EXPRESS MIXLR BROADCAST

Sunday, December 30, 2018

CHIEFS TAKE ROLLER COASTER RIDE AS EXPRESS RETURN FROM BREAK

Chase Danol for the Express and Harrison Blaisdell for the Chiefs each had hat-tricks, but it was Chilliwack tickling the twine more often in a 7-5 victory over the Express. Click here for boxscore

The first game back from the Christmas break usually ends up being a sloppy affair due to the rust on both sides. That held true in the Fraser Valley.

Chilliwack got the early jump on the Express on a Matt Holmes backhand sliding it under Clay Stevenson on the first shot of the game just 1:42 into the contest.

It took about 5 minutes for the Express to find their skating legs. Once they did some chances started to come. Connor Gregga who went into the Christmas break on a tear had one of the few chances not go his way with a backhand that hit the post in tight on Nolan Hildebrand.

On a first period powerplay Alex DiPaolo set up in the slot clanged a shot off the goal post that could be heard all the way in Abbotsford.

Then Chase Danol was robbed by Hildebrand after the netminder handed the puck to Danol who quickly snapped off a shot, but Hildebrand recovered for his best save of the first period.

Danol would get his revenge minutes later ripping a shot from his off wing for his first of the night and a 1-1 tie after 20 minutes.



The Express got their only lead of the night just over 3 minutes into the second period off a Regan Kimens dump in that hit a stanchion and bounced right to a surprised Connor Gregga who was robbed by Hildebrand who went out to play the puck. But there was a rebound for Josh Wildauer to jam in for a 2-1 Express lead.

Then came a key turning point in the game. Henry Rybinski split the Chilliwack defence then went to the net and in the process collided with Nolan Hildebrand. The Chiefs goaltender was shaken up a little on the play, but quickly shook off the effects of the contact.

Rybinski meanwhile was given a 5 minute major for a game misconduct.

Just over a minute into the powerplay the Chiefs struck. A Jacques Bouquot backhand was deflected ever so slightly in front of the net by Harrison Blaisdell to tie the game at 2.

Just over two minutes later Cole Donhauser converted a set up at the side of the Express net for the Chiefs second powerplay goal on the Rybinski major.

Following the game the 5 minute major to Rybinski was reviewed by BCHL Director of Officiating Brad Lazarowich and the penalty was reduced to a two minute minor penalty. If the major stood, Rybinski may have faced a two game suspension under the terms of the Junior A Supplement.

Chilliwack carried the momentum into their next powerplay where Jacques Boquot was set up in the slot for the Chiefs third powerplay goal of the frame and a 4-2 lead.

The third period didn't start well for the Express as in the opening minute a turnover behind the net quickly resulted in Carter Wilkie getting set up in the slot and snapping a wrist shot past the glove of Clay Stevenson.

Credit to the Express they never gave up. Chase Danol 5 and a half minutes into the 3rd deflected a Jordan Schulting point shot to make it a 5-3 contest.

It was at this point every time the Express would strike, the Chiefs would have a response.

Harrison Blaisdell took a pass in behind the Express defence and slid him his second of the night to make it 6-3 at 9:50.

The Express response to that goal was Jared Power finishing off a Connor Gregga set up to make it 6-4 at 12:09.



Blaisdell took care of the Chiefs response with his hat-trick goal taking advantage of the space given to him by the defence and snapping a shot past the glove of Stevenson for the Chiefs third three goal lead of the third period. Clay Stevenson was beat for 7 goals on 30 shots.

Chase Danol would finish off his first BCHL hat-trick by sneaking in his 20th of the season with 2:37 to play.



The Express are right back in action Sunday afternoon when they host the Langley Rivermen in the Express annual Coquitlam Comets night. 

Saturday, December 15, 2018

CHIEFS AT EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of the Express 10-5 win over Chilliwack.



Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory. 

EXPRESS EXPLODE FOR 10 VS. CHIEFS

The Coquitlam Express have a new season high for goals after a 10 goal outburst in a 10-5 win over the Chilliwack Chiefs. Click here for boxscore

Josh Wildauer paced the Express attack with his first BCHL hat-trick. The rest of the offence was supported by 7 other guys who chipped in with one goal.

Chilliwack jumped out to the early 1-0 lead on a goal by Skyler Brind'Amour 1:12 into the game.

That would be the lone highlight for the Chiefs for a long while. The Express would take complete control of the game for the next 30 some odd minutes.

The beat rolled along for Connor Gregga who tied the game at one converting a pass in the slot from Josh Wildauer just 2:31 after Brind'Amour's goal.

Midway through the first period seconds after a Express powerplay came to an end Josh Wildauer defected a Jack Cameron point shot for the first Express lead of the night.

Just over three minutes later Jared Power found the net for the first time in an Express uniform taking a cross ice pass from Connor Gregga then outwaiting Nolan Hildebrand before roofing it home for a 3-1 Express lead.



Jack Cameron capped off a four goal first period for the Express with a slap shot that was deflected past Hildebrand to open a 4-1 Express lead after the first period.

Daniel Chenard started the second period in the Chiefs net after Hildebrand was hooked following 4 goals in 15 shots.

The veteran Chiefs netminder didn't have any luck go his way as the second period rolled along.

Dallas Farrell extended the Express lead on a story he'll be telling for years. He started a shift by taking a hit that dumped him into the Chilliwack bench. Seconds later he went to the net and tipped home a Cole Edgerton pass for a 5-1 Express lead at 5:19.

Friday saw 4 Express forwards return to the lineup after missing due to various ailments. One of the returnees was Henry Rybinski after missing 2 games. Rybinski swung a pass to the side of the Chiefs net to Chase Danol who buried it for a 6-1 Express lead.

Then Rybinski scored his 1st Express goal right at the top of the Chiefs crease tipping home a Jared Power set up for the second powerplay goal of the night for the Express. Rybinski finished with 1 goal and 3 assists.

Chilliwack made a run in the second half of the middle period and the early minutes of the third to cut the lead to 7-4.

Wyatt Elmer ripped a shot over the shoulder of Clay Stevenson to make it 7-2 after two periods.

Matt Holmes scored just 9 seconds into the third period on the powerplay. Then that goal was followed by Jacques Bouqut converting his second of the season and by the 1:40 mark it was a three goal game.

But any hopes of a Chilliwack comeback were quickly quashed by the Express. Josh Wildauer buried his second of the night after finding an unimpeded lane to the net and scoring on a backhand for a 8-4 Express lead.

Wildauer finished his 1st BCHL hat-trick just over three minutes later taking pass in the slot to bury his 3rd of the night on the 4th powerplay goal for the Express. Wildauer also had an assist for a 4 point night.


Josh Bruce was among the returnees for the Express Friday. He missed a glorious chance for his 1st of the season back in the second period. He finally found the scoresheet 11 seconds after Wildauer's hat-trick goal as the Express hit double digits. The 10 goals is the first time the Express have scored 10 in a game since November 8, 2014 10-5 win in Surrey.



Ethan Bowen put the finishing touches on 6 goals in just over 7 minutes to open the 3rd period to cap off the scoring in the 10-5 game.

Clay Stevenson finished with 23 saves for just his second win since November 2nd.

The Express play their final game before Christmas Sunday afternoon when they host the Powell River Kings. 

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

WARRIORS PULL AWAY FROM EXPRESS IN FINAL 40

The shorthanded Express made the trek through the snowy conditions of the Coquihalla highway for a Tuesday meeting in West Kelowna. When it was said and done the Warriors prevailed by a 4-2 score. Click here for boxscore

Similar to Saturday in Surrey the Express were without 7 regulars and dressed 5 AP's. Despite the roster short on regulars, the Express played hard against the Warriors.

Jared Power was called for a pair of penalties in just over the first 6 minutes of the game. On the second Warriors powerplay Chase Dubois put a pass on the tee for Mike Hardman who scored on a one timer from a tight angle beating Clay Stevenson on the glove side.

That goal sparked a back and forth first period between the two teams.

Connor Gregga continued his hot play Tuesday night in West K., 27 seconds after the Hardman goal, Gregga took a pass in the slot from Dallas Farrell and he ripped home a shot past Connor Hopkins to tie the game at 1.

Just 1:51 later two quick Warriors passes sprung Lucas Cullen who got a half step in behind the Express defence and slid a shot through the pads of Stevenson for the Warriors second lead of the night.

Again Connor Gregga had an answer for the Express. This time it came late on a powerplay taking a cross ice pass from Jared Power and ripping a one timer for his 13th goal of the season. The assist was the first point in an Express uniform for Jared Power. For Gregga it was his 7th goal and 11th point in his last 8 games.

The Warriors had an edge in play in the opening half of the second period. Clay Stevenson made a number of saves to preserve the tie for a while.

West K. broke through 8 minutes into the second period off the rush on a goal by Brandon Dent going hard to the net and right from the edge of the crease tipping home a pass from Mason Richey for the Warriors third lead of the night at 3-2.

In the latter half off the frame the Express had chances for the equalizer including a two on one shorthanded chance for Chase Danol who put his shot right into the crest of Connor Hopkins. Then late in the period Jared Power got in tight on Hopkins and looked to tuck the puck around the goaltender who found a way to reach back and keep the puck out and carry the Warriors lead to the third period.

Mike Hardman has had a great season in West Kelowna this year. He pulled into a tie for the league lead in goals at 2:36 of the third period banging home the rebound of a shot by Auston Chorney off the end boards for Hardman's 24th goal of the season. The goal ties him in that category with Ryan Brushett of the Powell River Kings.

Connor Hopkins shut the door in the final 40 minutes for the Warriors making 22 saves during that time. That included shutting down a pair of third period Express powerplays. The Express were 1 for 6 on the night.

The Warriors outshot the Express 38-34.

The Express return home Friday playing host to the Chilliwack Chiefs. Then host Powell River on Sunday afternoon. 

Sunday, December 9, 2018

EXPRESS AP'S CHIP IN VICTORY OVER EAGLES

Saturday night the Express were without 8 regulars due to various aliments and had 5 affiliate players in the lineup and they helped play a role in the Express 8-4 win over the Surrey Eagles. Click here for boxscore

Jackson Mainse and Jason Lin dressed on the backend while Nick Amsler, Dante Ballarin and Logan Kurki played up front. Head Coach Jason Fortier had all 5 AP's in the Express starting lineup. By the end of the night they all had a hand in the Express win.

It was the veterans getting things rolling for the Express. Pito Walton zipped a pass into the corner for Josh Wildauer who quickly set up Christian Sanda in the slot who scored on the powerplay for a 1-0 lead just 2:10 into the game.

Saturday was Surrey's teddy bear toss game. The locals tossed their stuffed animals on the ice at 6:10 on a powerplay goal from Jeremy Smith who pounced on a loose puck blasting a shot past Kolby Matthews.

That goal sparked some early momentum for the Eagles. 1:10 later Matthew McKim took advantage of a defensive zone turnover then snapped a shot off the cheater of Matthews glove and in for a 2-1 Eagles lead.

Max Mohagen capped off three Eagles goals in 4:22 tipping a Jeremy Smith snapshot for a 3-1 Eagles lead at 10:38.

After allowing three goals in the first 11 minutes Kolby Matthews really dialled into tame a Surrey push as they looked to extend their lead. His best save was a rebound sequence to deny Teddy Prior and Holden Katzalay.

Christian Sanda's 2nd of the night on the powerplay deflecting a Dallas Farrell wrist shot to cut Surrey's lead to 3-2 after 1 period.

With 8 regulars out of the Express lineup they needed the remaining veterans and even some younger players raise their game.

That certainly began for the Express in the middle frame. Connor Gregga continued his hot play finishing off a give and go with Josh Wildauer to tie the game at 3 just 2:42 into the period.

Then Gregga returned the favour sliding a pass through to Wildauer who was patient before roofing a shot over Cayden Bailey to give the Express their second lead of the night.

Jason Fortier said pre-game he wanted to see his young players to be relaxed and just play their game. They were showing their poise more and more as the second period progressed.

Jackson Mainse made a good play defensively taking on Justyn Gurney in a one a one defensive situation and Mainse played him very well despite the size mismatch and bumped him off the puck.

Jason Lin looked poised with the puck on his stick as the game went on.

Then up front the AP's chipped in. Logan Kurki's shot from the right wing generated a scramble that resulted in Dante Ballarin buring the rebound for his first BCHL goal and a 5-3 lead after three goals in a 7:08 span.

That 5th Express goal chased Cayden Bailey after 5 goals on 21 shots.

In the opening half of the third period the Express quickly salted the game away.

Dallas Farrell ripped a shot from the right wing for a 6-3 Express lead on his 8th of the season.

That was followed up less than two minutes later by Josh Wildauer hustling to the Surrey net and poking at a Danny Pearson dump in that was played a little nonchalantly by Hayden Missler and Wildauer's poke found the back of the net for Wildauer's 4th point of the night.

Nick Amsler finished with two assists, he set up Logan Kurki from behind the net for Kurki's 1st BCHL goal and the 7th unanswered Express goal and a 8-3 lead.

Brandon Santa Juana capped off the scoring with a late powerplay goal to make it a 8-4 game. Both teams finished 2 for 5 on the powerplay.  That would be the lone blemish on Kolby Matthews after he had a very strong finish to the game after three goals allowed in the first 10 minutes. Matthews finished with 37 saves.

The Express have an early week visit Tuesday night in West Kelowna. 

Friday, December 7, 2018

SMOKE EATERS 4 EXPRESS 1

Trail goaltender Adam Marcoux made 30 saves to backstop the Smoke Eaters to a 4-1 victory over the Express Friday night. Click here for boxscore

Marcoux's counterpart at the other end Clay Stevenson returned to the Express crease following spending the early portion of the week at Team Canada West selection camp for the World Junior A Challenge.

Stevenson was beat on the first shot he faced when Owen Ozar's wrist shot from the right wing went past Stevenson's glove on the short side just 1:21 into the game.

The teams traded a sequence of penalties resulting in a 4 on 3 powerplay for Trail and Stevenson made one of his better saves of the night getting a glove down to deny Kent Johnson at the side of the net.

Some of the best chances for the Express didn't result in shots on goal with backdoor opportunities that were slightly off the mark.

Chase Danol was stopped on a two on one as he rushed in with Pito Walton after the defenceman stepped out of the penalty box.

Jared Power made his Express debut after being acquired from the Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL) last weekend.

He started the game playing with Hunter Alden and former midget teammate Dallas Farrell.

Power's best chance of the first period was a screen shot after spinning off the boards and shooting through a screen only to see Marcoux take the shot in the chest. His quick release is what stood out from Power's debut.

15 seconds into the second period following a Smoke Eaters face-off win in the Express zone, Kent Johnson alone at the side of the Express net buried the rebound over Stevenson for a 2-0 Trail lead.

The Express had good puck control and looked dangerous on back to back powerplays in the second period, but weren't able to cut into the Trail lead. The Express finished 0 for 4 on the night.

This game had various moments where tempers started to flare. Regan Kimens was involved in a number of the middle period skirmishes. His most notable battle was with forward Tyler Ghirdosi after the whistle.

Late in the frame Michael Hodge went hard to the net and converted a pass off the rush from Ghirdosi for a 3-0 Trail lead after 40 minutes.

The pesky Smoke Eaters had 5 regulars out of the lineup and they put the game away with one of their AP's Chase Dafoe scoring his first BCHL goal finishing off a pass from Carter Jones very much in similar fashion to Hodge's goal late in the 2nd period.

Hunter Alden broke Marcoux's shutout bid snapping home a set up from behind the Trail net for Alden's 3rd of the season at 7:45.

As the game wound down the referees took control handing out numerous misconducts in addition to the original infractions when tempers continued to flare.

When all was said and done, Regan Kimens, Chase Danol, Connor Gregga, Henry Rybinski and Jack Cameron saw their nights come to an end early.

If you're looking for a bright spot for the Express was the penalty killing finishing a perfect 6 for 6 when that unit has taken it's hits in recent weeks.

The Express visit Surrey Saturday night. 

Saturday, November 24, 2018

VEES EDGE EXPRESS

The Penticton Vees picked up their 4th straight win by a 4-3 score in Coquitlam Friday night. The loss for the Express was their 5th in a row.

Henry Rybinski made his Express debut after being signed earlier this week after starting the season with Medicine Hat of the WHL. Rybinski had been skating with the Express for the last month or so.

James Miller kept up his productive season on the Vees backend walking into a slap shot to beat Kolby Matthews after the Vees crafty entry into the Express zone for a powerplay goal. The Express have now given up a powerplay goal in 6 straight games.

It wasn't the night Kolby Matthews was hoping for. As it turned out his only save of the night was a backhand chance for Cole Shepard after he undressed Pito Walton for a backhand chance.

Matthews night came to an end at 5:12 following a flip pass by the Express that was broken up by three Vees who went the other way and Andre Ghantous set up Drew Elser in the slot who put a shot through the pads of Matthews for a 2-0 lead on just three shots.

1:02 later the Express did get on the board thanks to a goal from Connor Gregga who sped into the Penticton zone and beat Jack Lafontaine with a wrist shot from just inside the post for his 8th of the season.

Chase Danol returned to the lineup Friday after missing Tuesday's game in Langley. And his return helped pace the Express effort to claw back in the game. He was determined as anyone to win puck battles which would lead to chances at the other end.

At 3:26 of the second period a Danol shot from the right wing was stopped by Lafontiaine but the rebound was put home by Hunter Alden to tie the game at two on Alden's second of the season.

Cole Shepard restored the Vees lead on a breakaway with a shot that handcuffed Clay Stevenson and the goaltender was never able to control the puck before it slid in for a 3-2 Penticton lead.

In the third period Dallas Farrell was whistled for two penalties. Just as his second infraction expired the puck came to James Miller who blasted his second of the night and BCHL defensemen leading 15th of the season for a 4-2 Vees lead.

Pito Walton made things interesting with a seeing eye shot from the middle of the ice for a powerplay goal with 4:43 remaining in the third period.

In the final minutes the Express had a number of chances to get the equalizer. Cooper Connell had a rebound opportunity that was ripped over the Vees net.

Then in the final seconds Jordan Schulting stepped into a hard shot that just went wide and the Vees held on the rest of the way.

The Express outshot the Vees 30-24.

Next weekend the Express will hit the road in Victoria, Nanaimo and Alberni Valley. 

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

EXPRESS @ RIVERMEN HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of Langley's 7-5 win over the Express Tuesday.


EXPRESS CAN'T HOLD MULTIPLE LEADS IN LANGLEY

The Express had three two goal leads, but lost by two goals by a 7-5 score in Langley. The loss extends the Express season high losing streak to four games. Click here for boxscore

The opening three minutes was a good indication of what was to come on this night. A turnover in the Express zone led to a good chance for Daneel Lategan that was stopped by Clay Stevenson. Moments later the Express got their attack going.

Connor Gregga in the high slot re-directed a pass from the boards by Cole Edgerton beating Braedon Fleming for a 1-0 Express lead.

That was followed just 37 seconds later by Josh Wildauer banging home a loose puck at the side of the Rivermen net for a 2-0 Express lead before the game was 3 minutes old. Heading into this game Head Coach Jason Fortier had the blender out mixing up his top three lines hoping for a change in results. Early on the changes appeared to be paying off.

But despite the early lead, there were signs that this wasn't going to be an easy night for the Express.

Numerous defensive breakdowns led to quality chances for Langley including breakaways for Trevor Ayre and William Stromp that was stopped by Clay Stevenson to preserve the two goal lead for the time being.

Midway through the first the Rivermen got on the board on a goal from Chase Pletzke beating Stevenson with a wrist shot over his glove.

Alex DiPaolo restored the Express two goal lead late in the opening period after being sprung following two good passes from Danny Pearson and Dallas Farrell and DiPaolo snapping a shot past the stick of Fleming.



But the two goal lead masked some of the quality chances Langley had in the opening period after they outshot the Express 19-13. The Express also lost the services of captain Troy Robillard who went down with injury and he didn't return.

In the second period Ethan Leyh sparked a Rivermen comeback by first scoring a powerplay goal with a wrist shot from the off wing at 2:13. The Express have now allowed a powerplay goal in 4 straight games giving up 9 goals while a man down in that time.

Leyh scored his second of the night just over three minutes later with a backhand following a shot from CJ Walker from the right wing to tie the game at three.

Danny Pearson returned to the lineup after missing the previous three games with injury. The rookie forward has had a solid season so far. He took another step on the right direction Tuesday. He assisted on DiPaolo's first period goal.

In the second period he cut in from the right wing snapping a shot past Fleming to give the Express a 4-3 lead. Then just 24 seconds later he re-directed a Pito Walton point shot for his second of the night and a 5-3 Express lead.



That goal chased Braedon Fleming after 5 goals on 15 shots and Rivermen newcomer Shayne Battler recently acquired from the NOJHL made his Rivermen debut.

With their second two goal lead of the game the Express appeared to settle their game down carrying their lead into the third period.

5 minutes into the third with the Express on the powerplay the roof caved in on. A turnover allowed William Stromp to score on a breakaway for a shorthanded goal to pull Langley within one.

Then exactly a minute later another defensive breakdown resulted in a stretch pass to spring Ethan Leyh who completed his hat-trick with shot between the pads of Stevenson for two Langley shorthanded goals on the same penalty and the game was tied at 5 as the Rivermen erased their second two goal deficit of the night.

The Express never recovered from the two shorthanded goals allowed. Devin Leduc gave Langley their first lead as he beat Cooper Connell back to the net and buried a William Stromp rebound for a 6-5 Langley lead at 12:30.

At the other end the Express had very few quality chances to test Battler who was perfect in his 32 minutes on 14 Express shots.

Trevor Ayre iced the game with an empty net goal in the final minute to round out the scoring.

Langley finished with 49 shots which was a new season high for shots allowed by the Express this season.

The Express will look to get back in the win column when they return home to play host to the Penticton Vees. 

Sunday, November 18, 2018

EAGLES SNAP SLUMP VS. EXPRESS

Surrey snapped their 8 game losing streak with a  6-2 win over the Express Sunday. Click here for boxscore

For the Express it was their 3rd straight loss.

In the opening period the Express looked like a determined team to get back into the win column. They were getting their defense active in the attack which help lead to some pressure for the Express and chances in the Surrey zone.

Pito Walton came close to opening the scoring snapping a screen shot that surprised Cayden Bailey but hit the cross bar.

Surrey opened the scoring just shy of the 8 minute mark on Jeremy Smith's point shot was deflected past Kolby Matthews for a powerplay goal. That would prove to be a theme on the day for the Eagles Sunday.

Alex DiPaolo pulled the Express even in the second period showing good hands in front of the net taking a Dallas Farrell pass and tucking it past Bailey to even the game at one.

But the tie only lasted 47 seconds seconds as with Juliano Santalucia in the box for a blow to the head ,Jeremy Smith flipped a behind the back pass on the tape of Cody Schiavon who beat Kolby Matthews with a one timer for the second powerplay goal of the game for the Eagles.

One trademark of this Express team in recent weeks has been finding ways to keep clawing back. They got a lucky bounce go their way to even the game at two. Hunter Alden was able to have a pass from below the goal line in the Surrey zone bounce in for Alden's first Express goal.

In the final seconds of the second period Brandon Santa Juana found a loose puck in the Express crease to stash Surrey's 3rd powerplay goal of the night for a 3-2 lead after 40 minutes.

The Express fortunes didn't change in the third period. Sam Feldman and Matthew McKim scored Surrey's 3rd and 4th powerplay goals of the game and then Justyn Gurney hit the empty net to seal the 6-2 for Surrey. The Eagles finished 4 for 9 on the powerplay.

For the Eagles it was their second win of the season and just their 3rd regulation win of the season.

Up next for the Express they play visit Langley on Tuesday night. 

Saturday, November 17, 2018

GRIZZLIES DOUBLE EXPRESS

The Coquitlam Express played host to the Victoria Grizzlies, and for those who came to the game hoping to see Alex Newhook who is expected to be a first round NHL draft pick to be a factor in the game, those people weren't disappointed.

Newhook finished with two assists as part of a 6-3 Grizzlies win. Click here for boxscore

The Express knew entering the game they were facing one of the more dynamic offensive teams in the BCHL. And they had to find a way as much as they could to force the play to Victoria to play in their own zone.

There were some good moments from the Express in the first period controlling the play in the Victoria end.

But the visitors had the only goal of the opening period. 14 minutes into the game a long stretch pass found Henri Schreifels who snapped a shot past Clay Stevenson for a 1-0 Victoria lead.

Plenty of attention heading into the game was focused on Alex Newhook along with linemate Alex Campbell who is a C prospect for this years NHL draft and New York Rangers pick Riley Hughes. They showed some flashes in the first period. Then in the second period they began to leave their mark on the game.

With Dallas Farrell in the box for goaltender interference, the Grizzlies quickly got control of the puck off the face-off and Newhook found Hughes in the slot who quickly scored for 2-0 Grizzlies lead just 9 seconds into the powerplay.

Penalties were problematic for the Express with four consecutive infractions called on the Express late in the first period and into the second period.

Now with Jordan Schulting in the box for the Express, Newhook danced into the Express zone and slid a pass to the side of the Express net where Alex Campbell chipped it in for a 3-0 Victoria lead. The Grizzlies were 2 for 5 on the powerplay.

Campell's electrifying speed was on display all night. He then raced into the Express zone where his backhand was stopped by Clay Stevenson but the rebound was just sitting in the crease for Hughes to poke home for his second of the night and a 4-0 Victoria lead.

The crowd was energized when Cooper Connell off a face-off helped set up Juliano Santalucia's first BCHL goal who out waited Grizzlies goaltender Kurtis Chapman then beat him on a backhand and it was 4-1 Victoria after 40 minutes.

As we've seen numerous times during the season the Express kept fighting and found a way to claw back into it.

Chase Danol powered his way out of the corner just shy of the 5 minute mark of the third period to make it a 4-2 game with a snap shot short side.

Then with just under 8 minutes to play Josh Wildauer poked home a rebound to cut the Express deficit to one.

The comeback hopes however were dashed with 5:17 to play. Marty Westhaver took advantage of a bobbled pass back to the Victoria blueline and Westhaver beat Stevenson on a breakaway to make it a 5-3 game.

An empty net goal that dribbled into the net that was credited to Ryan Nolan with 8 seconds to play to make it 6-3.

Victoria finished outshooting the Express 46-27.

The Express play host to the Surrey Eagles on Sunday afternoon. 

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

MARK DEKANICH INTERVIEW

I spoke with former Express goaltender Mark Dekanich who announced his retirement following a lengthy professional hockey career. He was a member of the Express for two seasons in their second and third seasons in the BCHL in 02-03 and 03-04. He then went on to a 4 year career at Colgate University where he would be drafted by Nashville in the 5th round in 2006. His lengthy pro career took him to numerous spots around the world. Now he's on to the next chapter of his life.






Saturday, November 10, 2018

EXPRESS VS. SMOKE EATERS HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of the Express 2-1 shootout win over the Trail Smoke Eaters Friday.



Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory. 

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

EXPRESS NOVEMBER REPORT

Hear from Jason Fortier, Captain Troy Robillard and forward Josh Wildauer on the Express recent play leading into a two game road trip this weekend.



Video produced by Eddie Gregory. 

Saturday, November 3, 2018

VIPERS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of the Express 4-1 win over Vernon Friday.



Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory. 

EXPRESS BOUNCE BACK VS. VIPERS

The Express showed a short memory to quickly move on from their loss Wednesday vs. Langley and got right back in the win column by a 4-1 score over the Vernon Vipers Friday. Click here for boxscore

Both teams tried to establish physical dominance along the boards at either end in the opening minutes of the game. But once the Express got free their speed helped lead to scoring chances.

Pito Walton's mobility helped create chances in the opening period. Eventually it led to the games first goal.

He carried it deep in the Vernon zone and found Regan Kimens at the edge of the crease and he tipped it past Aidan Porter to open the scoring.

It was the first time in 6 games that the Express had scored first.

Vernon had three minutes of powerplay time in the opening half of the second period. That was when they got some of their best scoring chances on Express goaltender Clay Stevenson. His best save of the night was a trio of saves on a Viper powerplay where Stevenson made the original save on Jack Judson's point shot, he followed that up with two more good saves on the subsequent rebounds.



As the game creeped towards the midway mark of the contest, the game slowly started to tilt in the Express favour.

Alex DiPaolo intercepted a Vipers pass and quickly dished to Christian Sanda who best Porter with a wrist shot over his shoulder. Sanda's goal was his 10th of the season which surpassed his total in 55 games last season.

Moments later with the Express on a powerplay a bobble by Drew Cooper at the Vipers blueline allowed Jagger Williamson to walk in on a partial breakaway. As Cooper hustled back to impede the chance, the Vipers captain was awarded a penalty shot.

On the free pass Clay Stevenson shutdown Williamson who tried to beat him five hole.



Early in the third seconds after an Express powerplay expired Connor Gregga buried a rebound at the side of the Viper net for a 3-0 Express lead. For Gregga, it was his second goal in as many games.

At this point, the only thing left to decide was if Clay Stevenson would post his first BCHL shutout.

Unfortunately it wasn't meant to be. Jagger Williamson tipped a long slap shot from the Vipers end of the ice by Mitch Andres. Stevenson made the save, but couldn't control the rebound which was put home by Josh Latta for the only Viper goal of the night. Stevenson finished with 31 saves for his 7th win of the season and his 6th in a row to improve his record to 7-1.

Josh Wildauer put the icing on the cake midway through the third period chipping the puck over the shoulder of Porter for a powerplay goal.

Tempers got a little short in the final minutes of the game. Josh Wildauer capped off a Gordie Howe hat-trick following a fight with Carver Watson.

The win improved the Express to 9-2-1 on home ice. And they still remain three points back of the Chilliwack Chiefs for top spot in the overall BCHL standings.

They will hit the road next weekend for games in Trail and Wenatchee. 

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

RIVERMEN EDGE EXPRESS

The Express had their 3 game winning streak come to an end Wednesday afternoon dropping a 4-3 decision to the Langley Rivermen.  Click here for boxscore

It was the 5th straight game in which the Express gave up the opening goal of the game, and for the first time in that run they weren't able to at least come out of the game with a point.

Ethan Leyh opened the scoring 50 seconds into the game stepping into a pass from the boards in the Express zone into slot area and a quick shot was snapped past the blocker of Kolby Matthews.

Fresh off securing a commitment to RIT, Kolby Matthews came back with a number of quality saves to keep the Express deficit at just one. Despite the loss, the had a solid outing finishing with 32 saves.

Connor Gregga showed great hand eye coordination to bat home his 5 goal of the season at 12:06 to tie the game at 1.

The Express had a full two minute powerplay late in the first period that carried over into the second period. Despite some good puck movement the Express couldn't add to their lead.

Moments after that powerplay expired, Danny Pearson surprised Langley goaltender Braedon Fleming with a wrist shot past his glove from just inside the blueline. For Pearson it was his 4th of the season and his second goal in as many games.



Goals in quick succession has been a constant theme for the Express in recent outings. That continued Wednesday as Dallas Farrell scored 3 minutes after Pearson's goal by jumping on a loose puck that bounced off the corner boards and Farrell's shot beat Fleming up over his shoulder for a 3-1 Express lead.



Immediately following the goal Rivermen Head Coach Bobby Henderson called his timeout to re-group his team. They immediately responded with good pressure in the Express zone.

1:09 after Farrell's goal C.J. Walker beat Kolby Matthews from the slot to cut the Express lead to 3-2.

Just under 6 minutes later Devin Leduc and Daneel Lategan broke out on a two on nothing break and Lategan kept the puck himself and buried his own rebound to tie the game at 3.

In the third period Devin Leduc rushed out from deep on his own zone all the way untouched into the Express zone where he finally met 4 Express defenders who couldn't team up to contain Leduc and he slid a shot under Matthews for what would turn out to be the game winning goal.

Forward Alex DiPaolo took a tumble coming back on a play defensively and crashed into the end boards and was in some discomfort and didn't return for the rest of the game. That had a trickle down effect on the forward lines as the Express sought an equalizer.

A fourth powerplay for the Express in the third period went unconverted and Langley held on the rest the way. The Express finished 0 for 4 on the powerplay.

The win improves Langley to 2-1 against the Express in the season series.

The Express return to the ice Friday night when they host the Vernon Vipers. 

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

MATTHEWS COMMITTS TO RIT


COQUITLAM, BC - Coquitlam Express are proud to announce that 1999 goaltender Kolby Matthews has committed to the Rochester Institute of Technology for next season. Matthews, a Coquitlam native, has posted a .923 save percentage so far this season which ranks third in the BCHL among all eligible goaltenders and was the Express' player of the month for September.

"I'm very excited to commit to RIT for next year. I think this will be a really great fit for me, they have a great hockey culture with proven success and history as well as a strong academic program. I know this will be a big challenge for me but with that brings a big opportunity so I’m excited for this next step. Now I am able to focus on the rest of the year and bringing a championship back to my home town of Coquitlam." said Matthews.

"Kolby is a hard working and motivated individual. Since day one with the Express he has shown great character in the room and a strong work ethic on the ice. It is rewarding for coaches when you get to coach a player who is a great player plus a great person." said Coquitlam Express Head Coach and General Manager Jason Fortier. "His consistency, effort, daily habits and excellent play have earned him this opportunity. He is a player that fits the All Aboard vision." Added Fortier.

Matthews becomes the 9th player on the current Express roster to receive a NCAA scholarship and first committed this season.

The Express continue their 2018-19 campaign with a nooner versus the Langley Rivermen on Wednesday October 31 at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex. A win on Wednesday will give the Express sole possession of first place in the BCHL.

KIMENS COMMITTS TO MERRIMACK


The Coquitlam Express are proud to announce that 1999 forward Regan Kimens has been committed to Merrimack College for next season.

The Concord, Ontario native has 6 goals and 19 points through 19 games this season, the same amount of points he totaled in all of last year. His offensive consistency has really stood out with points in 15 of 19 games this season. And to be more specific he has points in 15 of his last 17 games and had a 13 game point streak recently snapped after tallying 5 goals and 12 assists for 17 points.

"Just beyond excited to be a part of the future for this team. I can't thank the the coaching staff and the boys on the team enough for me getting here, I wouldn't have done it without them." said Kimens.

"Regan has been an excellent addition to the Express. He has earned the minutes he plays and is an honest player who works hard each game. Regan spent the summer training hard to become successful and when a player combines skill and effort he will always succeed." said Express Head Coach and General Manager Jason Fortier.

The is the second commitment to an NCAA school in as many days for the Express with today's news and the announcement of Kolby Matthews being committed to RIT yesterday. Kimens becomes the 10th player on the Express current roster to be committed to an NCAA school.

Sunday, October 28, 2018

2ND PERIOD FLURRY ENOUGH FOR EXPRESS TO TOP CAPS

Three goals in 50 seconds in the second period turned Saturday's contest in favour of the Express and they never looked back in a 5-2 win over Cowichan Valley. Click here for boxscore

It was the third straight win for the Express and their third straight come from behind victory.

Cowichan Valley opened the scoring right as a Jordan Schulting penalty hit 0:00 as a shot by Lucas Vanroboys beat Clay Stevenson on the stick side.

As the Express looked for the equalizer they ran into a Capitals team that did a good job of closing space on the Express in the first period to create plays.

It was 2-0 Cowichan Valley on a goal by Paul Selleck as he went to the net and buried the rebound of a Adam Conquest shot from the right wing.

As the period progressed the Express slowly began to establish more of a presence in the Capitals zone.

Josh Wildauer late in the first period got the Express on the board burying a loose puck at the end of the Capitals crease.

The game quickly turned on a double minor penalty assessed to Cowichan's David Malaragni. Chase Danol tied it at two at 4:21 with the first penalty still in effect. It was the third straight home game that saw the Express overcome at least a two goal deficit.

25 seconds after Danol's goal the Express had their first lead of the game on Drew Cooper's third goal of the season on a one timer past Blake Wood. All three of Cooper's goals have come on one timer plays and on the powerplay.

Cole Edgerton capped off three Express goals in 51 seconds one timing a pass from Josh Bruce in the slot for a 4-2 Express lead.



Now with a two goal lead in hand the Express never looked back. Josh Bruce was a strong presence for the Express using his strength to control pucks on the offensive zone. He came close to his first goal of the season on a toe drag chance in the 2nd period.

Josh Wildauer in the third period showed great determination maintaining possession of the puck after being knocked to the ice and getting back up and dumping it deep in Caps zone. He followed up on the play and was able to feed Danny Pearson who quickly snapped home his third of the season for a 5-2 Express lead.



After allowing two first period goals, Clay Stevenson shut the door the rest of the way. He capped off his 6th win of the season on a breakaway save late in the third period off Paul Selleck. Stevenson finished with 20 saves.

The Express remain one point back of the Chilliwack Chiefs for first place in the overall BCHL standings. But the Express based on points percentage are tops in the BCHL having played one fewer game than the Chiefs who have played 20 games while the Express have played 19.

Wednesday the Express will have a school day game and will play host to the Langley Rivermen.

Friday, October 26, 2018

EXPRESS @ VEES HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of the first ever Express shootout win 3-2 in Penticton Wednesday.



Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.

Monday, October 22, 2018

SPRUCE KINGS VS. EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights from Sunday's 5-3 Express win over Prince George.



Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.

EXPRESS COME BACK PAYS OFF THIS TIME VS. SPRUCE KINGS

For a second straight game the Express had a multi goal comeback vs. the Prince George Spruce Kings, this time the Express came away with the full two points with a 5-3 victory.
Click here for boxscore

Like Friday, the Express came out of the first period trailing 2-0. Ben Brar who has been an Express killer this season opened the scoring with his second shorthanded goal against the Express on a rebound at 5:03.

Brar struck again in the final minute of the 1st period using a defender as a screen then snapping a shot past the glove of Clay Stevenson for a 2-0 Spruce Kings lead. For Brar it was his 3rd two goal outing against the Express this season. He has 7 goals already in 5 meetings with the Express this season.

Sunday the Express had their early period rally one frame earlier than Friday doing it in the second period.

Chase Danol started the come back for a second straight game firing a shot over the shoulder of Logan Neaton just 27 seconds into the second period.

That was followed 54 seconds later by Josh Wildauer scoring from the slot and the Express had erased a two goal Prince George lead in quick fashion for a second straight game.

Those goals proved to be a spring board for the Express attack that wouldn't let up.

Regan Kimens scored the third Express goal in a span of 6:16 converting a cross ice pass from Dallas Farrell.



Late in the second period a confident Express powerplay moved the puck around at will creating numerous quality chances. Finally, Dallas Farrell put a perfect pass on the tape of Josh Wildauer who tipped home his second goal of the period and a 4-2 lead after two periods. Farrell had three assists in the second period while his line mates Josh Wildauer scored twice and Regan Kimens had a goal and an assist.



Christian Sanda iced the game with just over 7 minutes to play redirecting an Alex DiPaolo pass through Neaton for a 5-2 lead moments after an odd man rush went awry.



Corey Cunningham finished the scoring with 10 seconds left. That only put a minor damper on Clay Stevenson's 5th win of the season as he finished with 28 saves.

The win puts the Express back up by two points of the Prince George Spruce Kings for second place. And they're three points back of the Chilliwack Chiefs for first place.

Wednesday night the Express will visit the Penticton Vees. 

Saturday, October 20, 2018

SPRUCE KINGS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of the Spruce Kings 5-4 overtime win over the Express Friday.



Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.

EXPRESS RALLY BUT FALL IN OT TO SPRUCE KINGS

Three third period goals made for a dramatic comeback for the Express, but it wasn't enough falling 5-4 in overtime to Prince George. Click here for boxscore

Friday was the start of a two game weekend set of games for the Express vs. the Spruce Kings.

The Express entered the game with riding a three game winning streak, and the latter two outings was paced by the Express getting off to a good start.

That wasn't the case Friday night. Dustin Manz opened the scoring but cutting to the net from the left boards and burying his own rebound on Kolby Matthews.

Nick Bochen struck on a scramble for a powerplay goal and a 2-0 Spruce Kings lead after 1 period. The visitors were ready to go and it was reflected in the 14-4 advantage in shots.

The Express came out with a much better effort to open the second period. They were working the boards and spending the majority of the play in the Spruce Kings end of the ice.

Their strong play lead to the first Express powerplay of the night 5 minutes into the frame. But the powerplay couldn't set up to generate many quality chances.

Then in the dying seconds of the advantage a turnover by Jonny Sheardown who returned to the lineup from injury allowed Dustin Manz to score a shorthanded breakaway goal for a 3-0 lead.



Needing a spark, Head Coach Jason Fortier put Alex DiPaolo on a line with Christian Sanda and Chase Danol. That unit was really clicking and they finally got the Express on the board late in the frame when Danol tipped a Sanda shot for his 8th of the season and it was 3-1 Spruce Kings entering the third period.



If you were at this game and not in your seats for the opening minute of the 3rd period you missed a lot. Chase Danol's pass was tipped home by Alex DiPaolo just 9 seconds into the 3rd period to make it a 3-2 game.

31 seconds later Regan Kimens broke out two on one with Dallas Farrell and Kimens beat Bradley Cooper on the stick side and the game was tied at 3 just 40 seconds into the 3rd period.



Ben Poisson fired a heavy wrist shot from just inside the blueline over the shoulder of Kolby Matthews giving the Spruce Kings a 4-3 lead at 4:22.

The Express resiliency never wavered in this game despite the numerous defects. They just kept on working hard looking to equalize again.

That moment came with just under 6 minutes to play. Danny Pearson picked up the puck at the Prince George blueline on a turnover and in the ensuing two on one with Connor Gregga, Pearson slid a pass to Gregga who was just able to slide home the pass to tie the game at 4.

Friday was the first time this season the Express had gone to overtime. The Spruce Kings gained possession of the puck and went to work in the Express zone right off the draw. Chase Danol, Alex DiPaolo and Jack Cameron started the overtime and they also finished it.

Only problem for the Express was that trio was on the ice defending for nearly two full minutes.

During a clinical display of puck possession in the Express zone, the Spruce Kings were able to make a number of changes to get fresh players on the ice. Eventually Ben Brar found himself in the high slot with some room and he snapped a shot past the glove of Kolby Matthews to give the Spruce Kings the 5-4 overtime win.

Prince George improves to 3-1 vs. the Express this season.

The teams will meet again on Sunday afternoon. 

Sunday, October 14, 2018

EXPRESS FINISH STRONG TO SINK CLIPS SHIP

A strong 1st and 3rd period was enough for the Express to post their 3rd straight win by a 5-2 score over the Nanaimo Clippers Sunday afternoon. Click here for boxscore

The win came without the services of Josh Wildauer and captain Troy Robillard. But the Express had Clay Stevenson play his first game since the home opener vs. Salmon Arm.

Right from the drop of the puck the Express went to work on the attack rolling their lines and pushing the pace in the Clippers zone.

Chase Danol broke through for the Express firing a shot from a very sharp angle that found it's way over the shoulder of Clippers goaltender Jordan Naylor who was down attempting to take away the bottom part of the ice.

Clay Stevenson was tested for rust 7 minutes into the game and showed no signs of it coming to his left for his best save of the night to deny Nicholas Wilson with his left pad.

The Express came out of the first period with only the 1-0 lead, and a 14-6 advantage in shots reflected their strong play that at times Nanaimo had trouble to keep up with.

The tide turned in the second period and it was a little challenging for the Express to find a similar rhythm.

A rebound chance for Ethan Scardina appeared to have been cleared off the goal line by Drew Cooper, that was followed by a lengthy sequence of play and the Clippers argued the puck crossed the goal line. Then after some discussion by the officials on the next whistle Scardina was credited with the goal that tied the game at 1.

Dallas Farrell restored the Express lead just over two minutes later taking a pass from Regan Kimens and ripping a shot over the shoulder of Naylor.

To Nanaimo's credit they were pesky in the second period and evened the game in the final minute of the second period on a powerplay goal from Gunnar Wegleitner to make it 2-2 after 40 minutes.

The Express emerged for the 3rd period as a re-focused group and started skating again and their play resembled what they did so well in the first period.

The play was interrupted by a surprising fight early in the frame when Dallas Farrell and Devon Mussio decided to tangle just 1:42 in. It was the first game back in Coquitlam for the former Express Mussio who played two seasons with the team.

Once the game settled back in the Express pulled away. Jordan Schulting jump into the play from the right wing and slid home his first goal of the season.


That was followed just under two minutes later by a goal from Connor Gregga from the slot.

Jason Fortier was forced to tweak some of his forward lines in the third period due to various circumstances including the ejection of Farrell for his fight. But the various line combos that hit the ice continued to execute the system as the game wound down.

Christian Sanda put the finishing touches on the Express third straight win with a late powerplay goal.

The shots finished 38-25 in favour of the Express.

They remain two points back of the Chilliwack Chiefs for first place in the Mainland division after they rallied in the third period for a 3-2 win over Vernon.

Next week the Express host the Prince George Spruce Kings for a pair of games Friday and Sunday. 

Saturday, October 13, 2018

CHIEFS VS. EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of the Express 5-1 win over Chilliwack Friday night. The win snapped a 29 game winless streak for the Express vs. the Chiefs dating back to the 2015 playoffs.



Play by play and highlights production by Eddie Gregory.

EXPRESS FINALLY SNAP THEIR STREAK VS. CHIEFS

It was 30 games in the making, but finally for the first time since 2015 the Express can say they have defeated the Chilliwack Chiefs following the 5-1 win Friday night. Click here for boxscore

The win snapped a 29 game winless streak to the Chiefs for the Express who were 0-28-1-0 during that time combining regular season and playoff meetings. Friday's win was the first win vs the Chiefs since game 3 of the 2015 first round series between the Express and Chiefs.

During the last three games that saw the Express go 1-2, they were prone to slow starts and spotting teams early leads. Tonight the Express were determined to not have that happen. And they proved it right from the drop of the puck and never let up the rest of the night.

Alex DiPaolo started a fantastic night by going to the net and have a Troy Robillard shot from the point bounce right to the Express forward who buried the rebound for a 1-0 Express lead just shy of the two minute mark.



That was followed the next shift by Josh Bruce, Danny Pearson and Cooper Connell working the play in the Chiefs end of the ice and the Express had found a good early rhythm.

Former Chilliwack Chief Regan Kimens played a big role expanding the Express lead to 2-0. To begin with he delivered a heavy hit on the forecheck. Then moments later he kept a Chiefs clearing attempt in the zone and then set up Dallas Farrell at the side of the net where he tipped home the pass for a 2-0 Express lead.

At the other end Kolby Matthews made his 7th straight start in the Express net. His best save of the first period came off Kevin Wall on a Chiefs first period powerplay by coming to his left to make a fine pad save.

Nick Wildgoose came close to putting the Express up by 3 midway through the first period but couldn't jam the puck under Chiefs goaltender Mathieu Caron. But Caron's best save came on a Alex DiPaolo wraparound with the Express shorthanded.

Friday was another strong night for the Express who are back as the top penalty killing team in the BCHL. They shut down two Chiefs powerplays in the opening half of the second period. The Express finished a perfect 6 for 6 on the penalty killing unit.

8 minutes into the second period saw Ethan Bowen and Sklyer Brind'Amour team up on a give and go and Brind'Amour re-directed the return pass over the pad of Kolby Matthews to cut the Express lead to 2-1.

Minutes later Chiefs forward Harrison Blaisdell was nailed for a double minor high sticking penalty on the forecheck. On the second of those powerplays the Express found Chase Danol in the slot who snapped his 7th of the season which ties him with Alex DiPaolo for tops on the Express in goals and a 3-1 lead.

Just prior to that goal DiPaolo was robbed for a second time by a great diving glove save by Mathieu Caron.

In the third period the Express never gave Chilliwack a sniff to claw back in this game. Their strong execution of their system allowed the Express to spend the majority of the game in the Chiefs end of the ice.

In the third period Alex DiPaolo was having the puck find him and he then found himself alone in front of the Chiefs net, his chance was denied by Caron but Danny Pearson buried the rebound for insurance early in the frame.

The Express got a scare late in the game when Carter Wilkie cut hard to the net and had a collision with goaltender Kolby Matthews. On the play Wilkie was called for a 5 minute major penalty for a blow to the head. Matthews was fine on the play.

On the powerplay the game was put on ice by Regan Kimens who scored with just over a minute to play to make it a 5-1 final. The Express finished 2 for 6 on the powerplay.



32-22 were the final shots in favour of the Express who limited Chilliwack to just 4 shots in the 3rd period.

The Express return to action Sunday afternoon when they host Nanaimo.


Tuesday, October 9, 2018

EXPRESS @ CHIEFS HIGHLIGHTS

Better late than never.... Here's the highlights of the Express 5-4 loss in Chilliwack Friday.



Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.

Sunday, October 7, 2018

EXPRESS @ EAGLES HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of the Express 4-3 win over Surrey Saturday.



Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.

EXPRESS RALLY PAST EAGLES

The Express needed a come from behind effort to snap their mini two game losing streak with a 4-3 win over the Surrey Eagles. The win improved the Express to 3-1 vs. the Eagles this season.
Click here for boxscore

In recent games slow starts have been a consistent theme for the Express. Saturday night was no different.

Matthew McKim led an odd man rush into the Express zone and his shot was stopped by Kolby Matthews and the rebound was buried by Brandon Santa Juana. It was the third straight game the Express had allowed the games first goal.

Forward Dallas Farrell had a night that would drive a coach nuts and make him happy at the same time. He had a great chance where he cut to the net but then never was able to get a shot away.

6 minutes into the first period Holden Katzalay tipped home a pass from Santa Juana at the edge of the goal crease for a 2-0 Eagles lead. It was the second straight night that seen the Express fall behind by a pair before the game was 8 minutes old.

Then with the Express on the powerplay a Farrell cross ice pass was picked off allowing Max Mohagen to walk in on a breakaway.

As the period went on the Farrell settled into the game and worked to redeem himself. He dished the puck back to Pito Walton who blasted home his first BCHL goal for a powerplay goal and the Express had cut the deficit to 2-1 after 20 minutes.



As the second period commenced the Express slowly started to take control of the game. They were consistently generating more scoring chances.

At the other end when Kolby Matthews was needed he was in fine form. His best save of the night came in the second period sliding to his left and making a spectacular pad save for a second straight night this time off Sam Feldman.



Late in the second period following a won face-off in the Surrey zone a shot by Jordan Schulting went wide of the net and the rebound bounced to Nick Wildgoose who snapped his second Express goal in as many games just inside the goal post to even the game at 2.



The game remained tied until just shy of the 9 minute when the puck slid deep in the Express zone and Ty Westgard dropped it for Liam Ryan who roofed a backhand over the glove of Kolby Matthews for a brief 3-2 Eagles lead.

The brief lead lasted 34 seconds as Dallas Farrell, Regan Kimens and Josh Wildauer rushed into the Surrey zone and Kimens shot from the slot was stopped but Wildauer buried the rebound to tie the game at 3. Dallas Farrell finished with two assists and was named the first star.

Shortly there after with Josh Bruce in the box for the Express, Liam Ryan took his team off the powerplay with a charging penalty in the offensive zone.

Then at 4 on 4 some quick passing by the Express had Eagles goaltender Cayden Bailey having trouble keeping up with the play and Christian Sanda snapped it inside the post for the first Express lead of the night with just over 6 minutes to play.

That stood up as the winner as the Express held on for the 4-3 win. Kolby Matthews finished with 20 saves for his 5th win of the season.

Next week the Express have a pair of home games Friday and Sunday vs. Chilliwack and Nanaimo.


Saturday, October 6, 2018

EXPERSS 3RD PERIOD COMEBACK FALLS SHORT IN CHILLIWACK

An action filled game Friday night in Chilliwack saw the Chiefs hold on for a 5-4 victory over the Express.

It was the first meeting of the season between the two teams that entered the night tied in the Mainland division standings with 14 points each.

Matt Holmes opened the scoring for the Chiefs as he bust through the middle of the Express defence and snapped a shot that dribbled past Kolby Matthews.

Then as the Express first powerplay of the night came to an end, a turnover in the Chiefs zone sprung Harrison Blaisdell on a breakaway and he made no mistake snapping a shot through the pads of Kolby Matthews for 2-0 Chiefs lead.

Late in the first period the Express cut into the Chiefs lead on a powerplay goal by Alex DiPaolo as he stood in front of the net and had a Josh Wildauer shot from the slot bounce off the Express forward and in to make it a 2-1 game. It was DiPaolo's team leading 4th powerplay goal on the season.

That goal gave the Express a boost that carried into the second period and they started to take the play to the Chiefs and started playing some of the best hockey of the night.

Five minutes into the second period the Express got a scare when Brett Willits cut to the net and as Pito Walton came back on the play there was a collision with goaltender Kolby Matthews and he was down for a few minutes and backup AP goaltender Jaden Little was preparing himself to enter the game. Thankfully his services weren't required. It was a nerve racking moment for a team already without Clay Stevenson.

11 minutes into the 2nd period the Express tied the game on a beautiful shot by Connor Gregga ripping a wrist shot under the crossbar after Alex DiPaolo did a great job to keep the puck in the Chiefs zone.

Four minutes later the game quickly turned back in favour of the Chiefs. Marcus Tesink's shot got to the net and the puck eventually bounced off Juliano Santalucia and into the net to put the Chiefs back in the lead at 3-2. Jacob Slipic ended up getting credit for the goal.

Off the ensuing face-off Christian Sanda was assessed a double minor slew footing.

Skyler Brind'Amour scored on a scramble play that had Kolby Matthews spinning around in his crease trying to keep up with the puck.

Then on the second of the Chiefs powerplays Cole Donhauser roofed a shot short side on Matthews to open a 5-2 lead.

All told the Chiefs scored three goals in a span of 1:28.

In the third period tempers got a little short. First, Christian Sanda and Brody Gagno dropped the gloves in the corner. That was followed moments later with another brief fight involving Josh Bruce and Ethan Bowen. All the players were given automatic ejections.

With 8 minutes to play Nicholas Wildgoose scored his first Express goal converting a pass from Dipaolo to make it a 5-3 game. DiPaolo finished with three points on one goal and two assists.

The drama at this point wasn't done by any means. Brett Willits was called for his second goaltender interference penalty of the game and he was given an automatic game misconduct at 12:42. That was followed seconds later by a hit by Marcus Tesink on Josh Wildauer that was called for boarding giving the Express a two man advantage for 90 seconds.

Jason Fortier called his time out and like Sunday vs. Prince George Drew Cooper blasted home a one timer from the right point to make it a one goal game with over 6 minutes to play. The Express finished 2 for 8 on the powerplay.

The Express still had plenty of time on their powerplay as the play went to 5 on 4. The Chiefs fired the puck into the Express end and Matthews came out of his net losing the puck and it was played back Brett Rylance who snapped a shot and thought he beat Matthews, but the goaltender got back into his net in time to make a marvellous diving save to keep the comeback hopes alive.

The best chance for the Express to get the equalizer came off the stick of Jordan Schulting who was set up alone in front of the net but he put his shot wide of the Chiefs net.

In the dying seconds the Express got the puck to the net but were too cute trying to make the perfect play and the clock ran out as the Chiefs held on for the 5-4 win. The shots finished 33-28 in favour of Chilliwack.

The loss extended the Express winless streak in Chilliwack to 22 games (0-21-1) dating back to the start of the 2014-15 season. That also includes playoffs. The Express are winless in their last 29 regular season and playoff games vs. the Chiefs dating back to the 2015 playoffs.

The Express are in Surrey on Saturday night.


Thursday, October 4, 2018

EXPRESS VS. EAGLES HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of Surrey's 4-1 win over the Express Wednesday. 



Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

EXPRESS STREAK SNAPPED BY EAGLES

The Coquitlam Express winning streak is a thing of the past stopping at 6 games following a 4-1 loss to the Surrey Eagles Wednesday night. Click here for boxscore

Despite the recent run of success for the Express, they haven't been pleased with their starts and particularly early penalties.

That didn't change Wednesday and it cost the Express. With Nick Wildgoose in the box for interference, Liam Ryan scored on the powerplay taking a feed off the rush from Ty Westgard and beat Kolby Matthews over the glove.

Ryan was playing alongside Westgard and Chase Stevenson in place of Eric Linell who was scratched Wednesday.

The goal at 1:54 was the first time the Express trailed in 7 games.

Surrey who had dropped the first two meetings of the season between the two teams by a combined 12-2 count, made it tougher for the Express to create time and space to make plays.

Then midway through the 1st period a D to D pass by the Express at the Surrey blueline was picked off by Justyn Gurney who scored on the breakaway beating Kolby Matthews to the backhand.

Cayden Bailey at the other end made his best saves of the first period off Regan Kimens alone in front of the net and a rebound chance late in the period off Danny Pearson.

In the opening minutes of the 2nd period Gurney and Robillard had some pushing and shoving leading to coincidental penalties. That ended up being some foreshadowing for the end of the period.

Chase Stevenson opened up a three goal Eagles lead going to the net following a Ty Westgard rush and knocking the puck out of the air and in the net. The Express argued the puck was contacted with a high stick, but the goal wasn't overturned.

The Express entered the game with 4 powerplay goals in the previous two games. Wednesday was harder for the man advantage to get going. Most notably in the second period where the Express couldn't convert on three opportunities to cut into the Eagles lead.

In the final minute of the 2nd period as the teams were lining up for a face-off in the Express zone Troy Robillard and Justyn Gurney had words and the Express captain was willing to settle things by dropping the gloves. Gurney didn't drop the gloves and both players ended up getting 10 minute misconducts.

By the time the 2nd period had come to an end the Express were certainly frustrated by how things had played out by this point.

In the opening moments of the 3rd period Drew Cooper was levelled after he moved the puck by Liam Ryan.

On the ensuing powerplay, Regan Kimens finally gave something for the Express to build on snapping a shot past a sprawled out Cayden Bailey to get the Express on the board at 1:58. The powerplay finished 1 for 6.

That goal sparked the Express to play some of their best hockey of the night. But they weren't able to get a second puck past Cayden Bailey who finished with 42 saves.

Gurney iced the game with his second of the night into an empty net.

The Express will visit Chilliwack on Friday then have a return match vs. Surrey on Saturday at the South Surrey Arena. 

Monday, October 1, 2018

SPRUCE KINGS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of the Express 3-1 win over Prince George Sunday afternoon.



Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory. 

Sunday, September 30, 2018

EXPRESS STREAK HITS HALF A DOZEN

Alex DiPaolo celebrates his goal - Photo courtesy of Damon James
The Coquitlam Express posted their 6th straight win by defeating the Prince George Spruce Kings 3-1 Sunday afternoon. The 6 game winning streak is the longest since a 6 game run in February 2012. Click here for boxscore

Forward Alex DiPaolo is the early candidate for the Cy Young award for the Express. He scored his 5th of the season to open the scoring after Regan Kimens' pass off a won face-off bounced to the net where DiPaolo was there to bury it. All 5 of DiPaolo's points have all been goals so far this season.

Chase Danol's really found his scoring touch during this Express run. He scored for a 5th straight game by snapping his second shorthanded goal of the season from the off wing past the blocker of Bradley Cooper for a 2-0 Express lead.


Sunday's game marked the first game back in Coquitlam for Sam Kozlowski. He was traded to the Spruce Kings just prior to the regular season. He played 110 games in an Express uniform over most of the previous two seasons.

Chase Danol scored for a 5th straight game - Photo courtesy of Damon James
His return came with mixed emotions. He let a wrist shot go from the right point that was tipped by Chong Min Lee to cut the Express lead to 2-1. But on the play Kozlowski was knocked to the ice and was immediately favouring his right knee. Thankfully Kozlowski returned before the end of the 2nd period.

Late in the middle frame two separate Spruce Kings infractions led to two minutes of 5 on 3 time for the Express. The first unit had good puck control creating chances and hustle to retrieve the puck back. Then late in the two man advantage with the second unit on the ice Pito Walton tees up a Drew Cooper one timer that found the back of the net for his first BCHL goal for a 3-1 Express lead.



Sunday was the second straight outing that the powerplay had struck twice. The penalty killing remains air tight killing off all 4 Spruce Kings powerplays. The Express have killed off 15 straight opposition powerplays dating back to last Sunday's meeting with Salmon Arm.

Kolby Matthews made 9 saves in the third period to finish with 22 while posting his 4th straight win. In front of him the Express played a tidy game with strong effort to pursue the puck and spend time controlling the play in the Spruce Kings end of the ice and lock the game down.

The victory combined with Chilliwack's 6-0 loss in Victoria Sunday has the Express tied for first place in the Mainland division with Chilliwack with 14 points after the first month of the BCHL season.

The Express return to action Wednesday vs. Surrey. 

Saturday, September 29, 2018

RIVERMEN @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of the Express 5-2 win over Langley Friday.



Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.

EXPRESS EXTEND WINNING STREAK TO 5

The Coquitlam Express have now won 5 games in a row following their 5-2 victory over the Langley Rivermen Friday night. Click here for boxscore

A strong night on special teams was key to the Express victory. They went 2 for 7 on the powerplay while killing off all 7 shorthanded situations.

Friday saw Express new comer Nicholas Wildgoose make his Express debut after he was acquired from the Vernon Vipers earlier this week.

He found the scoresheet picking up an assist on the Express first goal of the night. He was involved in a scrum with Christian Sanda digging for the puck below the goal line and Chase Danol came in and dug out the puck then roofing it over the shoulder of Alex Rolfe for a powerplay goal with one second remaining in the man advantage.

The goal for Danol was his 5th of the season and it was the 4th consecutive game he found the back of the net.

Josh Bruce and rookie Danny Pearson had been giving the Express valuable minutes in recent games,  Friday their strong play resulted in contributions on the scoresheet.

They worked the puck in the Langley zone. Then got some help from defensemen Drew Cooper who pinched down to keep the attack alive. Then Bruce found Pearson who was alone in the slot and he snapped home his first BCHL goal for a 2-0 Express lead after 20 minutes.



The second period is where the Express penalty killing really helped win the game for the home team. They were shorthanded for a full two minutes on three separate occasions in the first 13 minutes of the period. The penalty killing units did a great job of limiting time for the Rivermen to set up on the powerplay. Then pressuring the puck up ice and forcing turnovers and at times ragging the puck to kill more time off the Rivermen advantages.

Christian Sanda was one of the better penalty killers on the night using his speed all over the ice to create problems for the Rivermen powerplay.

Alec Capstick did cut into the Express lead sliding the puck under Kolby Matthews at 7:03.

But the lead was back to 2 just over 3 minutes later after a quick pass up the middle found Josh Wildauer at the Langley blueline, Regan Kimens joining the rush stretched his leg as far as he could to stay onside then he took a pass from Wildauer and roofed his second of the season for a 3-1 Express lead.



Drew Cooper's physical play has opened some eyes from the backend this young season.

In the 2nd period he delivered a solid and clean check on Chase Pletzke. Rivermen defensemen Jake Livingstone didn't see the hit that way and rushed to the defence of his teammate and dropped the gloves with Cooper. It ended up being the end of the night for both players following the automatic ejections after the evenly fought tilt.



Livigstone ended up with the extra penalty for instigating giving the Express a 4 on 3 powerplay. It didn't take long for the Express to strike as Dallas Farrell zipped a pass across to Alex DiPaolo who scored his 4th of the season for a 4-1 Express lead after two periods.



At the other end Kolby Matthews had made 18 saves by the end of the second period. His best to that point came on a breakaway for Daneel Lategan.

Garrett Daly cut the Express lead to 4-2 just over three minutes into the third period with a snapshot from the right point past the glove of Matthews. But that would be the final puck to get past Matthews who finished with 25 saves to post his third straight win.

Danny Pearson and Josh Bruce capped off their solid night to help set up Cooper Connell who snapped home his 3rd of the season at 13:27 past Braedon Fleming. The veteran Langley goaltender came in for the third period after Alex Rolfe was relieved after 4 goals on 10 shots through 40 minutes. It's the second straight game the Express have chased the opposition's goaltender.

The win kept the Express tied with the Chilliwack Chiefs for first place in the Mainland division with 12 points.

The Express will host the Prince George Spruce Kings on Sunday afternoon. 

Thursday, September 27, 2018

EAGLES @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights from Wednesday's 8-0 Express win over the Surrey Eagles.



Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.

EXPRESS ROMP EAGLES

Kolby Matthews made 36 saves for his first BCHL shutout,  Christian Sanda and Dallas Farrell each scored twice as the Express exploded for a 8-0 win over the Surrey Eagles. Click here for boxscore

The win was the 4th straight win for the Express. Meanwhile Surrey fell to 1-6 on the season.

Matthews was busy early on as the Express were called for three penalties within the first 8 minutes of the game. His strong play set the tone for the rest of the night.

On the second penalty kill of the night for the Express, Christian Sanda pressured Eagles goaltender Daniel Davidson who coughed up the puck to the Express forward who took the gift and stuffed it in the open net for a 1-0 Express lead at 5:06.



The three Surrey powerplays were killed off by the Express and then the offence took over for the rest of the night.

Regan Kimens set up Dallas Farrell in the slot and he ripped home his second of the season past glove of Eagles starter Daniel Davidson.

Things didn't get much better for the Eagles goaltender who was beat by a Cole Edgerton defection of a Jordan Schulting point shot for his second of the season and a 3-0 Express lead after 20 minutes.

Davidson was pulled following the Edgerton goal after allowing three goals on 10 shots.

Cayden Bailey faced the Express onslaught the rest of the night. It took a while for the Express to get to the Eagles goaltender and when they did, the dam burst wide open.

Pito Walton went D to D to Jack Cameron whose point shot was tipped home by Alex DiPaolo at 17:39.

That was followed 1:08 later by Dallas Farrell setting up Josh Wildauer in the slot who scored his 4th of the season.

The Express capped off their run of 3 goals in 1:41 to end of the second period on Christian Sanda's second of the night rushing in from the right wing and sliding home his 5th of the season and a 6-0 lead after two periods.



The finishing touches of this romp was completed in the third period on Chase Danol scoring his second goal in as many games against his former team at 7:37.



Then Farrell added his second of the night following a won face-off in the Surrey zone for a 8-0 Express lead.

Matthews only needed to make 5 third period saves to finish off his first BCHL shutout.

Jordan Schulting (3A) and Dallas Farrell (2G, 1A) each paced the Express offensive attack. All told 5 players finished with multi point nights.

The Express will host the Langley Rivermen in their next game on Friday night.