EXPRESS MIXLR BROADCAST

Monday, October 31, 2011

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.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

GRIZZLIES @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

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



Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

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.

Friday, October 28, 2011

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.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

HUTCHINSON TRADED TO CHIEFS



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.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

PETAN & KERFOOT INVITED TO WJAC CAMP



The World Junior A Challenge in Langley is drawing closer by the day.

Now it's getting down to the nitty gritty of working on picking a team that will represent Team Canada West November 7-13th in Langley.

Great news for Express Captain Alex Petan and his linemate Alex Kerfoot who have both been invited to the Team Canada West Selection camp.

It's been a great start to the season for Alex Petan who was named team captain, he has secured a scholarship to Michigan Tech University, and he leads the team in scoring with 18 points in the first 11 games of the season.

During training camp in September Kerfoot took part in the evaluation camp held in Canmore Alberta. So far this season Kerfoot has lived up to the expectations entering the season sitting second in team scoring with 14 points in his first 11 games. He is tied for first as the top scoring first year forwards in the Coastal conference. And he is first among all rookies in scoring born in 1994 or later in the BCHL.

In addition to Petan and Kerfoot being named to the selection camp, Express Athletic Therapist Erin Berkowski will be the team Therapist for Canada West.

In other Express news, defenceman Dana Tennenbaum has been traded to the Wellington Dukes of the OJHL. And the Express have brought in forward Connor Redmond. The 19 year old Richmond native has played parts of the last 4 seasons in the WHL with Red Deer and Vancouver playing 122 games scoring 7 goals and 19 points.

To see the full list of invitees click on the link below.


Tuesday, October 18, 2011

VOTE FOR THE BCHL'S ALL TIME BEST


In honour of the BCHL's 50th season, the league has launched fan voting to determine an all-time team which will be revealed at the Celebration Weekend, Nov. 25/26, at each team's arena.

Fans can vote for the top 3 Stars from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. There are 133 players listed in total from which a Top 50 will be named.

"Fans will be surprised at just how many names they'll recognize from throughout our history," said BCHL communications director Brent Mutis. "There are lots of players who went on to long NHL careers and others who had fantastic Junior A careers. A glance to our website of the Trophy Case section will reveal many of the names in the survey."

Whether it's former NHL superstar Brett Hull of the Penticton Knights, Eric Shishido - the only player to repeat as scoring champ - of the Kamloops Rockets, Norris Trophy Winner Duncan Keith of the Penticton Panthers, Stanley Cup winner Andy Moog of the Kamloops Braves, high-scoring defenceman Campbell Blair of the Vernon Lakers, NHL third-overall pick Kyle Turris or last season's Interior Conference MVP Joey Laleggia of the Penticton Vees, you'll find them all in the poll.

To cast votes, fans should visit www.bchl.ca and the 'BCHL History' page under the 'League' tab. Voters can choose three players per decade and categorize them as 1st Star, 2nd Star or 3rd Star.

The poll is also available by clicking on the link below.

Monday, October 17, 2011

JONES OT HERO FOR AVS

Express alum David Jones scored the OT winner for the Colorado Avalanche as they handed the Leafs their first loss of the season. (Sarcastic tear) The Avs meanwhile finished a 5 game road trip a perfect 5-0.

See the goal below.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

KINGS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Here's the highlights from Friday's 4-4 tie between the Express and Kings.



Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen.

TIM KEHLER INTERVIEW


During the second intermission of Friday's game vs. the Powell River Kings, I had to catch up with the 2010-11 BCHL Interior Conference Coach of the year Tim Kehler. He is currently not coaching a team in the league following his decision to leave the Salmon Arm Siverbacks in the off-season.

We covered a number of topics including the opportunity he had to coach the team of BCHLers that represented Canada in Russia at the Region Centre Cup back in April, and what he is up to at the moment.

Click to here to listen to Tim Kehler.

Friday, October 14, 2011

EXPRESS AND KINGS FIT TO BE TIED

If there ever was a game where a tie feels like a win, that might be the case Friday as the Kings and Express battled to a 4-4 tie.

Where do you start talking about this game from an Express point of view?

For the second straight game the penalty killers stepped up most notably with the game on the line.

You could talk about Alex Petan continuing his fine season chipping in on all 4 Express goals by scoring one and setting up three others. He now has 16 points this season which keeps him among the top scorers in the BCHL.

No question Khaleed Devi deserves recognition after coming off the bench to make 35 saves in 41 minutes of shutout hockey to allow the Express to come away with a hard earned point.

Click here to listen to Head Coach Jon Calvano's post game comments.

The Express opened the scoring on a powerplay goal by Brady Shaw as he scored his fourth goal in his last three games by re-directing Clinton Atkinson's point shot.

Teagan Waugh tied it up for the Kings shortly there after as he took a drop pass from Evan Richardson and wired it post and in past Cole Huggins who got his first Express start.

Evan Campbell's first BCHL goal gave the Express the lead again on the powerplay as he cleaned up the rebound of a Clinton Atkinson point shot.

The fans had barely stopped celebrating the goal when the Kings tied it again just 9 seconds later when Carter Shinkaruk tapped home a loose puck in the Express crease.

Evan Richardson gave the Kings their first lead early in the second period on the powerplay as his shot beat Huggins up high.

Powell River extended their lead just under 5 minutes later as they quickly moved the puck up ice and Brandon Tidy followed up on his own rebound to put it in a gaping cage to put the Kings up 4-2. That spelled the end of the Express debut for Cole Huggins who was replaced by Khaleed Devji after allowing 4 goals on 14 shots.

Devji's task was to shut the door and try and give his team a chance to battle back.

And part of that job to do it was while the Express were shorthanded as they were to open the third period with Brady Shaw in the box for boarding.

The penalty killers did their job to open the third.

Alex Petan started the Express come back by banging home the rebound of a Mitch Nardi shot from the high slot for the third powerplay goal of the game for the home team.

The comeback was complete when Alex Kerfoot swept up the rebound of Evan Campbell's wrister from the line to tie the game at 4.

At this point the drama in this game was just starting to pick up. And referee Kam Poirier left the game and his linesmen had to pick up the slack.

Late in the game Ben Murphy and Clinton Atkinson were called for penalties in back to back succession and the penalty killers needed to step up to preserve the point by getting the game to OT. And they did exactly that.

Khaleed Devji came up with a number of clutch stops. One of the more notable ones was a glove save from a blast from the point.

With the single point secured each team had their chances in the first overtime to end it. Coquitlam's best chance in ot came when Malcom Mckinney got a clear cut breakaway from centre ice but rang his shot off the post.

The penalty killers last hurrah came late in the first OT with Jason Bird being sent off for tripping. Again they did the job to keep the game tied. They were spectacular in the two games vs Powell River killing off 15 of 16 shorthanded situations and a number of them with the game on the line in each of the two games. They're a big reason why the Express were able to pick up three out of a possible four points vs the Kings who started the year 6-0.

The tie now extended the Express unbeaten streak to 4 games. (3-0-1-0) and have picked up points in 4 of their last 5 games. Powell River meanwhile is winless in their last 4 games. (0-3-1-0).

Next up the Express hit the road for three straight starting tomorrow in Cowichan Valley then head to the Interior for games in Prince George and Westside next Thursday and Friday.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

ALEX PETAN INTERVIEW

Today I had a chance to catch up with Express Captain Alex Petan to discuss his scholarship for next season to Michigan Tech, his start to the season and the back to back games vs. the Powell River Kings.

Click on the link below to take you to my story on Petan's scholarship and to hear the interview.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

BAKKEN SUSPENDED FOR 2 GAMES

The BCHL has suspended Langley Rivermen Captain Ryan Bakken for two games.

During the third period Friday, Bakken cross checked Express rookie Alex Kerfoot in the head while he was on the ice following Kerfoot taking the puck to the net on a scoring chance.

Bakken was given a 5 minute major penalty and a game misconduct on the play.

To see the video of the play scroll to the 2:06 mark of the game highlights below.

KINGS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Here's the highlights from the Express' 4-3 win Sunday afternoon vs. Powell River.



Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen.

Monday, October 10, 2011

PETAN COMMITS TO MICHIGAN TECH


Express Captain Alex Petan is the first player this season to get a post secondary commitment as he will be heading to Michigan Tech University for next season.

The third year forward has gotten off to a fantastic start to the season leading the team in scoring with 12 points in his first 7 games. This past weekend was a memorable one for Petan on the ice as he had his first BCHL hat-trick over the Langley Rivermen on Friday. Then on Sunday he scored a spectacular goal in the third period in the 4-3 win over the Powell River Kings.

Click here to listen to Alex Petan.

Last season the Express secured post secondary commitments for 9 players which was among some of the higher totals of all the teams in the BCHL. This season shouldn't be any different.

Congratulations Alex.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

EXPRESS CROWN KINGS

You can make it three straight wins and 4 in the last 5 games for the Express as they topped the Powell River Kings 4-3.

The Express for the second straight game limited the shots of the opposition early and came out of the first period with the lead on Brady Shaw's powerplay goal to finish off a nice passing play.

The Express limited the Kings to just three shots in the first period.

Mitch Nardi contiuned his strong play as he added to the Express lead early in the second period finishing off a 2 on 1 break with Brady Shaw. Nardi has 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points in his last 3 games.

Following Nardi's goal Kings Head Coach Kent Lewis tried to wake his team up by calling his time out. He was hoping for a bounce back performance from his team after they suffered their first loss of the season the night before in Langley.

Teagan Waugh was awarded a penalty shot midway through the second period after he was hooked on a partial breakaway by Jason Bird. On the free pass, Khaleed Devji made a fine save as Waugh deked to Devji's right who kicked out his right pad to keep the Kings off the board.

The game plan was all going accoring to plan for the Express right up until the final seconds of the middle frame when they had a brain cramp while on the powerplay. The Express coughed up the puck deep in their own zone and Daniel Schuler made the Express pay by sneaking a shot just under Khaleed Devji for a shorthanded goal with just 8 seconds remaining in the period.

Schuler struck again early in the third period as he wired a wrist shot from the slot beating Devji to the stick side to pull Kings even.

Captain Alex Petan scored the goal of the night to give the Express the lead again as he danced down the right wing around a King defender then wired a perfect shot over the glove of Jason Phillips.

Brady Shaw capped off a three point game by adding his second of the game on the powerplay just 1:11 after Petan's goal to put the Express back up by 2.

The lead was down to one again on the second best goal of the game when Evan Richardson wired a rocket of a wrist shot past Khaleed Devji with just over 10 minuntes to go.

The Kings pressed for the equalizer but couldn't get it. They even had a powerplay with just over 2 minutes to go with Ben Murphy taking a offensive zone penalty. By killing off the Murphy penalty to seal the win, it capped off a perfect night for the Express penalty killers who shut down all 8 King man advantages.

Devji was busy in the third period facing 16 shots. He finished with 27 saves.

The win for the Express was their first over the Kings since January 23, 2009. A span of 14 games that saw the Express go 0-11-0-3 in that time.

The two teams will meet for the second time in a week in Coquitlam Friday night.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

RIVERMEN @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Here's the highlights from the Express' 6-3 win over the Langley Rivermen Friday night.



Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen.

Friday, October 7, 2011

PETAN'S 1ST BCHL HAT-TRICK CARRIES EXPRESS OVER LANGLEY

Alex Petan's first BCHL hat-trick led the Express attack as they took care of the Langley Rivermen 6-3.

The win was their second straight and evened their record at 3-3.

Coquitlam set the tone for the game early with their speed and puck movement and never took their foot off the gas pedal.

Despite the good start it was Langley who opened the scoring on the powerplay as Mario Puskarich showed some skilled hands re-directing a point shot in tight over the shoulder of Khaleed Devji.

The goaltender at the other end Jim Kruger was writing a pretty good story of his own in the first period. He made spectacular saves off Mitch Nardi and Evan Campbell. The save off Nardi was a great glove grab where Nardi thought he had a tap in. The one off Campbell saw Kruger out wait the Express forward Evan Campbell and kick out the right pad on the deke attempt.

Finally the Express broke through as Alex Petan snapped home a feed from Alex Kerfoot tying the game at 1 with just 1:05 remaining in the period. The Express dominance saw them have a 15-6 shot advatage after the first period.

They kept up the pressure in the second period and Brady Shaw gave the Express their first lead on a goal mouth scramble.

Despite the heavy shot advantage for the Express, Langley pulled even when Thomas Nitsche's point shot beat a screened Devji on the powerplay.

Alex Petan scored his second of the night finishing off a great three way passing play on the power play to give the Express their second lead at 3-2.

Again the lead didn't last, just 1:19 after Petan's second, Darnell Dyck set up Tyler Hanzlik in the slot who snapped it past Khaleed Devji.

Coquitlam just brushed off another tying goal from Langley and kept on dominating.

Josh Finkelstien started a quick rush with a great stretch pass to Brady Shaw who dropped it for Petan who made no mistake snapping it home for his first BCHL hat-trick to give the Express a well deserved 4-3 lead going to the third period. The Express outshot Langley 18-5 in the second period. And were outshooting them 33-11 through two periods.

Click here to listen to Alex Petan's 3 goals tonight.

Langley captain Ryan Bakken didn't do his team any favours in the third when he cross checked rookie Alex Kerfoot hard to the ice. Bakken was given a 5 minute major and a game misconduct.

Coquitlam took full advantage of the opportunity to put the game away as Malcom Mckinney and Coda Engbar scored on the powerplay to give the Express insurance.

The Express finished the game doubling the Rivermen in shots by a 42-21 count. Both the shots for and against were a season best for the Express.

The powerplay had another good night as the Express went 3 for 6. Langley was 2 for 5.

On a side note the Express have released goaltender Billy McGladrey and have brought in Cole Huggins who played last season with the Langley Chiefs.

Monday, October 3, 2011

EXPRESS PICK 2 AT BCHL AP DRAFT

The BCHL had it's first ever draft of 15 year old affiliate players today. The purpose being for all 16 clubs can select one player in each of the two rounds to be affiliate players for this season. The draft order was determined in reverse order based on last seasons regular season standings. The Express had the 5th and 21st picks.

With their first pick they selected Coquitlam native defenceman Viktor Dombrovskiy. This season he plays with the Vancouver Northeast Chiefs of the BC Major Midget League. Dombrovskiy stands 5'10 and weighs in at 170lbs.

In round two the Express selected forward Tyler Sandhu. He is skating this season with the Greater Vancouver Canadians of the BC Major Midget League. The Richmond native stands 5'9 and weighs 145lbs.

The players rights selected in this draft will not be retained by their drafted club at the end of the 2011-12 season.

The Powell River Kings exercised their right to pass and didn't select a player in both the first and second rounds. The Cowichan Valley Capitals passed on their second round pick 19th overall.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

PENALTIES RAIN DOWN IN EXPRESS LOSS TO EAGLES

It was a game that saw plenty of penalties handed to the Express, and the Eagles made them pay for their undisciplined play in a 5-1 Eagles win Saturday.

Frustration frustration frustration was a good way to describe the Express' effort at the South Surrey Arena.

The Eagles had a total of 11 powerplays and 10 of them came in the opening 40 minutes.

But to start however, it was the Express getting the head start with the powerplays.

They got a 5 on 3 for 43 seconds less than two minutes into the game when Brandon Tanev was penalized for goaltender interference. That was followed shortly there after by a elbowing penalty to Brandon Morley.

Coquitlam wasn't able to take advantage of the opportunity presented to them and get off on the right foot on the road.

The Eagles held off the Express then got their attack in gear.

Charles Orzetti scored his first BCHL goal when he re-directed Beau Orser's point shot past Khaleed Devji.

That goal woke the Eagles up and they began to apply a little more pressure on the Express. Khaleed Devji did his best to keep the Express in the game with a number tough saves.

As the period wound down, the Express discipline began to get the best of them. Clinton Atkinson was given a double whammy for cross checking and slashing. That was quickly followed by a hooking penalty to Mitchell Fyffe which gave Surrey an extended 5 on 3.

The penalties hurt the Express when Brandon Tanev converted a cross crease feed from Tyler Morley for a tap in.

As the goals started to go in for the Eagles, they began to take flight and found their skating legs.

Surrey added one more goal in the dying seconds of the period when Tyler Morley finished off a 2 on 1 with Sean McGovern with less than 2 seconds remaining in the period.

More Express frustration added more salt to the Express' wound on the third goal when Jason Bird was called for roughing moments after the puck went into the net.

All told the Express were called for 5 penalties in the opening 20 minutes.

The story didn't change when the second period got going.

Steve Koshey scored the Eagles second powerplay goal of the game to give the Eagles a 4-0 lead with Matt Hutchinson and Captain Alex Petan in the penalty box. That goal saw Khaleed Devji's night come to an end to be replaced by Billy McGladrey. Despite allowing the 4 goals, it's hard to place any blame on the shoulders of Devji. He did his best to try and keep his team in the game when his teammates in front of him had a tough time keeping their cool.

The run of 6 straight minors assessed to the Express ended when Charles Orzetti was called for slashing. That penalty lead to the only goal the Express would muster with Alex Kerfoot scoring his third goal in his last two games.

The Eagles rounded out the scoring with Tyler Morley banging home a loose puck for his second goal of the game which came on a powerplay and like his goal in the first period it came in the dying seconds of the middle frame. The goal capped off a 4 point night for the Eagles captain who had two goals and two assists. Younger brother Brandon had a pair of helpers.

All the penalties didn't allow the Express to get all their players an opportunity to see much ice in the opening 40 minutes. It fragmented the lines and forced the penalty killers to spend too much time fending off the Eagles attack.

The third period didn't produce any offence. But it did show what the Express might have been able to do in this game were it not for all the penalties. By then it was too little too late and the game was decided.

Surrey finished the game 3 for 11 on the powerplay. While the Express went 1 for 7.

Khaleed Devji and Billy McGladrey were peppered with a combined 42 shots. While Andrew Hunt turned aside 33 of 34 Express shots.

The loss drops the Express record to 1-3 on this young season. They will travel to Alberni Valley for their second meeting with the Bulldogs in just over a week. Alberni Valley won their home opener over Coquitlam 5-1 last Saturday.

SILVERBACKS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Here's the highlights from the Express' first win of the season over Salmon Arm Friday.



Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen.