

Much like Friday, Langley was willing to stir things up after the whistle. This time around the Express did a better job of keeping their emotions in check.

There were a number of times when Express players were slashed away from the play or were shoved to the ice in front of their net.

Aiden Cavallini scored his first BCHL goal to round out the scoring.

Khaleed Devji made 28 saves to pick up the win. The Express have now won 6 straight games on the road.

The win combined with Nanaimo losing in Alberni Valley pulled the Express within two points of 4th place. Plus the Express surpassed Victoria who fell 1-0 to Cowichan Valley.

These two teams will meet for a third straight time again Friday in Langley.

RIVERMEN @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Here's the highlights from Friday's 5-2 win for the Rivermen over the Express.



Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen.

RIVERMEN STIFLE EXPRESS ATTACK

It wasnt very pretty, but it sure was effective as the Langley Rivermen trapped their way to a 5-2 win over the Express Friday night.

The Rivermen set the tone for the night early by going to a 1-2-2 or 1-3-1 neutral zone set up with at times minimal fore checking pressure.

Their cause was helped when newcomer Aiden Cavallini set up the games first goal just 1:12 in by Austin Plevy on an odd man rush.

With the lead early on the road, it was game on for Langley to try and play the 'perfect road game'. They forced the Express to try and weave their way through the neutral zone and force them into turnovers.

It was effective early and pretty much all night for the visitors.

Langley added to their lead on the powerplay when Mike Tebbutt scored his first of the game at the lip of the crease to give Langley a 2-0 lead.

The goal chased starter Cole Huggins who was pulled in favour of Khaleed Devji. Langley's fast start also saw them jump out to a early 10-1 advantage in shots.

Devji's task was to shut the door the rest of the way to keep the Express within striking distance while trying to figure out Langley's trap. He made a few saves in the second half of the first period and in the second to keep the deficit at just two.

The Express did take some penalties that at times reflected their frustration with how challenging it was to generate offence.

Mike Tebbutt added his second of the game in the final minute of the second period on the powerplay when he had the puck bounce to him at the side of the net following a blast by Richard Coyne from the point off the end glass.

Tebbutt completed his hat-trick in the third when he was able whack a puck under Khaleed Devji.

5 on 5 the Express weren't able to generate much. They got their two goals on the night in the third period off the stick of Cody Michelle who scored his first two goals of the season. Those tallies had to be somewhat rewarding considering what he's been through this season after having his jaw broken in the pre-season.

Mario Puskarich sealed the game for Langley into an empty net.

The two teams will do it all over again Saturday night in the re-match at the Langley Events Centre.

TURRIS CRACKS BCHL'S TOP 50

As part of the BCHL's 5oth anniversary celebration this weekend, the league announced it's top 50 players of all time Friday following an online vote by fans.

Fans were able to vote for the top ten players in each of the past 5 decades. Express alum and current Phoenix Coyote Kyle Turris was among the top players to make the list.

It's hard to ignore his contributions in the BCHL when Turris played his two seasons with the Express from 2005-07.

In his rookie season as a 16 year old, he was the Coastal Conference rookie of the year by scoring 36 goals and 36 assists for 72 points. In the playoffs he helped lead the Express to their first Fred Page Cup BCHL championship. Turris' dominance really started to take over once the Express advanced to the Doyle Cup vs. the Fort McMurray Oil Barons where the Express won the series in 6 games advancing to their first RBC.

On the national stage, Turris was magical. He scored the dramatic tying goal in the semi final vs. Fort William with just 11 seconds remaining in the third period. Then in the final, Turris was unstoppable. He scored a hat-trick and added an assist as the Express played their best game in the RBC defeating the Yorkton Terriers 8-2.

Turris finished the RBC with 7 goals and 13 points in 6 games and was named tournament MVP.

The next season all eyes were on the New Westminister native. In his draft year he didn't dissapoint with all the hype surrounding him. He ripped up the league scoring 66 goals and 121 points in 53 games. Perhaps it was a little prophetic that Kyle Turris scored his 50th goal that season in 39 games. If that accomplishment sounds familiar, it was also done by some guy named Wayne Gretzky with the Oilers many moons ago.

Following the season, Turris was named the top player in Canadian Junior A hockey and was the number 1 ranked prospect heading into the 2007 NHL draft. At the draft, it was Wayne Gretzky who made the call as the Phoenix Coyotes drafted Turris 3rd overall. It was a historic moment for the BCHL as it was the highest a player was ever selected directly out of the BCHL.

In his two seasons with the Express, Kyle Turris scored 102 goals and 193 points in 110 games.

To see the full list of the top 50 players click on the link below.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&page=57337

CATCHING UP WITH "JONESY"

Here's a good feature from the Colorado Avalanche website on getting to know former Express Captain David Jones.

Monday, 11.21.2011 / 5:27 PM / News By Ron Knabenbauer Even though David Jones is the lowest player drafted in Avalanche franchise history to make it to the NHL (ninth round, 288th overall), it has not stopped him from playing an important role in the Colorado offense the past five seasons.

The British Columbia native has 54 goals and 92 points in his time with Colorado, including seven goals and five assists (12 points) in 21 games this season.

Jones talked with us after Monday’s practice at Pepsi Center about married life, his college playing days and what he likes to do off the ice.

How is it practicing at Pepsi Center on a non-game day?“I like it. It is a lot closer to where I live so it is nice just to have a 10 minute commute instead of a 15-20 minute commute. Hopefully it helps us turn things around.”

You just got married this past summer, how has married life been?“It is great. We’ve been together for a long time so I can’t say it is a whole lot different. It was great this summer to get all of the friends and family together all in one spot. It was a great day and a great weekend for everyone.”

How had playing three years of college hockey at Dartmouth College helped you in the NHL?“It was huge for me because I developed pretty late. I didn’t grow when I was 15, 16 like a lot of these guys who played major juniors so it gave me an extra three years to develop. When I was 22, I made the jump to here and I think it was those three years that really helped me develop as a player and as a person.”

Ryan O’Byrne played at Cornell University, do you remember playing him in college?“Yeah we have played against each other for a long time. He grew up in Vancouver Island so we played against each other in minor hockey league tournaments. There is actually a funny story, it was in Atom or Peewee and there was a shootout in one of these tournaments and they picked one guy from each team and the winner got a pizza lunch for the whole team. There was like 50 teams so 50 guys shooting and it was just me and him left in the final two. He scored and I didn’t so I’m never hearing that one down. We’ve played against each other our whole lives, juniors and then college so it is cool that we both ended up here and it’s been great getting to know him more and seeing him around the rink all the time.”

You got your first two fighting major penalties of your NHL career this season, what were those experiences like?“It was definitely something different. Going to college you don’t have the opportunity because you are wearing a facemask. I fought a little bit in juniors, but it was definitely not something that I built my game around. Sometimes it just happens. The first one (Nov. 10 vs. Steve Staios, New York Islanders), their guy threw one of our guys into the back of the net and it is something that you have to show up and stick up for teammates no matter if you are a fighter or not. In the second one (Nov. 17 vs. Justin Falk, Minnesota), I think I hit a guy pretty good and he kind of took exception to it. You just have to stand in there and show up. That is the whole point about it.”

David is among a handful of Avalanche players participating in "Movember" to help raise awareness for men's health, specifically prostate cancer.

What kind of response have you received from your Movember moustache?“I don’t think my wife is too happy about it, but it is for a good cause so it is the least I could do – just not shave the top lip there.”

What do you like to do outside the rink to help you relax?“The basic stuff, go see movies and just get my mind off of hockey the best I can. I know a lot of guys watch a lot of hockey and watch a lot of sports when they are away from the rink. I’m not one of those guys. I like to separate the two and when I have the day off I like to relax. I have a couple of dogs that I’ll take for a walk or go out to lunch with my wife. I like to get my mind off of hockey when I have a chance.”

Do you have any hobbies?“I bought a guitar last year and I have been kind of working at that. I don’t have the skill like (Matt) Duchene or any of those guys, but I’m working on it. I watch a lot of T.V. shows and read quite a bit.”

TURRIS SIGNS NEW CONTRACT

The Kyle Turris contract stalemate has come to an end. He has come to terms on a new two year contract with the Phoenix Coyotes worth 2.8 million.

He will earn 1.2 million in the first year and 1.6 in the second. Turris didn't report to training camp and held out while awaiting to get a new deal done. He would have been ineligible to play in the NHL this season if he didn't get a new contract signed by December 1st as per the NHL's Collective Bargaining Agreement rules.

Back in October, the Turris camp had requested a trade out of Phoenix.

Before re-joining the Coyotes, Turris will report to their AHL affiliate in Portland to practice and get into game shape pending he passes a physical which shouldn't be a problem.

Last season in 65 games with the Coyotes, Turris scored 11 goals and 25 points, and had an even plus minus rating. In the playoffs he had 1 goal and 3 points in 4 games.

In 131 career NHL games, Turris has 19 goals and 46 points.

The New Westminister native played two seasons with the Express from 2005-07. He ripped up the league in those two years to the tune of 102 goals and 193 points in 110 games. He helped the Express win the 2006 Royal Bank Cup, and was the highest player drafted directly out of the BCHL in 2007 going third overall.

HUGGINS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Coquitlam Express netminder Cole Huggins has been named the British Columbia Hockey League's Player of the Week for the week ending Nov. 20, the league announced Monday.

Huggins led the Express to a trio of wins on the road and stopped 137 of 141 shots in the process. He began with a win in relief over the Powell River Kings where he was 1st Star and followed that up with a 36-save shutout performance against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs taking 3rd Star. He then stopped 39 of 42 shots against the Nanaimo Clippers to close out the week.

The Englewood, Colorado native is now 5-0 on the season and carries a 1.86 goals-against average to go along with a .952 save percentage.

Honourable mentions this week go to Penticton Vees forward Steven Fogarty (four games, five goals, seven assists, 1st Star, 2nd Star), Nanaimo Clippers goalie Billy Faust (two games, two wins, 0.50 GAA, .985 sv%, 1st Star), Langley Rivermen forward Darnell Dyck (two games, two goals, four assists, 1st Star), Surrey Eagles goalie Andrew Hunt (two games, two wins, 1.50 GAA, .959 sv%) and Prince George Spruce Kings goalie Kirk Thompson (three games, three wins, 1.28 GAA, .959 sv%, two 1st Stars).

OBSERVATIONS FROM AFAR

A perfect weekend for the Express as they went 3 for 3 taking all 6 points with wins on the road in Powell River, Alberni Valley and Nanaimo.

Just taking a quick glance at how things are going for the Express here's a few things that stand out.

I can't recall the last time the Express took all 3 games in a 3 game in 3 night weekend. And to do it on the road is that much more impressive. Closest thing I can recall to taking all 6 points was a weekend during the 05-06 season when the Express took 5 out of 6 points on the road with two wins and a tie in Quesnel, Prince George and Williams Lake.

The Express are now 7-5-0-1 on the road. The 7 road wins matches the number they were able to accumulate on the road all of last season.

Entering the season it is well known that the Express were going to do everything in their power to crack one of the top 4 spots in the Coastal Conference, in order to achieve that certainly one area that needed to improve was more success on the road, and that has happened.

The Express have much more options to choose from at various positions.

Perhaps most notably is in between the pipes. Cole Huggins took all three wins for the Express this weekend. That included his second shutout of the season Saturday in Alberni Valley. He is now 5-0 with the Express. This isn't to take anything away from returning veteran Khaleed Devji, but what it does give the Express is two options they can lean on in the crease.

Offensively the Express have more weapons at their disposal. Earlier this year most of the offence went through Alex Petan, Alex Kerfoot and John Siemer. Now there is much more support as a group offensively for the Express. They've picked up a number of players to give the team more offensive depth in its line up.

If I was to ask you who the second leading scorer for the Express this season is? If you were to answer 19 year old third year forward Malcom Mckinney you would be correct. He has quietly put up 20 points in 22 games this season. He is just 2 points shy of matching his point total in 52 games last season.

Taylor Bourne has produced what the Express were hoping they were getting when he was acquired from the Olds Grizzlys of the AJHL in exchange for Mitchell Deacon. He has 6 goals and 10 points in his first 7 Express games.

Looking at the Express roster shows many weapons for Coach Calvano to choose from when he can pick from the likes of Petan, Kerfoot, Siemer, Bourne, Mckinney, Shaw, Nardi and Clinton Atkinson on the backend.

Special teams has been consistently one of the better aspects of the Express game all season. They've placed themselves in the top 3 in the BCHL in both the powerplay and penalty kill.

This recent run of success has put them in postion to knock on the door of a playoff spot. They have won 6 of their last 8 games having picked up points in 7 of those contests. That run has pulled the Express within just 1 point of Victoria and Powell River who are tied for 4th place.

And just for the sake of discussion the Express are just 4 points behind Surrey for 1st place. Keep in mind that the Express and Eagles will meet for 4 consecutive meetings in early December.

CANADA WEST BACK ON TOP OF WORLD JR A MOUNTAIN

It wasn't an easy road for Canada West, but they found a way to get better as the World Junior A Challenge went along and came out of it as champions.

They went winless in their two round robin games and needed to take the long route to the gold medal game.

They needed a 4-1 quarterfinal win over the Czechs, followed by needing a overtime goal from Express forward Alex Kerfoot vs. Sweden to advance to the gold medal game.

After playing 4 games in 4 nights, Team West got some much needed rest and it helped in their gold medal contest winning 4-2 over Canada East.

It was the best performance all tournament long for the Western side.

The line of Alex Kerfoot, Evan Richardson of the Powell River Kings and Brandon Morley of the Surrey Eagles were at their best in the championship game.

Kerfoot set up Richardson for the games first goal early in the second period. Then Kerfoot scored a highlight reel goal to put Canada West up 2.

Click below to hear Alex Kerfoot's post game comments

The lead was cut to one entering the third on a goal by Michael Neville, it didn't rattle Canada West, they came out strong in the third period and got a powerplay goal by Carson Cooper. That was followed by another highlight reel goal by Vernon's Aaron Hadley.

Many players for Canada West improved as the week went along. The same could be said for Powell River Kings goaltender Sean Maguire. His play was recognized by being named the tournaments top goaltender.

Click below to hear Kent Lewis' post game comments

The win for Canada West was their third World Junior A Challenge gold, and their first since winning the first two World Junior A Challenge gold medals and 2006 and 2007.

For Canada East they're bridesmaids again for a second straight year and fourth time overall. They're still in search of their first World Junior A Challenge gold medal.

Alex Kerfoot isn't the only member of the Express organization coming away with a gold medal. Athletic Therapist Erin Berkowski served in the same role for Team Canada West.

GOOD DAY FOR THE EXPRESS

Photo Courtesy of Damon James.

Friday night the Express went into Alberni Valley and came away with a 6-2 win over the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. The win was the third in the last four games for the Express.

Newly named home assistant captain Malcom Mckinney had a 1 goal and 2 assists, Taylor Bourne scored his first 2 Express goals while Rajan Sidhu and John Siemer each had 1 goal and 1 assist.

The Express return home to face Cowichan Valley on Saturday.

Meanwhile at the World Junior A Challenge, Express rookie was the hero as he scored at 2:09 of overtime to give Canada West a 2-1 win over Sweden and send Canada West to the gold medal game.

Click below to hear Colin Tiggelaar call the winner on Fast Hockey.

by embed media player

Click below to hear from Alex Kerfoot

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It will be an all Canadian final as Canada East got some pay back on the USA who defeated Canada East in the Gold Medal game last year by knocking off the three time defending champions 4-2 in 2011.

Click below to hear from Kent Lewis

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It wasn't an easy road for Canada West to get to the gold medal game. Canada West went winless in two games in round robin. That included a 2-0 loss to Sweden on Wednesday.

Canada West gets a much needed day off after playing their 4th game in 4 nights Friday.

HODDER COMES TO EXPRESS

The Express have added some experience on the backend signing Zach Hodder.

The 18 year old native comes to the Express where he played 11 games this season with the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL where he had 1 goal and 3 points.

He played 25 games in each of the last 2 seasons with the Vancouver Giants.

In 61 career WHL games, Hodder has 5 goals and 21 points.

BAD TIMING AND BAD BOUNCE COSTS EXPRESS

Brad Gehl scored twice in the final minute of both the first and second periods, his second of the game turned out to be the winner as the Grizzlies knocked off the Express 3-2 Sunday afternoon.

It was pink in the rink night for the Express who wore special jerseys to help support breast cancer research.

Mitch Nardi opened the scoring for the Express blasting home a one timer on a 5 on powerplay.

Gehl scored his first goal in the final minute of the first period on the powerplay when he banged home a rebound past Khaleed Devji who was swimming in his crease.

Jarryd Ten Vaanholt gave Victoria their first lead when he sniped a great shot over the shoulder of Devji in the second period.

Gehl's second goal came from the right boards in the final minute of the second period. He fired the puck at the net and it tipped off Malcom Mckinney and past Devji to give the Grizzlies a 3-1 lead going to the third.

Alex Petan pulled the Express back within one in the third period, but that's as close as the Express would come.

Grizzlies goaltender Jamie Tucker had a strong game turing aside 35 of 37 Express shots.

The Express finish their 4 game in 5 day week with a 2-2 record.

VIDEO OF MCKINNEY'S WINNER

I'm not sure who, but someone was smart enough to get their cell phone camera rolling and capture Mckinney's penalty shot winner Saturday night.

HIGH DRAMA IN SOUTH SURREY

It was a game that kept you on the edge of your seat, especially in the final minutes of the third and into overtime as the Express dropped the Surrey Eagles 4-3 in double overtime.

Early on the story was the strong play of Eagles goaltender Andrew Hunt. He set the tone for the game in the opening minute with a great right pad save off Mitch Nardi.

Hunt made few good saves in the first period as the Express tested him 15 times and Hunt stopped them all in the first period and the game was scoreless after the first.

The Express kept sending rubber Hunt's way in the second. He finally cracked as Petan and Georgeson broke in on a 2 on 1 shorthanded and Georgeson scored just his second of the season banging home the rebound of Petan's shot by driving hard to the net.

The lead lasted for 43 seconds as Sean McGovern wired a wrist shot past Khaleed Devji to tie the game at one. Just as the Eagles fans stopped celebrating the goal, the Express struck again as Alex Petan converted new comer Taylor Bourne's feed and re-stored the Express lead just 18 seconds after McGovern's goal. All three goals came in a span of one minute and one second.

Surrey began their push looking for the equalizer in the third period. Alex Petan got called for a questionable penalty in the neutral zone. The Eagles capitalized on the powerplay as Captain Tyler Morley wired a wrist shot over the glove of Khaleed Devji to tie the game at 2. Surrey's best period was by far the third. Devji however was putting up a pretty strong wall.

Late in the third the Express went ahead again as Brady Shaw banged home a rebound of a Clinton Atkinson with 2:50 to go.

This lead didn't last either as in the final minute Devon Toews fired a slap shot past a screened Devji to send the home crowd into a frenzy.

Let's go straight to the final minute of the second overtime where Malcom Mckinney was tripped up deep in his own zone and he was awarded the automatic penalty shot.

Mckinney looked as cool as a cucumber as he shaded to left and went in a slid the puck through the legs of Andrew Hunt to give the Express their second straight win. The goal sent the Express players and their parents in attendance into a frenzy.

Andrew Hunt was the story in the first two periods of the game. His counterpart Khaleed Devji at the other end was the story in the third period and overtime facing 28 shots turning aside 26 in the final 29 minutes.

Back in the first period Evan Campbell was assessed a 5 minute major and given a game misconduct for a blow to the head penalty for a hit on Deminco Hannoun.

The Express finish their 4 game in 5 day week Sunday afternoon when they host Victoria.

HUGGINS BLANKS FORMER MATES

Cole Huggins made 38 saves in his second Express start for his first shutout with his new team as the Express won 2-0 over the Langley Rivermen.

The Express came out strong in the first period but couldn't beat Rivermen goaltender Jim Kruger. And when they did beat him, he had the red metal behind him backing him up.

The teams were scoreless after the first period.

Kruger continued his strong play into the second period. Finally the Express broke through midway through the frame when John Siemer from behind the net set up Connor Redmond who scored on a backhand for his first Express goal.

The Express got a break for their second goal three minutes later when Brady Shaw from behind the net centered the puck and it hit a defenceman and trickled through the legs of Kruger. The goal for Shaw was his 7th goal of the season with all 7 of those goals coming on home ice.

Langley opened the third period on the powerplay with Clinton Atkinson seated in the penalty box. That powerplay helped set the tone for the period as the Rivermen pressed to get on the board. That powerplay was followed by a few more but Langley couldn't get a puck past Huggins. The Rivermen sent 19 shots the way of Huggins who posted the first shutout of his BCHL career. Langley finished the game outshooting the Express 38-37. Huggins played last season with Langley when the team was nicknamed the Chiefs.

Jim Kruger was very good at the other end for Langley. He did all he could to keep his offensively challenged team in the game. The Rivermen who are the lowest scoring team in the BCHL have now scored just 30 goals in 16 games this season. They have just 3 goals in their last 5 outings. And they have scored 1 goal or less in 10 of 16 games.

The game wasn't the chiippiest of games in between the whistles, but had a fair number of emotional sckirmishes after the whistle.

Rajan Sidhu made his Express debut on defence after being acquired from Drumheller. Taylor Bourne didn't play but is expected to dress Saturday in Surrey.

WHEELING AND DEALING CONTINUES

I hope you've been able to keep up, but the Express have made another trade. They sent forward Coda Engbar and future considerations to the Drumheller Dragons of the AJHL in exchange for 20 year old defenceman Rajan Sidhu.

Sidhu who has a scholarship to RIT, is a name that is familiar to folks in the BCHL having spent the majority of his 97 career games with the Trail Smoke Eaters and Cowichan Valley Capitals. In those 97 career games, the 6'3 Surrey native has 5 goals and 46 points. Sidhu started the season in Trail where he had 1 goal and 4 points in 10 games before having his rights traded to Drumheller for James D'Andrea.

Dating back to the start of last week the Express have been very busy moving bodies in and out.

Here's a list of what's gone on.

Out:

Matt Hutchinson
Ben Murphy
Coda Engbar
Mitchell Deacon

In:

Connor Redmond
Bruin McDonald
Taylor Bourne
Rajan Sidhu

EXPRESS MAKE BIG TRADE

The Coquitlam Express have added some experienced scoring depth in a trade involving the Olds Grizzlys of the AJHL.

The Express have sent 18 year old forward Mitchell Deacon to the Grizz in exchange for 20 year old forward Taylor Bourne.

In this trade the Express have picked up the Grizzlys top scorer both this season and last season. This season Bourne has 11 goals and 23 points in 22 games. Last season he had 28 goals and 60 points in 57 games.

Deacon struggled with injuries in his time with the Express. But he was productive in his time in the lineup scoring 7 goals in 27 games in his rookie season last year. This season he had shoulder surgery before the season and just made his return to the line up last Friday vs. Surrey. He didn't pick up a point in 2 games this season.

Good luck to Mitchell in Olds and welcome to Taylor.

MEDIA DAY @ WJAC

Following the final intra-squad game for Team Canada West, the players and coaches were made available to the inquiring minds just before the final roster of 22 players was announced.

It was a good chance to get a sense on how the selection camp went. And to get an initial idea of how Head Coach Kent Lewis' team will be built.

Click here to listen to Head Coach Kent Lewis.

Click here to listen to Asst. Coach Dean Brockman.

Click here to listen to Alex Kerfoot.

KERFOOT STORY IN VANCOUVER SUN

There's a great story on Express rookie Alex Kerfoot in todays Vancouver Sun by Gary Kingston.

Check it out below...

Kerfoot looks to take Express route to pros

Seventeen-year-old son of Whitecaps soccer club owner highly touted and likely headed for NHL draft, scout predicts

BY GARY KINGSTON, VANCOUVER SUN NOVEMBER 2, 2011

Up in the top row of seats at the Langley Events Centre on Tuesday, a veteran scout was asked about the NHL draft prospects of 17-year-old Alex Kerfoot.

"Oh yeah, he'll get drafted," said the scout of the forward who was skating in the final selection camp scrimmage for the Canada West team that will play in next week's World Junior A Challenge at the LEC. "He's been getting a lot of attention."

"And if he doesn't make a team," the scout added with a wry smile, "his dad will just buy him one."

Just a joke, dad.

'Dad' is Greg Kerfoot, the reclusive millionaire owner of the Vancouver Whitecaps of Major League Soccer.

While the talented young Alex likely won't need any help from his father's fat pocket, he wouldn't mind some of Pop's height. Hockey Canada's initial list of selection camp invitees from the Junior A leagues in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba had Kerfoot, a West Vancouver native who plays for the Coquitlam Express in the B.C. Hockey League, listed at 5-foot-7 and 130 pounds. A pipsqueak.

On Tuesday, a newer roster had Kerfoot at a more appropriate five foot nine and a half and 153 pounds.

"Yeah, that's pretty much right," he said, grinning through a set of braces.

"My dad's 6-3, so he's big. Hopefully, I've still got some room to grow."

Kerfoot stamped himself as a legitimate prospect last season when he won the B.C. Major Midget League scoring title with 36 goals and 72 assists in just 38 games. "He's a very highly skilled player," said Coquitlam general manager Darcy Rota.

"He's a strong playmaker, that's his forte. He also can score goals, but he's got great vision on the ice. He tore apart the midget league."

In 12 games with the Express this season, Kerfoot has five goals and 10 assists.

"It was a little bit of an adjustment," he said of the jump to Junior A. "Coming in from midget, everyone is bigger and stronger. But as it's gone on, it's becoming easier to play and the game has kind of slowed down."

Canada West and Canada East will be joined in the six team World Challenge by squads from the U.S., Sweden, Russia and the Czech Republic. The Canadian teams are restricted to just five 1992-born players, leaving ample room on the rosters for the draft-eligible 1994-born players that the NHL scouts will be keeping a keen eye on next week.

"[Alex] is a very smart player," said Canada West head coach Kent Lewis of the BCHL Powell River Kings. "He's got a skill set that's well above average. He's a learner, a quiet kid ... but definitely, his talent level is very high."

He showed that Tuesday, sneakily stick-checking the puck away from a defenceman to score a third-period power play goal. He then got the overtime winner for his Red squad, making a power move to the net on a two-on-one break.

Kerfoot, who has never played on a Hockey Canada team, says it will be a "really cool experience" to face the European squads with their different styles of play. A late-round bantam draft pick of the WHL Seattle Thunderbirds, Kerfoot has decided to pass on the major junior system and will play NCAA hockey in the U.S.

"Just because I've always been a smaller guy, it'll give me some time to develop. And I'm not in any rush to go anywhere. And going to college, I'll have something to fall back on if hockey doesn't work out."

Kerfoot made recruiting visits a week ago to Boston College and Harvard and has another one planned for later this month at Yale.

"Amazing facilities and all the guys and the coaches were really great. I saw Boston College play Northeastern and it was crazy, definitely different than Junior A. The Northeastern student section in the upper deck was crazy, going non-stop the whole time. It was loud."

With Harvard and Yale on his three-school short list, Kerfoot, currently in Grade 12 at Collingwood in West Vancouver, is clearly no dummy.

"I have pretty good grades," he says with a smile. "I wouldn't get into Harvard by myself though, but good enough [grades] that they can take me."

As befits the son of a modern high-tech financier, Kerfoot says he'll "probably" study business.

A standout tennis and soccer player, Kerfoot actually played two seasons as a midfielder with the Vancouver Whitecaps under-13 team that won a couple of tournaments on a tour of Europe. He had to give up soccer a couple of years ago, however, when the commitment level needed to play major midget hockey increased.

"I love soccer, but hockey has always been my passion."

And how did dad react when he picked hockey?

"Until he started [with his purchase of the Whitecaps], he wasn't that into soccer. He never played soccer. He grew up with hockey."

IN THE CREASE: The BCHL placed 14 players on the 22-man Canada West squad

KERFOOT TO PLAY IN WORLD JUNIOR A CHALLENGE

Coquitlam Express Forward Alex Kerfoot has made the final cut of 22 bodies that will represent Team Canada West at the up coming World Junior A Challenge.

Unfortunately his linemate and Express Captain Alex Petan didn't make the team.

The BCHL is very well represented with 14 players on the team, it is then followed by 7 from the AJHL and then just one player from the SJHL Riley Kieser from the Humboldt Broncos. There were no players selected from the MJHL and no one from the SIJHL was in camp.

Canada West next has an exhibition game Thursday night vs. Team Canada East at the Langley Events Centre.

They will begin their quest for gold Tuesday November 8th vs. Sweden.

For the full roster click on the link below.

http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/75137/la_id/1/season_id/177147/profile_id/174226/team_id/80789/ss_id/170420/

WJAC TICKETS GOING FAST

The World Junior A Challenge which starts next week in Langley is a hot ticket.

Make sure you're there to see some great hockey.

Single-game tickets are now on sale for the 2011 World Junior A Challenge – see all 13 WJAC games, plus both CJHL Prospects Games. Just click the link below or call Ticketmaster at 1-855-985-5000 and be there in person as six teams go for gold. Fifteen games featuring hockey’s future stars in your own backyard – don’t miss it!

For tickets click here

http://www.ticketmaster.ca/WJAC Tickets

Tickets can also be purchased at the Langley Events Centre.

GRIZZLIES @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Here's the highlights of Victoria's 5-2 win over the Express Saturday night.



Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen.

GRIZZ GUNS WAKE UP IN 3RD EN ROUTE TO WIN OVER EXPRESS

The Victoria Grizzlies bounced back from a set back the night before and knocked off the Express 5-2 Saturday night.

An even scoreless first period saw Victoria edge the Express 15-14.

The first goal of the night came in the opening minutes of the second period when Coltyn Hansen fired a slap shot that powered past the glove of Khaleed Devji and in.

Jason Bird scored his first Express goal to tie the game at one when Mitch Nardi won a draw back to Bird who fired a slap shot that beat Jamie Tucker.

The Express got a 5 minute major powerplay when Charles Lillies hit Evan Campbell hard in the neutral zone and Lillies was assessed a 5 minute major and a game misconduct for boarding. More importantly for the Express, Campbell was ok from the hit.

Brady Shaw gave the Express their first lead on that powerplay when he cut in from the left wing and slid the puck past Tucker. The goal was the second in as many games for the power forward. It was also his 4th powerplay goal this season.

Alex Holland scored the goal of the night to even the score as he come out from behind the Express net and fired a perfect shot top corner over the right shoulder of Devji.

Entering this game the Express knew they had to try and shut down Victoria's top guns which included BCHL top scorer Wade Murphy, Jarryd Ten Vaanholt and Mike Moran. Well they did exactly that through the first two periods. But they woke up in the third as Mike Moran gave Victoria a 3-2 lead early in the period. Then two and a half minutes later Ten Vaanholt gave Victoria some insurance with a powerplay goal.

With those two goals, Victoria's top line on this night went from 0 points in the first two periods. Then they all of a sudden had combined for four points.

Kevin Woodyatt rounded out the scoring beating Devji with a wrist shot from the point.

Victoria had a strong final 40 minutes on this night outshooting the Express 33-15. And they finished with 48 shots compared to 29 for the Express.

The Express penalty killers had another solid night killing off 5 of 6 shorthanded situations.

Coquitlam is next in action Wednesday night in Cowichan Valley.

EAGLES @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Here's the highlights of Surrey's 4-3 OT win over the Express Friday night.



Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen.

CALVANO TALKS TRADES

The Express were busy this week with trades involving Dana Tennenbaum, Matt Hutchinson and Ben Murphy being traded away, and bringing in Connor Redmond and Bruin McDonald.

Prior to Friday's game with Surrey, Head Coach Jon Calvano provided some great insight about how the Express roster has evolved dating back to training camp and how helped get the Express to the position where they made the moves they did this week.

Click here to listen to Head Coach Jon Calvano.

MORLEY'S HAT-TRICK CARRIES EAGLES TO OT WIN

Surrey Eagles captain Tyler Morley's hat-trick shouldered the offensive load for the Eagles as they edged the Express 4-3 in overtime Friday.

It was the first home game for the Express in two weeks after playing their last three games on the road.

Surrey like the Express returned to the mainland this week after a trip to the interior.

Surrey got off to a quick start by jumping out to a 10-1 advantage in shots in the opening 10 minutes. The visitors were rewarded by opening the scoring when Devon Toews finished off a 4 on 2 rush by banging home a rebound off a one timer from the slot.

The lead didn't last as the Express pulled even on a rebound goal of their own from a defenceman as Clinton Atkinson scored on a tough angle on Andrew Hunt.

The Express got their only lead of the night three minutes later as Zack Holstrom poked a loose puck in the crease home. Holstrom who also assisted on the Atkinson goal continues his impressive play as he now has 4 goals and 2 assists during his 7 games with the Express as an AP.

The second half of the period was better for the Express and they were able to close the gap in the shots on goal by the time the period ended with Surrey holding just a 14-13 advantage after the opening 20 minutes.

Tyler Morley began to make his presence felt to open the second period. The Eagles captain had a good chance that was turned aside by Khaleed Devji in the opening seconds. Morley made his second good chance of the opening minute of the period count as he snapped a shot home while being hauled down.

The 2-2 tie lasted into the third period until Morley struck again by showing
some smooth hands and deking past Devji to finish off an odd man rush.

Brady Shaw pulled the Express even while on the powerplay by doing what he does best, and thats score from close range. He deftly re-directed a Clinton Atkinson point shot midway through the third. On the goal, Brady Shaw, Clinton Atkinson and Mitch Nardi chipped in with their second points of the game.

The game remained tied into overtime. In the final minute of the first overtime Bruin McDonald was called for tripping, and it only took the Eagles 8 seconds to make the Express pay, Surrey won the draw and Steve Koshey dished the puck to Tyler Morley at the right circle and he wired a perfect wrist shot over Khaleed Devji's glove for Morley's hat-trick goal. And most importantly give the Eagles the win.

The game saw newcomers Bruin McDonald and Connor Redmond make their Express debut. Plus, Mitchell Deacon played his first game of the season after suffering a shoulder injury in training camp. This was also the final game that Captain Alex Petan and Alex Kerfoot will play with the Express for a while as they now head to Team Canada West selection camp for the upcoming World Junior A challenge.

Victoria comes to Coquitlam for a visit on Saturday night.

MURPHY TO CANADIANS

The Express have made another trade, sending 20 year old forward Ben Murphy to the Carleton Place Canadians of the CCHL for future considerations.

More to come later on. A little busy at work right now.

HUTCHINSON TRADED TO CHIEFS

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The Coquitlam Express have made a trade sending 20 year old defenceman and alternate captain Matthew Hutchinson to the Chilliwack Chiefs in exchange for future considerations.

The steady stay at home defenceman was in his second season with the Express. This season he had 1 assist in 11 games. And he picked up 1 goal and 11 assists in 68 career games with the Express. But putting up numbers is not how you measure Hutch's game.

With the trading of Hutchinson and Dana Tennenbaum this week, to fill one of the spots on the backend the Express have signed Bruin McDonald who was with the Express during training camp this season.

To make room for Hutchinson, the Chiefs have released former Express defenceman Justin Elliott.

Good luck in the Wack Hutch.

TURRIS ASKS FOR TRADE

The Kyle Turris stalemate with the Phoenix Coyotes continues to drag on. As per a story today from Pierre Lebrun of ESPN, he has confirmed that the 2007 3rd overall pick has asked for a trade.

By Pierre LeBrun
ESPN.com

The standoff between Kyle Turris and the Phoenix Coyotes was taken up a notch Thursday.

Kurt Overhardt, the agent for the unsigned center, confirmed that Turris has asked the Coyotes for a trade.

"This has never been about money, we've been upfront with the club from Day 1," Overhardt told ESPN.com Thursday. "We've respectfully requested that the player had the opportunity to move forward in his career by having a fresh start."

Coyotes general manager Don Maloney's stance has been that he wouldn't trade Turris. And that hasn't changed.

"The CBA gives us certain rights to Turris and we are exercising our rights," Maloney told ESPN.com in an email Thursday. "There will be a point in the future Turris will have the right to decide who he wants to play for and how much he will accept.

"He is not at this stage, given his age and experience. If he wants to play in the NHL this season, he will re-sign with us. We will not trade his rights under any circumstances and are prepared to live with the consequences if he decides to sit out this, and future, seasons."

The no-trade stance confounds Overhardt.

"I know that the Coyotes' organization can benefit significantly by moving this asset," Overhardt said. "As a Group 2 free agent and speaking to several teams -- which I won't name -- I know that there's a number of clubs that have put forth significant offers to the Coyotes' organization which include valuable assets which would benefit Phoenix."

If Turris isn't signed by Dec. 1, he cannot play this season, according to the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

"I'm confident that we'll be able to work this important matter out with the Coyotes' organization so as to benefit both parties," Overhardt said.

Turris, 22, had 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists) in 65 games for the Coyotes last season. He has 46 points (19-27) in 131 career NHL games. He was the third overall pick in the 2007 draft.

Pierre LeBrun covers the NHL for ESPN.com.