CENTS EDGE EXPRESS TO END 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EXPRESS ACQUIRE VETERAN HELP FOR BLUELINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UDAHL TO BU

Udahl commits to BU - Photo courtesy of Damon James

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click here for more insight why Udahl moved on to BU

EXPRESS BURY EAGLES EARLY AND OFTEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The onslaught just kept on coming in the second period.

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

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

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

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

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

Troy Robillard - Photo courtesy of Damon James.

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

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

EXPRESS ALUMNI VIDEOS

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

David Jones

Andrew Ladd

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

EXPRESS STUFF EAGLES ON TEDDY BEAR TOSS NIGHT

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jack Surowiec - Photo courtesy of Damon James

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOP LINE PACES EXPRESS VS. SURREY

Luca Leone - Photo Courtesy of Garrett James

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

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

Cressey and Kerfoot - Photo Courtesy of Garrett James

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

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

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

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

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

Keegan Jones - Photo Courtesy of Garrett James

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

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

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

Jack Surowiec - Photo Courtesy of Garrett James

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

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

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

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

WILD DOUBLE UP ON EXPRESS

Alex Ambrosio - Photo courtesy of Damon James

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HAYWARD AND WOLFF AUDIO ON WJAC

Photo courtesy of Damon James

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

Click here to listen to Blake Hayward

Click here to listen to Barry Wolff

WILD @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

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

Highlights courtesy of Jorge Parra and Underdog Productions.

HAYWARD TO PLAY FOR TEAM CANADA WEST

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

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

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

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

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

BULLDOGS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

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

Highlights courtesy of Jorge Parra and Underdog Productions.

BULLDOGS PREVAIL IN 2OT AFTER EXPRESS RALLY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHIEFS POUNCE ON FATIGUED EXPRESS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EXPRESS IMMUNE TO VIPER VENOM

Charlie Barrlow - Photo courtesy of Garrett James

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

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

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

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

Erik Udahl leads a rush - Photo courtesy of Garrett James

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHIEFS FIRST PERIOD STORM BURIES EXPRESS

The Chilliwack Chiefs struck four times in the first period with three coming late in the opening twenty minutes en route to a 6-3 win over the Express Saturday night. Click here for boxscore

The Express had a good start playing with plenty of energy and looking ready to battle. But it was Chilliwack who struck first with Jordan Kawaguchi opening the scoring midway through the first period.

That goal didn't deter the Express who showed signs of trying to pull even. Jackson Cressey had the best chance for the Express getting his stick lifted just as he was about to tap in a centering pass from Colton Kerfoot from behind the net.

Then in a quick blink of an eye the game turned in Chilliwack's favour. Luke Adam scored on a slap shot that was tipped in the high slot for a 2-0 Chiefs lead. That was quickly followed by goals from Kale Kane and Vimal Sukumaran and it was 4-0 Chilliwack after the first period. Chilliwack scored three times in a 2:27 span to end the first period and they outshot the Express 19-8 in the period.

It was more of the same for Chilliwack in the second period. But they couldn't get another puck past Tyger Howat. The Express goaltender faced 54 shots Saturday. But he didn't have much luck on any of the four goals that got past him in the first period.

The game was delayed midway through the second period when a Austin McIlMurray hit in the corner popped out a pane of glass.

The delay allowed the Express to settle things down a little and get a boost when play resumed.

Moments after the resumption of play Alex Ambrosio got the Express on the board finding a loose puck in the crease and sliding it past Aiden Pelino.

Late in the second period the lead was cut to 4-2 on a power play goal by Jackson Cressey with a quick shot from the slot. Cressey has four goals in his last two games.

The Express weren't able to muster up much in the third period looking to complete the comeback.

Jesse Lansdell put the Chiefs back up by three snapping home the rebound of a Kale Kane shot with less than three minutes remaining in the third period.

Owen Stout capped off the scoring for the Express wiring a wrist shot top shelf over the glove of Pelino with 1:39 remaining. The Express finished with 24 shots.

Lansdell then added his second of the game in the final minute of the third period into an empty net.

Next week will be a busy one for the Express with four games in five nights with lots of travel in between. It starts Wednesday night at home vs. Vernon. Then the Express are in Prince George Thursday then returning to Chilliwack Friday. A day off Saturday then the Express host Alberni Valley Sunday afternoon. 

EXPRESS RALLY IN THIRD TO DOWN SPRUCE KINGS

Photo courtesy of Damon James.

Jackson Cressey scored his first BCHL hat-trick and the Express scored four unanswered goals in the third period to rally for a 6-3 win over the Prince George Spruce Kings. Click here for boxscore

Fresh off being invited to the selection camp for Team Canada West for the World Junior A challenge, the Express captain rewarded his Head Coach and Team Canada West assistant coach Barry Wolff with a solid effort.

Cressey opened the scoring for the Express in the first period by getting a half step behind the Spruce Kings defense and sliding a backhand past Liam McCloskey.

Blake Hayward - Photo courtesy of Damon James

Three minutes later the Express struck again. Noah Turanski who has spent the last two weeks on defense due to the injury to Nic Coltura scored his first of the season by letting a wrist shot fly from the left point. The other Express Team Canada West selection camp invitee Blake Hayward didn't register a point on the goal, but he was instrumental on it creating havoc for McCloskey to battle through in front of the net.

Turanski has shown steady improvement in recent weeks on the blueline. He's looking more and more comfortable in that position.

Prince George playing their third game in three nights and coming out on the wrong end of the first two games of the trip didn't allow the early deficit deter them. They slowly began to find their game in the second half of the first period.

They started to get rewarded for their play in the second period on the power play. Adam Brubacher beat Lawson Fenton with a shot up over the shoulder to get Prince George on the board.

The pace of play in the second period was so muddy it would make a pig happy. And that suited the Spruce Kings just fine.

That led to some mistakes by the Express, and one proved costly. They turned the puck over at their own blue line and Bryan Basilico in behind the Express D beat Fenton with a deke to the backhand to tie the game at two.

Jonathan Irving - Photo courtesy of Damon James

The end of the second period couldn't come fast enough for the Express to re-group for the third.

The message in the room didn't quite register with the Express to open the final period. Alex Stoley gave the Spruce Kings their lone lead of the night after a won face-off in the Express end and Stoley took the puck deep then cut in front and beat Fenton with a shot up over his glove.

That goal proved to be the wakeup call the Express needed.

Less than a minute later the game turned in the Express favour in spectacular fashion. Eric Udahl took a pass at centre ice with speed, he then cut to the middle of the ice with a toe drag and flipped a shot over McCloskey while falling to the ice to tie the game at three.

For Udahl that goal snaps a lengthy slump. It was his first goal since October 1st in Victoria and span of 16 games. It was also his first point in 15 games. But he's shown signs recently of breaking through. He was using he speed effectively tonight to help create chances.

The fans hadn't even had a chance to pick their jaws off the floor of the Udahl goal when the Express struck again. Jackson Cressey from the left boards snapped a shot for his second of the night just 19 seconds after Udahl's goal.

The third period saw three goals in a span of 1:07 with the Express getting the latter two.

Liam McCloskey battles Express traffic - Photo courtesy of Damon James

The two quick goals settled the Express down.

Cam Bertsch gave the Express their second two goal lead of the night midway through the period. The goal began deep in the defensive zone and Bertsch picking up speed and rushing all the way to the Prince George net where his first shot was denied but he buried his own rebound.

Captain Cressey then sealed the win by hitting an empty net complete his first BCHL hat-trick for a shorthanded goal in the dying moments. It was also the first shorthanded goal for the Express this season. The shorthanded goal was a long time coming for a team

that led the BCHL in shorthanded goals in each of the last two seasons with 33 in that time.

Lawson Fenton quietly had another solid night in the Express crease with 36 saves for his second straight win and 5th overall this season.

It wasn't the prettiest game for the Express. But when it mattered most they corrected their game and found a way to get the two points. They will need to build on it when they travel to Chilliwack Saturday night. 

CRESSEY & HAYWARD INVITED TO TEAM CANADA WEST SELECTION CAMP

Express forwards Captain Jackson Cressey and Blake Hayward have been invited to selection camp for Team Canada West for the upcoming World Junior A Challenge.

Selection camp will take place from December 5-8 in Leduc, Alberta. A total of 60 players have been invited and they will play four intrasquad games.

Click here for full selection camp roster

Click here for BCHL release

Jackson Cressey is in his third full season in the BCHL. Prior to the 2015-16 season he was named the Express captain. He's had a breakout season thus far with 11 goals and 27 points through 20 games this season. In 138 career BCHL games the West Vancouver native has 31 goals and 81 points.

Earlier this season Cressey accepted a scholarship to Princeton University for the fall of 2016. Cressey was a member of the Express 2014 Fred Page Cup championship team.

Blake Hayward is in his first full season in the BCHL. He has 2 goals and 5 points in 24 games this season. One of his goals this season is a game winning goal. In 29 career games with the Express Hayward has 5 career points.

This years World Junior A challenge will take place from December 13-18 in Cobourg and Whitby Ontario.

Express Head Coach and GM Barry Wolff will serve as an assistant coach for Team Canada West. This will be his second stint coaching at the World Junior A challenge. He also served as an assistant at the 2010 event in Penticton.

The last time the Express were represented at the World Juinor A Challenge was 2012 when Alexander Kerfoot, Zach Pryzbek and Brandon Morley dressed for Team Canada West.

Congratulations Jackson and Blake. And best of luck in Leduc.

VEES WITH CLINICAL PERFORMANCE VS. THE EXPRESS

Penticton had their 23 game winning streak come to an end last night in Langley Friday. Saturday, the Vees took their frustrations out on the Express like a nest of angry bees. 

The 38 minutes between the opening minute of the game and the final minute of the second period Penticton put on quite a display en route to a 8-2 win over the Express. Click here for boxscore

Friday night vs. Wenatchee Austin McIlMurray opened the scoring for the Express 1:03 into the first period. Saturday he pretty much matched that by opening the scoring at 1:04 of the first period.

Then the Vees began to take control of the game.  Their speed and skill was on display in full force. 

Penticton would go on to score the next 8 goals in the game. 

Tyson Jost and Dante Fabbro who are expected to be first round picks in this coming NHL draft looked every bit the reason why they get the attention they do.

Fabbro showed a great release and the ability to jump into the play on his two first period goals. Jost showed his great hands in tight for his lone goal of the night tucking the puck past Tyger Howat. He was dangerous almost every single shift he was on the ice for the Vees and far away the best player on the ice. Jost finished with 5 points with one goal and four assists. 

In addiiton to the two goals from Fabbro and the single from Brodzinski, Demico Hannoun also scored in the first period with a nice toe drag then unleashing a wrist shot while falling to the ice. 

At one point in the first period the Express had a 5-2 advantage in shots. By the end of the first period the shots were 19-8 Penticton who took a 5-1 lead to the second period. 

As good as the Vees looked in the first, Penticton looked even better in the second period. Scott Conway and Chris Gerrie scored 33 seconds apart to make it 7-1 Vees. That meant the end of the night for Tyger Howat after allowing 7 goals on 24 shots. 

Lawson Fenton came in to finish the game. He allowed the 8th Vees goal on the 2nd of the night for Easton Brodzinski.

But if you're looking for any positives for the Express in this game it's how Fenton shut the door the rest of the way. Fenton finished with 19 saves on 20 Vees shots. 

At the other end Anthony Brodeur knew what his father Martin went through during his heyday with the Devils seeing very little rubber. The Express didn't register their first shot of the second period until the 10:27 mark off the stick of Charlie Barrow. 

I had tracked the shots on goal from the 3:30 mark of the first period to the 19 minute mark of the second period and I had the Vees with 35-4 run of shots. 

Taylor Green rounded out the scoring burying his own rebound for a power play goal and his first of the season in the final minute of the second period. 

Sure this game didn't go the Express way, but there's still plenty of good things for the Express going forward. When you look at the schedule as a whole this week, they had three tough games. And they came away with 3 out of a possible 6 points. And they were one shot away from getting 4 points this week. 

That's the positive to take out of this week. They can only build on it going forward starting next Friday vs. Prince George. 

FENTON BACK STOPS EXPRESS TO VICTORY OVER WILD

Blake Hayward celebrates his 1st period goal - Photo courtesy of Damon James

On the first game of parents weekend for the Express, the players put on a good show for the moms and dads in attendance taking care of Wenatchee 4-1 in Coquitlam. Click here for boxscore

Lawson Fenton making his first start in two weeks had one of his best outings of the season turning aside 37 of 38 Wild shots.

Coming a solid effort Wednesday night in Penticton, the Express were looking to build off that outing despite the 1-0 2OT setback.

Right from the start the Express showed they were ready to play.

The top line of Jackson Cressey, Colton Kerfoot and Austin McIlMurray were buzzing in the Wild end. It didn't take long for them to break through with McIlMurray sliding the puck under Chase Perry for a 1-0 Express lead just 1:03 into the game.

Defenceman Taylor Green - Photo courtesy of Damon James

That goal put the game in motion and both teams were skating at a fantastic pace providing great entertainment for those in attendance.

Midway through the first period the Express added to their lead.

Jake Brien pinched in from the right point and got down the wall then fired the puck at the net and Blake Hayward found a loose puck in the crease and poked it home for a 2-0 Express lead.

Friday's game may have been Brien's best in the BCHL to date. He moved the puck confidently and was very active from the backend for the Express. He was also very rock solid in his own end of the rink. He also made sure to get at least one of his trademark hits on the Wild coming down the wing and connecting on the hit at the Express blueline.

Up 2-0 late in the first period the Wild pressed looking for a goal to get within at least one after 20 minutes. Matt Baker was thwarted by Fenton as the puck came to him alone in front of the Express net.

Lawson Fenton earned 1st star honours - Photo courtesy of Damon James

Fenton came up with a number of key saves late in the first period to preserve the Express lead.

In the second period the quality of saves from Fenton only improved.

Fenton's best save of the night came off Mike Coyne with Fenton firing out his glove to rob Coyne who pounced on the rebound of a Bryan Yoon point shot.

That was followed in quick succession off a reach back save with his stick off Tyler Rockwell. Then another save off Joe Drabin who found himself alone in front on a Wild power play.

Coquitlam extended their lead in the second period on the power play with Taylor Green sliding the puck across to Kerfoot who went to his backhand then slid the puck under Chase Perry for Kerfoot's Express leading 12th goal of the season.

Wenatchee finally got a puck past Fenton early in the third period. Logan Milliken from the slot snapped a shot low past the glove for Fenton just shy of the three minute mark.

That goal really sparked a Wenatchee push. But each time they were turned back from the rock solid play from Fenton.

Owen Stout - Photo courtesy of Damon James

The Express as a team bent in the third period as Wenatchee fired 16  shots but they never broke. They were content to relieve the Wild pressure immediately by icing the puck repeatedly. But they were never hanging on for dear life in the third period. The shots finished 38-24 in favour of the Wild. But that was more of a product of the Express sitting back and protecting their lead.

The penalty killing unit was stellar for the Express. They capped off a great night by going a perfect 6 for 6 by shutting down the Wild one final time in the third period with Owen Stout in the box shortly after the Wild got on the board.

Then Jarrell Pinchuk iced the game with just under 5 minutes to go snapping a shot past Chase Perry for his 3rd goal of the season and second against Wenatchee this season.

Colton Kerfoot picked up an assist on the goal and finished with three points with 1 goal and 2 assists. He now has 32 points on the season in 24 games which surpasses his rookie season total of 31 points in 40 games.

Jackson Cressey - Photo courtesy of Damon James

In their first two games against two of the top teams in the BCHL, the Express have been able to pick up 3 out of a possible 4 points. They're now 3-0-0-1 in their last four games. They've played two of their best games of the season to date. They've shown how they can compete against the best of the BCHL when they execute a game plan and truly play as a team.

Up next the Express will get another crack at the Penticton Vees. But the Express won't have a chance to snap the Vees streak as their run of 23 straight games came to an end with a 4-2 loss in Langley Friday.

GRIZZLIES @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Here's the highlights of the Express 4-3 overtime win last Friday vs. Victoria.

Highlights courtesy of Jorge Parra and Underdog Productions.

VEES EXTEND STREAK TO 23 DESPITE VALIANT EFFORT BY EXPRESS

For the Express heading up to Penticton if you were to list a number of items for the Express to tick off to snap the Vees 22 game winning streak they would be...

- Top notch goaltending - check

- Smart decisions with the puck - check

- Disciplined play - check

- Be ready to go for 60 minutes and possibly more - check

The Express did all those things and played their best game of the season in Penticton Wednesday but lost 1-0 in double overtime. Click here for boxscore

Wednesday's game may have been the game of the season in the BCHL this year. Tyler Howat for the Express and Anthony Brodeur for the Vees were stellar in their respective creases. 

Head Coach Barry Wolff knew entering this week that his team had three big tests with two games vs.  Penticton and one vs. Wenatchee. He pushed his troops hard at practice to be ready to go. And in their first test they rewarded their head coach with a strong game. 

The Express caught a break right from the start with Colton Poolman of the Vees being called for delay of game after he failed to leave the ice on time following the conclusion of warm up. 

That allowed the Express to settle in the game and try and put the Vees in an early hole. The Express weren't able to convert on the power play. Minutes later the Express were on the power play a second time. This time around they were a little more threatening around the Vees net but weren't able to get a puck past Brodeur. 

The Express started the game by outshooting the Vees 11-0. 

One of the Vees best chances in the first period came off the stick of Demico Hannoun who had a shorthanded breakaway and couldn't beat Howat trying to go to the backhand. (Full disclosure here) It was hard to tell from my broadcast position so far away if Howat got a piece to make a save or Hannoun missed the net. 

Scott Conway came close to opening the scoring in the first period ringing a shot off the crossbar from the left circle. Then the best chance for either team in the first period came off the stick of Tyson Jost, he had the puck at the side of a wide open Express net and I still don't know how he was unable to convert the tap in and it was scoreless after one period. 

The bounces continued to go Howat's way in the second period when Hannoun rang a shot off the post from the right wing. Owen Sillenger also ripped a shot off the red metal from the left wing. 

The Express had another solid period outshooting the Vees 13-10 and had a 27-18 advantage in shots through 40 minutes. 

The Vees really began to press in the third period looking to break the deadlock. But Howat only raised his game to match the Vees level. 

Tyson Jost had three good chances in regulation play to score. Aside from the tap in he missed, he was robbed by Howat on the power play after unleashing a one timer from the right circle only to be turned away by the black and red leather glove of Howat. Jost also had a good chance to score in the final two minutes of the third period as he used his speed to attack the Express defence and take the puck to the net. 

Blake Hayward watched for an anxious two minutes in the third period sitting on the penalty box after a solid play on the back check. Hayward came out of the box and joined Colton Kerfoot to set up a two on one. Kerfoot slid the puck across the Hayward who couldn't finish the chance as Brodeur reached back to keep the puck out. 

The Express executed their game plan to a "T" for a full 60 minutes but not a single goal was scored. So for just the second time in franchise history the Express had played 60 minutes of scoreless hockey. The only other occasion was the season opener for the Express at the first ever BCHL showcase where Brady Shaw gave the Express a 1-0 OT win over Victoria on September 12, 2013. 

But this game was historic for the Express being the first game to be scoreless going into 3 on 3 overtime after nothing was decided of 5 minutes of 4 on 4. 

After 65 minutes of scoreless hockey, it seemed like the game ended in a blink of an eye in 3 on 3. The Vees won the opening draw and Scott Conway on the opening possession attacked Jackson Cressey one on one and beat him then just trickled a shot through Howat for a heart breaking ending for the Express and extending the Vees winning streak to 23 just 16 seconds into double overtime. 

The loss for the Express was disappointing. But they showed what they can do when they're on their game. Play smart and be able to compete with the best team in the country. The Express will have another crack at the Vees Saturday night in Coquitlam. Before that they will host the Wenatchee Wild Friday.

LEONE OT HERO VS. GRIZZLIES

Taylor Green takes part in pre-game veterans night ceremony - Photo courtesy of Damon James

Luca Leone scored the double overtime winner to give the Express their second overtime win over the Victoria Grizzlies this season.

This time the result was 4-3 in favour of the Express. Click here for boxscore

Many of the same contributors for the Express in their win Wednesday at Langley also chipped in Friday night.

Leone taps in OT winner - Photo courtesy of Damon James

Alex Ambrosio picked up where he left off Wednesday where he scored into an empty net to seal the win opened the scoring Friday. His linemates Jonathan Irving and Keegan Jones worked to get the puck out of the defensive zone. Then Jones broke away with Ambrosia on a two on one and Jones laid a perfect pass across to Ambrosio who finished off his third of the season on the backhand.

That goal gave the Express some momentum which led to at least three good scoring chances only to be turned away by Matthew Galajda who kept the Express lead at just one.

Former Express Dante Hahn had a hand in pulling the Grizzlies even late in the first period when he made a pass out from behind the Express net to find Brayden Gelsinger who slid a shot under Howat to tie the game at one after the first period.

McIlMurray had two assists - Photo courtesy of Damon James

Colton Kerfoot tied the game at four for the Express Wednesday in Langley. Friday, he gave the Express a 2-1 lead when he took the puck to the net from the right wing side flipping the puck over the glove of Galajda. That made up for a breakaway opportunity Kerfoot missed earlier in the period when he again tried to lift the puck over the glove of the Victoria goaltender.

1:27 later the Express added to their lead with Jack Surowiec scoring for a second straight game ripping home a wrist shot from the slot. Linemates Kerfoot and Austin McIlmurray picked up the helpers. McIlMurray finished with two assists.

Like the first period, Victoria struck late in the second period. The puck came free to Nick Guiney and from the circle he beat Howat with a shot top shelf.

Eric Udahl throws a hit - Photo courtesy of Damon James

The Grizzlies caught a break in the third period to pull even. Keyvan Mokhtari from the corner threw the puck in front and it bounced in off Cody Van Lierop to tie the score at three.

Then the goaltenders took over to send the game to overtime. Howat shut the door as the Grizzlies had an edge in play after pulling even.

At the other end Galajda shut the Express down when tested with 13 third period shots sent his way.

So for the second straight meeting between the teams it went past 60 minutes. Charlie Barrow was the overtime hero for the Express in Victoria on October 1st.

Nothing was settled in the first overtime of 5 minutes 4 on 4.

The most important lesson for all players in 3 on 3 is puck management.

The Express capitalized on a Grizzlies mistake to set up the winner. A Victoria defenceman swept the puck around behind his own net but didn't have a partner back to support him. Luca Leone got on his horse and raced the puck to set up Kerfoot alone in front of the Victoria net, Kerfoot was patient and waited for Leone to go to the net and Kerfoot set up Leone for a tap in to give the Express the 4-3 victory. The loss snapped Victoria's winning streak at 5 games.

Tyger Howat made 34 saves - Photo courtesy of Damon James

Leone scored his second goal in as many games. Kerfoot finished with 1 goal and 2 assists while on his way to first star honors.

It was also a pretty clean game with only one power play in the game going to Victoria in the second period.

Tyger Howat finished with 34 saves for his 5th win of the season.

The two wins for the Express will go a long way to help prepare for a big test next week for a pair of games with Penticton and a visit from Wenatchee. Friday the Vees extended their winning streak to 21 straight games with a win in West Kelowna.