Thursday's 4-1 loss in Chilliwack.
Saturday's 7-1 win over Salmon Arm in Penticton.
Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.
Saturday's 7-1 win over Salmon Arm in Penticton.
Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.
Showing posts with label Bauer BCHL Showcase. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bauer BCHL Showcase. Show all posts
Monday, October 7, 2019
Thursday, October 3, 2019
CHIEFS RALLY IN 3RD TO SNAP EXPRESS STREAK
The Coquitlam Express winning streak was snapped at five games thanks to a third period rally by the Chilliwack Chiefs to defeat the Express by a 4-1 score. The Chiefs scored all their goals in the 3rd period for the come from behind win. Click here for boxscore
The Express stormed Chilliwack in the opening minutes peppering Mathieu Caron with the first five shots of the game. Christian MacDougall had the best chance early on taking a pass and finding himself alone in front of the net only to lift his shot too high and out of play.
Tyler Schleppe then was set up in the slot only to be denied by a quick glove save from Caron. Then Caron made his best save of the night coming to his left to rob Brad Ong on a two on one break with a pad save.
At the other end Tyler Schleppe made a great play defensively diving to get a stick on a cross ice pass to break up a Chiefs two on one break.
Thursday's game saw the return to the lineup of forward Josh Wildauer and Massimo Rizzo made his Express debut. They joined Connor Gregga on a line. And the addition of Rizzo down the middle moved Connor Gregga to the wing.
Rizzo's impact was immediately felt on the first goal of the night. He took a pass with speed on the powerplay from Steven Bellini. Rizzo then slid the puck into Connor Gregga's wheelhouse where he ripped home his first of the season to open the scoring. That goal capped off a strong opening 20 minutes that saw the Express outshoot Chilliwack 13-5.
Chilliwack was determined in the second period to send more rubber the way of Clay Stevenson. That was highlighted by Stevenson quickly shutting the five hole on a chance for Brett Willits.
As the second period wound down the Express created more top notch chances. Connor Gregga came close to adding his second of the night but had his stick checked at the last minute as he tired to tuck it in past Caron. Then Massimo Rizzo dished a cross ice pass to Ryan Tattle who had to adjust his angle to receive the pass but still got a decent shot away and put it wide of the net.
Brett Willits got Chilliwack on the board in the 3rd period finishing a give and go with Peter Reynolds to tie the game at 1 at 4:25.
8 minutes into the third Cooper Connell was whistled for a tripping penalty on Cooper Moore deep in the offensive zone. The Express penalty killers did a good job on the penalty kill by disrupting the Chiefs break out with strong up ice pressure most notably by Ryan Tattle.
But just as the penalty came to an end and before Connell could get back in the play the puck was snapped to the side of the Express net where Joey Larson scored to give Chilliwack a 2-1 lead.
Then in a blink of an eye Chilliwack scored again as Kyle Penny snapped a shot through the pads of Clay Stevenson for a 3-1 Chiefs lead with the goal coming just 16 seconds after the goal by Larson.
Caron shut the door in the third period finishing with 9 saves in the final frame. That capped off a 27 save performance.
Ethan Bowen capped the game off for Chilliwack by hitting the empty net with 5 seconds to play to round out the scoring.
The Express saw their record fall to 7-2 on the season. Chilliwack's win was their 4th straight and they pulled within two points of the Express for first place in the Mainland division.
Saturday will see the Express in Penticton for their second game of the showcase bright and early at 10 in the morning vs. the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
The Express stormed Chilliwack in the opening minutes peppering Mathieu Caron with the first five shots of the game. Christian MacDougall had the best chance early on taking a pass and finding himself alone in front of the net only to lift his shot too high and out of play.
Tyler Schleppe then was set up in the slot only to be denied by a quick glove save from Caron. Then Caron made his best save of the night coming to his left to rob Brad Ong on a two on one break with a pad save.
At the other end Tyler Schleppe made a great play defensively diving to get a stick on a cross ice pass to break up a Chiefs two on one break.
Thursday's game saw the return to the lineup of forward Josh Wildauer and Massimo Rizzo made his Express debut. They joined Connor Gregga on a line. And the addition of Rizzo down the middle moved Connor Gregga to the wing.
Rizzo's impact was immediately felt on the first goal of the night. He took a pass with speed on the powerplay from Steven Bellini. Rizzo then slid the puck into Connor Gregga's wheelhouse where he ripped home his first of the season to open the scoring. That goal capped off a strong opening 20 minutes that saw the Express outshoot Chilliwack 13-5.
Chilliwack was determined in the second period to send more rubber the way of Clay Stevenson. That was highlighted by Stevenson quickly shutting the five hole on a chance for Brett Willits.
As the second period wound down the Express created more top notch chances. Connor Gregga came close to adding his second of the night but had his stick checked at the last minute as he tired to tuck it in past Caron. Then Massimo Rizzo dished a cross ice pass to Ryan Tattle who had to adjust his angle to receive the pass but still got a decent shot away and put it wide of the net.
Brett Willits got Chilliwack on the board in the 3rd period finishing a give and go with Peter Reynolds to tie the game at 1 at 4:25.
8 minutes into the third Cooper Connell was whistled for a tripping penalty on Cooper Moore deep in the offensive zone. The Express penalty killers did a good job on the penalty kill by disrupting the Chiefs break out with strong up ice pressure most notably by Ryan Tattle.
But just as the penalty came to an end and before Connell could get back in the play the puck was snapped to the side of the Express net where Joey Larson scored to give Chilliwack a 2-1 lead.
Then in a blink of an eye Chilliwack scored again as Kyle Penny snapped a shot through the pads of Clay Stevenson for a 3-1 Chiefs lead with the goal coming just 16 seconds after the goal by Larson.
Caron shut the door in the third period finishing with 9 saves in the final frame. That capped off a 27 save performance.
Ethan Bowen capped the game off for Chilliwack by hitting the empty net with 5 seconds to play to round out the scoring.
The Express saw their record fall to 7-2 on the season. Chilliwack's win was their 4th straight and they pulled within two points of the Express for first place in the Mainland division.
Saturday will see the Express in Penticton for their second game of the showcase bright and early at 10 in the morning vs. the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
Saturday, September 22, 2018
FARRELL PLAYS LAST SECOND HERO TO GIVE EXPRESS A SHOWCASE SWEEP
Dallas Farrell's first BCHL goal couldn't have come at a better time than with 4.1 seconds left in the third period to give the Express a 2-1 win over the Cowichan Valley Capitals. The win completed a two game sweep for the Express at the 2018 Bauer BCHL showcase and it evened their record to 3-3.
There was some drama in the first period before the teams settled into a tight contest leading up to the dramatic finish.
Chase Danol opened the scoring for the Express with a powerplay goal deflecting a Troy Robillard shot for his second of the season past Capitals starter Matthew Waite.
Saturday's game was the Capitals debut for Waite who spent last season with Moncton of the QMJHL.
His debut didn't last long however, as he left the game midway through the first period leaving in a fair amount of discomfort. Jack Grant stepped in to relieve his fallen comrade.
Dallas Farrell entered this game with 4 assists in his first five games in an Express uniform. The shifty winger has shown some flashes in his first few games. And he's been very consistent and generating some quality scoring chances and he just had no luck getting one of his chances to find the back of the net.
In the first period he had one of the better Express chances but ripped a shot over the Caps goal.
Cowichan evened the game on an odd man rush with a goal from Lucas Vanroboys whose original shot was stopped by Clay Stevenson, but he couldn't grab the rebound at 13:16 of the first period.
That would be the only puck to get past the Express starter who was solid with 20 saves to post his second win of the season.
Now in a 1-1 tie, these teams really settled into a close game.
The Express had a few scramble chances in the second period but were unfortunate that they weren't able to get the puck to dribble in for them or have a player in the right spot to poke the puck home.
Troy Robillard also had one of the better Express chances of the second period lifting a shot over the net rushing in from the left wing.
In the third period the Express just stuck with their game looking to get their first puck past Jack Grant who had settled in nicely after reliving Waite in the first period.
They couldn't use two third period powerplays to break the deadlock. The Express finished 1/7 on the powerplay. The penalty killing had another strong game killing off all 3 Capitals powerplays. They've killed off 25 of their first 28 shorthanded situations in their first 6 games.
As the third period ticked down the Express were forcing the Caps into icing the puck on multiple occasions leading to Express offensive zone draws.
Off another offensive zone draw for the Express, the Caps won the face-off and executed their assignment well following a time out to clear the puck out of the zone off a face-off win. But the Caps didn't get the puck deep and the Express quickly rushed back up the ice in the dying seconds of the third period.
Regan Kimens powered the puck to the net on a wrap around and Dallas Farrell following the play buried the rebound to give the Express the 2-1 lead with 4.1 seconds left and doing so with not enough time for the Caps to threaten with one last chance.
For Cowichan Valley, it was their second straight heart breaking loss at the showcase. They dropped their first game 4-3 in overtime to Chilliwack Friday night after letting a 3-0 lead slip through their hands.
After starting the season with 6 consecutive games away from home ice the Express finally will play their home opener Sunday afternoon vs. the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. And they'll do it feeling pretty good about themselves with two wins this week at the showcase.
There was some drama in the first period before the teams settled into a tight contest leading up to the dramatic finish.
Chase Danol opened the scoring for the Express with a powerplay goal deflecting a Troy Robillard shot for his second of the season past Capitals starter Matthew Waite.
Saturday's game was the Capitals debut for Waite who spent last season with Moncton of the QMJHL.
His debut didn't last long however, as he left the game midway through the first period leaving in a fair amount of discomfort. Jack Grant stepped in to relieve his fallen comrade.
Dallas Farrell entered this game with 4 assists in his first five games in an Express uniform. The shifty winger has shown some flashes in his first few games. And he's been very consistent and generating some quality scoring chances and he just had no luck getting one of his chances to find the back of the net.
In the first period he had one of the better Express chances but ripped a shot over the Caps goal.
Cowichan evened the game on an odd man rush with a goal from Lucas Vanroboys whose original shot was stopped by Clay Stevenson, but he couldn't grab the rebound at 13:16 of the first period.
That would be the only puck to get past the Express starter who was solid with 20 saves to post his second win of the season.
Now in a 1-1 tie, these teams really settled into a close game.
The Express had a few scramble chances in the second period but were unfortunate that they weren't able to get the puck to dribble in for them or have a player in the right spot to poke the puck home.
Troy Robillard also had one of the better Express chances of the second period lifting a shot over the net rushing in from the left wing.
In the third period the Express just stuck with their game looking to get their first puck past Jack Grant who had settled in nicely after reliving Waite in the first period.
They couldn't use two third period powerplays to break the deadlock. The Express finished 1/7 on the powerplay. The penalty killing had another strong game killing off all 3 Capitals powerplays. They've killed off 25 of their first 28 shorthanded situations in their first 6 games.
As the third period ticked down the Express were forcing the Caps into icing the puck on multiple occasions leading to Express offensive zone draws.
Off another offensive zone draw for the Express, the Caps won the face-off and executed their assignment well following a time out to clear the puck out of the zone off a face-off win. But the Caps didn't get the puck deep and the Express quickly rushed back up the ice in the dying seconds of the third period.
Regan Kimens powered the puck to the net on a wrap around and Dallas Farrell following the play buried the rebound to give the Express the 2-1 lead with 4.1 seconds left and doing so with not enough time for the Caps to threaten with one last chance.
For Cowichan Valley, it was their second straight heart breaking loss at the showcase. They dropped their first game 4-3 in overtime to Chilliwack Friday night after letting a 3-0 lead slip through their hands.
After starting the season with 6 consecutive games away from home ice the Express finally will play their home opener Sunday afternoon vs. the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. And they'll do it feeling pretty good about themselves with two wins this week at the showcase.
Friday, September 21, 2018
SHOWCASE: EXPRESS VS. KINGS HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights from the Express 6-3 win over the Powell River Kings Thursday at the Bauer BCHL showcase.
Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.
Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.
Thursday, September 20, 2018
BCHL FIRSTS SHOWCASE EXPRESS SKILL VS. KINGS
Alex DiPaolo, Connor Gregga and Cole Edgerton all scored their first BCHL goals, and the Express struck four times in the second period in a 6-3 win over the Powell River Kings at the Bauer BCHL showcase. Click here for boxscore
The victory was the second of the season for the Express.
Cooper Connell opened the scoring for the Express just under 4 minutes into the game taking a quick pass at the top of the left circle and snapping a shot over the glove of Mitch Adamyk.
Penalties were a theme for the Express in the first period. It started with a double minor high sticking penalty assessed to Josh Wildauer. Later in the period penalties were assessed to Hunter Alden who made his Express debut and Jonathan Sheardown and the penalty killing rose to the occasion each time keeping the Express in the lead. The Express entered the game with the second best penalty killing in the BCHL this young season.
The Express had chance to take a two goal lead into the second period with Dallas Farrell ripping a shot just high off the wing then on a breakaway. Cole Edgerton put a shot on a shorthanded breakaway just over top of the net.
The chances started to fill the net for the Express in the second period. Jonathan Sheardown walked down the wing and got the puck to the net where Alex DiPaolo found a loose puck in the goal crease and poked it home for his first BCHL goal.
1:02 later Chase Danol stole the puck behind the Kings net and set up Christian Sanda in front of the Kings net for a 3-0 Express lead.
Kolby Matthews got the start in goal for the Express. He was solid with 7 first period saves. And he finally got his first goals of support in front of him in his 3rd start of the season.
Powell River got their first goal past the Express netminder on a powerplay thanks to Neal Samanski scoring from the slot to cut the Express lead to 3-1.
Just 1:11 later the Express were back up by three thanks to Josh Wildauer scoring off the rush for his second off the season on a set up by Dallas Farrell.
Powell River momentarily cut the Express lead to two for a second time on the first BCHL goal for former Express AP Christian Buono deflecting a Matt Rickard shot.
Connor Gregga late in the middle frame was the second member of the Express to score his first BCHL goal Thursday. Goaltender Kolby Matthews raced up out of his net to move a Kings clearing attempt up ice as they changed to Regan Kimens. He then dropped it to Dallas Farrell whose shot was tipped home at the edge of the crease by Gregga.
The four goal second period was powered by 20 Express shots in that frame.
Ben Thomas early in the third period pulled the Kings within two for a third time jamming the puck past Kolby Matthews. But that would the final puck to get past the Express netminder who finished the game strong to kill the Kings come back hopes. Matthews finished with 24 saves for his first win in an Express uniform.
Cole Edgerton completed a hat-trick of first BCHL goal scorers for the Express scoring from the left circle to finish off the scoring. Jordan Schulting picked up his first point of the season on the goal.
Five players had multi point games for the Express, Wildauer, Sanda, Farrell, Gregga and Chase Danol.
The Express will play their second game at the showcase Saturday afternoon vs. Cowichan Valley. They will finally play their home opener the next day vs. the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
The victory was the second of the season for the Express.
Cooper Connell opened the scoring for the Express just under 4 minutes into the game taking a quick pass at the top of the left circle and snapping a shot over the glove of Mitch Adamyk.
Penalties were a theme for the Express in the first period. It started with a double minor high sticking penalty assessed to Josh Wildauer. Later in the period penalties were assessed to Hunter Alden who made his Express debut and Jonathan Sheardown and the penalty killing rose to the occasion each time keeping the Express in the lead. The Express entered the game with the second best penalty killing in the BCHL this young season.
The Express had chance to take a two goal lead into the second period with Dallas Farrell ripping a shot just high off the wing then on a breakaway. Cole Edgerton put a shot on a shorthanded breakaway just over top of the net.
The chances started to fill the net for the Express in the second period. Jonathan Sheardown walked down the wing and got the puck to the net where Alex DiPaolo found a loose puck in the goal crease and poked it home for his first BCHL goal.
1:02 later Chase Danol stole the puck behind the Kings net and set up Christian Sanda in front of the Kings net for a 3-0 Express lead.
Kolby Matthews got the start in goal for the Express. He was solid with 7 first period saves. And he finally got his first goals of support in front of him in his 3rd start of the season.
Powell River got their first goal past the Express netminder on a powerplay thanks to Neal Samanski scoring from the slot to cut the Express lead to 3-1.
Just 1:11 later the Express were back up by three thanks to Josh Wildauer scoring off the rush for his second off the season on a set up by Dallas Farrell.
Powell River momentarily cut the Express lead to two for a second time on the first BCHL goal for former Express AP Christian Buono deflecting a Matt Rickard shot.
Connor Gregga late in the middle frame was the second member of the Express to score his first BCHL goal Thursday. Goaltender Kolby Matthews raced up out of his net to move a Kings clearing attempt up ice as they changed to Regan Kimens. He then dropped it to Dallas Farrell whose shot was tipped home at the edge of the crease by Gregga.
The four goal second period was powered by 20 Express shots in that frame.
Ben Thomas early in the third period pulled the Kings within two for a third time jamming the puck past Kolby Matthews. But that would the final puck to get past the Express netminder who finished the game strong to kill the Kings come back hopes. Matthews finished with 24 saves for his first win in an Express uniform.
Cole Edgerton completed a hat-trick of first BCHL goal scorers for the Express scoring from the left circle to finish off the scoring. Jordan Schulting picked up his first point of the season on the goal.
Five players had multi point games for the Express, Wildauer, Sanda, Farrell, Gregga and Chase Danol.
The Express will play their second game at the showcase Saturday afternoon vs. Cowichan Valley. They will finally play their home opener the next day vs. the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
Sunday, September 24, 2017
SPECIAL TEAMS DIFFERENCE IN GRIZZLIES WIN OVER EXPRESS
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| Reid Cooper finished with 20 saves Photo courtesy of Garrett James |
Click here for boxscore
The Grizzlies struck twice on the power play while the Express were blanked.
The Express had a second straight strong start. They outshot the Grizzlies early on opening up a 6-1 advantage. They were physical and controlling the play below the hashmarks in the Victoria zone.
A strong shift in the Victoria zone by Aiden Wagner, Hadyn Delorme and Jake Toor teamed up to open the scoring with Toor burying his own rebound after he was set up alone in front of the net for a 1-0 Express lead.
The Express had their opportunities to expand their lead with three powerplays in the first but were unable to capitalize in their chances.
In the second period Mitch Newsome hit the post and Will Lawrence was stopped in front of the net by Shawn Parkinson on more good scoring chances for the Express to add to their lead.
Midway through the second period the Grizzlies power play used their patience to tie the game. A smart dump and puck retrieval allowed the Victoria to set up in the Express zone.
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| Troy Robillard - Photo courtesy of Garrett James |
This was a key point in the game that started to turn it in Victoria's favour.
Late in the period a two on one down low in the Express zone resulted in a goal by Ethan Nother giving Victoria a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes.
Veteran Jamie Rome scored 18 seconds into the third period for a 3-1 Grizzlies lead.
That goal didn't dissuade the Express and they cut the deficit back to one after a good shift of patient puck control in the Grizzlies zone. Eventually the puck was worked to captain Alex Ambrosio who scored his first of the season on the backhand to cut the deficit to 3-2 with just under 14 minutes left.
Then the Express power play let them down again moments after the Ambrosio scored when they were unable to strike with Nico Somerville in the box.
As the final minutes ticked down the game started to open up as the Express pressed for the equalizer. Reid Cooper did all he could to keep the Express within one. His best same coming off Lucas Clark with just over 5 minutes to play.
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| A. Ambrosio & J. Brien - Photo courtesy of Garrett James |
The Grizzlies only needed 20 seconds on the power play to convert restoring their two goal lead. Justin Michaelian potted a loose puck in front of the net to give Victoria a 4-2 lead. 16 year old rookie Alex Newhook picked up his third assist on the tally. The Grizzlies finished 2 for 5 on the power play.
In a fitting ending to the game the Express couldn't cut the deficit in the final moments of the game on their final power play of the game. The Express finished 0 for 6 on the power play.
The effort level was there for the Express but they just couldn't take advantage of their chances. The Express outshot Victoria 28-24. The loss now sees the Express winless in their first 5 games (0-4-1) to start the season.
Up next the Express are in Salmon Arm this Friday.
Thursday, September 21, 2017
WARRIORS DROP EXPRESS AT SHOWCASE
The West Kelowna Warriors improved to 3-0 all time vs. the Express at the Bauer BCHL showcase with a 7-2 win Wednesday night. Click here for boxscore
It was the second straight year and 3rd time in the last 4 seasons the Express and Warriors met at the annual event.
The setback kept the Express winless through their first 4 games of the season (0-3-1-0).
The first period saw the Express generate some of their best chances of the game. Will Lawrence was stopped in the slot on a set up from Hunter Fraser.
Joshua Wildauer opened the scoring for the Express as he was the beneficiary of some quick passes from line mates Christian Sanda and Colby Pederson who found Wildauer alone in front of the net and he scored his first BCHL goal just shy of the 8 minute mark.
Moments later Eric Linell was inches away from doubling the Express lead as he raced into the Warriors zone and rang a shot off the post from the right wing.
Warriors forward Matt Kowalski has been a human highlight reel early in this BCHL season. He added to it late in the first period as he sped into the Express zone danced around a defender then snapped a quick shot past the glove of Reid Cooper to tie the game at 1 after 20 minutes.
West Kelowna opened the second period on a power play when Sam Kozlowski was called for hooking at the 20:00 mark.
With one second left in the power play the puck came back to Warriors defenseman Stephen Kleysen at the point who snapped a shot over the glove of Reid Cooper for a 2-1 Warriors lead.
At this point the Warriors started the pull away from the Express. Willie Reid and Chase Stevenson both scored with tap ins in front of the Express net just over 5 minutes apart, that in combination of the Express going 0 for 3 on the power play in the period saw the Warriors take a 4-1 lead into the third period.
West Kelowna did an excellent job Wednesday night getting pucks and bodies to the net which led to 4 of their goals.
Max Bulawka deftly redirected a Michael Ryan point shot and Matthew Campese was able to jam the puck under Cooper on the power play to open a 6-1 Warriors lead.
Then immediately following the third period media timeout veteran Jared Marino off a won face-off in the Express zone snapped home his second of the season for a 7-1 Warriors lead.
Rookie Haydn Delorme rounded out the scoring burying the rebound of a Doug Scott point shot for his first BCHL goal at 15:24.
The Warriors outshot the Express 52-32. West Kelowna was 2 for 3 on the power play while the Express went 0 for 3.
Up next for the Express is their second game at the showcase Sunday afternoon vs. Victoria.
It was the second straight year and 3rd time in the last 4 seasons the Express and Warriors met at the annual event.
The setback kept the Express winless through their first 4 games of the season (0-3-1-0).
The first period saw the Express generate some of their best chances of the game. Will Lawrence was stopped in the slot on a set up from Hunter Fraser.
Joshua Wildauer opened the scoring for the Express as he was the beneficiary of some quick passes from line mates Christian Sanda and Colby Pederson who found Wildauer alone in front of the net and he scored his first BCHL goal just shy of the 8 minute mark.
Moments later Eric Linell was inches away from doubling the Express lead as he raced into the Warriors zone and rang a shot off the post from the right wing.
Warriors forward Matt Kowalski has been a human highlight reel early in this BCHL season. He added to it late in the first period as he sped into the Express zone danced around a defender then snapped a quick shot past the glove of Reid Cooper to tie the game at 1 after 20 minutes.
West Kelowna opened the second period on a power play when Sam Kozlowski was called for hooking at the 20:00 mark.
With one second left in the power play the puck came back to Warriors defenseman Stephen Kleysen at the point who snapped a shot over the glove of Reid Cooper for a 2-1 Warriors lead.
At this point the Warriors started the pull away from the Express. Willie Reid and Chase Stevenson both scored with tap ins in front of the Express net just over 5 minutes apart, that in combination of the Express going 0 for 3 on the power play in the period saw the Warriors take a 4-1 lead into the third period.
West Kelowna did an excellent job Wednesday night getting pucks and bodies to the net which led to 4 of their goals.
Max Bulawka deftly redirected a Michael Ryan point shot and Matthew Campese was able to jam the puck under Cooper on the power play to open a 6-1 Warriors lead.
Then immediately following the third period media timeout veteran Jared Marino off a won face-off in the Express zone snapped home his second of the season for a 7-1 Warriors lead.
Rookie Haydn Delorme rounded out the scoring burying the rebound of a Doug Scott point shot for his first BCHL goal at 15:24.
The Warriors outshot the Express 52-32. West Kelowna was 2 for 3 on the power play while the Express went 0 for 3.
Up next for the Express is their second game at the showcase Sunday afternoon vs. Victoria.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
WARRIORS 2ND PERIOD SHOWCASE OUT GUNS EXPRESS
The West Kelowna Warriors used a four goal second period to pull away from the Express en route to a 5-3 win at the Bauer BCHL showcase. Click here for boxscore
The Express found themselves trailing in the first period when the puck got poked past an Express defender and setting up a 2 on 1 for the Warriors and Quin Foreman finished it off snapping a shot up over the glove of Reid Cooper.
Hayden Knight's first BCHL goal leveled the game at one for the Express after taking a heads up stretch pass from Domenic Masellis then snapping a shot past the glove of Shane Farkas.
West Kelowna caught a break midway through the period when David Guinta's point shot on the power play beat a screened Farkas. The red light came on and but the referee never consulted the goal judge to discuss the play. I personally had an opportunity to see a video replay of the shot between periods and it was clear the puck entered the net and quickly bounced out.
One of the other highlights for the Express in the first period was a big hit delivered by defenseman Cal Walker who lined up Connor Sodergren and leveled him at the glass right in front of the Express bench. Thankfully for Sodergren he hit the padding and bounced up from the hit right away.
The defending national champions then took control of the game in the second period.
Foreman opened the second period by snapping home his second of the game just 11 seconds into the middle frame. Foreman scored 5 goals in two games at the showcase with a 3 goal performance the night before vs. Chilliwack.
Midway through the second period Mitchell Barker found a loose puck in the crease and scored for a 3-1 Warriors lead.
That was followed 27 seconds later by a goal by Reed Gunville for 4-1 Warriors lead just 5 seconds into a power play.
Mitchell Martan scored the Warriors fourth goal of the period taking advantage of a puck handling gaffe by Reid Cooper and he poked it out of the goaltender's feet for a 5-1 lead.
Cam Bertsch ended the Warriors run by cutting the deficit to 5-2 jamming in a loose puck with less than two minutes to go.
But the second period belonged to West Kelowna who outshot the Express 22-9.
Captain Luca Leone scored the lone goal in the third period. He gained entry into the Warriors zone and showed good patience to turn back to give himself time, then hold off another check to get himself more time than blast a shot to cut the deficit down to 5-3.
The Express penalty killers rose to the occasion killing off nearly two full minutes of a Warriors two man advantage.
West Kelowna finished the game outshooting the Express 42-25. In each of the first 5 games this season the Express have allowed 40+ shots.
The Express will play their second game of the showcase Saturday afternoon 3pm vs. the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
The Express found themselves trailing in the first period when the puck got poked past an Express defender and setting up a 2 on 1 for the Warriors and Quin Foreman finished it off snapping a shot up over the glove of Reid Cooper.
Hayden Knight's first BCHL goal leveled the game at one for the Express after taking a heads up stretch pass from Domenic Masellis then snapping a shot past the glove of Shane Farkas.
West Kelowna caught a break midway through the period when David Guinta's point shot on the power play beat a screened Farkas. The red light came on and but the referee never consulted the goal judge to discuss the play. I personally had an opportunity to see a video replay of the shot between periods and it was clear the puck entered the net and quickly bounced out.
One of the other highlights for the Express in the first period was a big hit delivered by defenseman Cal Walker who lined up Connor Sodergren and leveled him at the glass right in front of the Express bench. Thankfully for Sodergren he hit the padding and bounced up from the hit right away.
The defending national champions then took control of the game in the second period.
Foreman opened the second period by snapping home his second of the game just 11 seconds into the middle frame. Foreman scored 5 goals in two games at the showcase with a 3 goal performance the night before vs. Chilliwack.
Midway through the second period Mitchell Barker found a loose puck in the crease and scored for a 3-1 Warriors lead.
That was followed 27 seconds later by a goal by Reed Gunville for 4-1 Warriors lead just 5 seconds into a power play.
Mitchell Martan scored the Warriors fourth goal of the period taking advantage of a puck handling gaffe by Reid Cooper and he poked it out of the goaltender's feet for a 5-1 lead.
Cam Bertsch ended the Warriors run by cutting the deficit to 5-2 jamming in a loose puck with less than two minutes to go.
But the second period belonged to West Kelowna who outshot the Express 22-9.
Captain Luca Leone scored the lone goal in the third period. He gained entry into the Warriors zone and showed good patience to turn back to give himself time, then hold off another check to get himself more time than blast a shot to cut the deficit down to 5-3.
The Express penalty killers rose to the occasion killing off nearly two full minutes of a Warriors two man advantage.
West Kelowna finished the game outshooting the Express 42-25. In each of the first 5 games this season the Express have allowed 40+ shots.
The Express will play their second game of the showcase Saturday afternoon 3pm vs. the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
Saturday, September 26, 2015
60 MINUTE EFFORT CARRIES EXPRESS TO WIN OVER CLIPPERS
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| Jackson Cressey scored twice and added an assist - Photo Courtesy of Damon James |
Coming off a disappointing 7-2 set back in the opener vs. Powell River, the Express wanted to make amends against a very good team. That's exactly what happened.
Right from the start the Express were physical, skating creating chances and eventually their work paid off.
The top line of Captain Jackson Cressey, Colton Kerfoot and Austin McIlmurray carried the load for the Express offensively. They scored all four goals with Kerfoot and Cressey each scoring twice. While McIlmurray chipped in with a pair of helpers. They combined for four goals and three assists for seven points.
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| Colton Kerfoot celebrates one of his two goals - Photo Courtesy of Damon James |
The Clippers got it back just over three minutes later as Sean Buchannon beat Tyger Howat with a shot off the post and in.
The Express top line took over a shift in the Nanaimo zone cycling effectively for a good 30 seconds below the hashmarks. The cycle was helped out by a smart pinch by defenceman Taylor Green to keep the cycle alive. Eventually, the Clippers coverage was broken down and Cressey scored on a pass from behind the net by Kerfoot for a 2-1 Express lead.
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| Eric Udahl - Photo Courtesy of Damon James |
Owen Stout at one point showed good speed and used it to create a chance wiring a shot off the post, Cam Bertsch using his speed defensively to make a good play in his own end, Jake Brien delivered another body rattling hit for a second straight game.
Colton Kerfoot got his second of the game late in the second period converting a clever diagonal pass through the zone by Owen Stout for a powerplay goal to give the Express a 3-1 lead through 40 minutes.
Clippers defenceman Yanni Kaldis pulled Nanaimo within one early in the third period with a shot that beat Howat on the glove side.
Then came a key sequence moments later. A pair of Express penalties in quick succession gave Nanaimo a 5 on 3 for 1:38. The Clippers owned the puck in the Nanaimo zone, but a combination of key saves by Howat and the penalty killing unit held off the Nanaimo surge to keep the Express in front.
Midway through the third period Austin McIlmurray sprung Cressey on a breakaway and he re-stored the Express two goal advantage.
Cressey really showed why he was given the “C” for the Express this season. He may have played his best game in an Express uniform Saturday. In addition to scoring a pair of goals, he was delivering hits, paying the price to block shots. Setting a pretty easy example for the rest of his teammates to follow. And follow they did.
Jack Surowiec was among one of the other players that stood out paying the price to block shots to help preserve the win. Taylor Green was solid breaking up rushes at the Express blue line.
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| Tyger Howat was 1st star with 48 saves - Photo Courtesy of Damon James |
This win against a good team can help set the standard the Express would like to set for this season.
Next week the Express are on the road in Victoria and Nanaimo Thursday and Friday. Before playing their home opener in one week vs. Cowichan Valley next Saturday.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
EXPRESS DROP SHOWCASE OPENER
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| Dante Hahn scored in his Express debut. Photo courtesy of Garrett James. |
It was the Kings who prevailed by a 7-2 final. Click here for boxscore
Powell River got going just over 6 minutes into the first period when Jonny Evans fired a shot from the circle up over the shoulder of Braden Krogfoss who was down in the paddle down position.
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| Defenceman Taylor Green - Photo courtesy of Garrett James. |
Defenceman Jake Brien showed some of his physical prowess in the first period. He had a big hit at the Express line as he lined up a Kings player coming down the wing. He had a similar type hit minutes later. This time he was called for charging.
On the ensuing power play Carter Turnbull finished off a 2 on 1 by firing a shot up over the glove of Krogfoss for a 2-0 Kings lead.
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| Eric Udahl - Photo courtesy of Garrett James. |
The Express best chance to score Thursday morning came in the second period when Austin McIlmurray was sprung on a breakaway. He was poke checked by Smith. Colton Kerfoot followed up on the play and was robbed by the glove of the fallen goaltender sitting on his backside.
Turnbull added his second power play goal of the game midway through the second period as he beat Krogfoss with a wrist shot top corner over the glove of Krogfoss to put the Kings up 4.
Dante Hahn was arguably the Express most dangerous forward Thursday. The second most dangerous may have been his linemate Blake Hayward. He had two good looks in the second period. His first chance he slid a wrist shot low and just past the far post. Then he ripped a wrist shot off the underside of the crossbar from the slot.
The Express appeared to have gotten on the scoreboard before the second period was done. Colton Kerfoot from the left wing boards threw the puck at the net looking for a streaking McIlmurray. While en route the puck hit a Kings defender and went in the net before reaching McIlmurray who crashed into the cage. The goal was immediately waved off by the referee.
Dante Hahn got the Express on the board in the third period. From the goal line he slid the puck to the crease from the goal line and it bounced in off a Kings defenseman and in to make it a 4-1 game.
The goal was just the second power play goal for the Express this season.
But less than a minute later the Kings re-stored their four goal lead on a goal by Austin Kamer top shelf over the glove. Are you noticing a theme here?
Austin McIlmurray got a small measure of revenge scoring on a similar set up from Colton Kerfoot that resulted on the Express goal being waved off in the 2nd period.
Nick Halagian and Liam Lawson also had third period goals for the Kings.
Powell River outshot the Express 39-33.
The Kings were 2 for 3 on the power play while the Express were 1 for 3.
The Express will play their second game of the showcase Saturday afternoon at 1pm vs. the Nanaimo Clippers. They will play their home opener on Friday October 3rd vs. Cowichan Valley.
Some transaction news to keep you posted on. Forward Michael Merulla has been traded to the Surrey Eagles. And defenseman Jivan Sidhu (95) has been traded to the Kanata Lasers CCHL for future considerations.
Check out an interview with Express forward Jack Surowiec.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
EXPRESS 2015 BCHL SHOWCASE SCHEDULE
With the weather being as gorgeous as it is right
now it's hard to think about going inside a hockey rink.
But we do know the schedule for the Express at the 2015 Bauer BCHL showcase in Chilliwack.
The event has been extended to four days from three. All games will be played at the Main rink at the Prospera Centre from September 24th through the 27th. The other notable change is the showcase won't mark the start of the BCHL season which will begin earlier in September.
The Express will open the event on Thursday the 24th at 10am vs. Powell River. The Express will be the home team.
Their second game will be a road game vs. Nanaimo on Saturday the 26th at 1pm. Click here for full showcase schedule.
The full BCHL 2015-16 schedule will be released in July.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
SMOKIN HOT ZUCCARINI & POWERPLAY TOO MUCH FOR EXPRESS
There were two things the Express couldn't stop Saturday afternoon which was Charlie Zuccarini and the Trail power play in an 8-3 win over the Express at the second day at the Bauer BCHL showcase.
Zuccarini made his BCHL debut memorable by scoring five times while adding an assist for six points. And Trail's power play scored on five of seven opportunities.
Zuccarini's big day started in a hurry with a pair of goals within the first five minutes of the game. His first came when he banged home the rebound of his original shot and banged it past Brayden Krogfross who made his Express debut. Then less than two minutes later came Trail's first power play goal and Zuccarini's second of the afternoon beating Krogfross with a wrist shot from the right wing.
The fast start certainly gave Trail a lift to start the contest. But slowly the Express began to pick their game up.
Corey Mackin pulled the Express within one on an Express man advantage as he swatted home the puck out of the air after Daniel Fritz's point shot rocketed off the glass.
The goal of the game came midway through the second period as Jake Lucchini with great speed entering the Express zone undressed a defenceman then quickly snapped a shot over the glove of Krogfross for a 3-1 Trail lead.
Like the night before against West Kelowna the Express had a quick response to an opposition goal.
Youngsters Owen Stout and Noah Turanski teamed up for the second Express tally as Stout's shot from the right wing was stopped but the 16 year old Turanski buried home the rebound for his first BCHL goal.
The back and forth between the clubs continued in the second period. Zuccarini capped off the hat-trick on the power play finishing off a great passing play for Trail's third power play goal of the game.
Again the Express had a response before the period was done as Daniel Fritz blasted home his first BCHL goal on the power play to make it a one goal game going to the third at 4-3.
The third period proved once and for all this game belonged to the Trail power play and Zuccarini.
Bryan Gerstenfeld and Craig Martin scored the fourth and fifth power play goals for Trail. The five power play goals is the most the Express have allowed on a game since November 28th 2009 vs. Nanaimo. The franchise is six set by Surrey in 2007.
Then Zuccarini point an exclamation point on his big game with a shorthanded goal for his fourth of the game and capped off the debut to remember in the final minute scoring on a breakaway by popping the puck in the top corner with ease.
Saturday's game was the second time a player had scored five goals in a game against the Express matching the franchise record initially set by David Ullman off the Burnaby Bulldogs November 17th 2001 during the Express inaugural season.
The showcase saw the Express get outscored 14-5 in the two games and get outshot 95-55.
Friday will be a special night in Coquitlam for the home opener to raise the 2014 Fred Page Cup championship banner and debut the new white jerseys with the black and gold trim.
Zuccarini made his BCHL debut memorable by scoring five times while adding an assist for six points. And Trail's power play scored on five of seven opportunities.
Zuccarini's big day started in a hurry with a pair of goals within the first five minutes of the game. His first came when he banged home the rebound of his original shot and banged it past Brayden Krogfross who made his Express debut. Then less than two minutes later came Trail's first power play goal and Zuccarini's second of the afternoon beating Krogfross with a wrist shot from the right wing.
The fast start certainly gave Trail a lift to start the contest. But slowly the Express began to pick their game up.
Corey Mackin pulled the Express within one on an Express man advantage as he swatted home the puck out of the air after Daniel Fritz's point shot rocketed off the glass.
The goal of the game came midway through the second period as Jake Lucchini with great speed entering the Express zone undressed a defenceman then quickly snapped a shot over the glove of Krogfross for a 3-1 Trail lead.
Like the night before against West Kelowna the Express had a quick response to an opposition goal.
Youngsters Owen Stout and Noah Turanski teamed up for the second Express tally as Stout's shot from the right wing was stopped but the 16 year old Turanski buried home the rebound for his first BCHL goal.
The back and forth between the clubs continued in the second period. Zuccarini capped off the hat-trick on the power play finishing off a great passing play for Trail's third power play goal of the game.
Again the Express had a response before the period was done as Daniel Fritz blasted home his first BCHL goal on the power play to make it a one goal game going to the third at 4-3.
The third period proved once and for all this game belonged to the Trail power play and Zuccarini.
Bryan Gerstenfeld and Craig Martin scored the fourth and fifth power play goals for Trail. The five power play goals is the most the Express have allowed on a game since November 28th 2009 vs. Nanaimo. The franchise is six set by Surrey in 2007.
Then Zuccarini point an exclamation point on his big game with a shorthanded goal for his fourth of the game and capped off the debut to remember in the final minute scoring on a breakaway by popping the puck in the top corner with ease.
Saturday's game was the second time a player had scored five goals in a game against the Express matching the franchise record initially set by David Ullman off the Burnaby Bulldogs November 17th 2001 during the Express inaugural season.
The showcase saw the Express get outscored 14-5 in the two games and get outshot 95-55.
Friday will be a special night in Coquitlam for the home opener to raise the 2014 Fred Page Cup championship banner and debut the new white jerseys with the black and gold trim.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
EXPRESS 2014-15 SCHEDULE RELEASED
The Coquitlam faithful will see their team at the Poirier Sports and Leisure Centre for the first time since they defeated the Vernon Vipers in game 4 of the Fred Page cup final in April when they host the Prince George Spruce Kings in the home opener Friday September 26th. It's the first of a pair of visits on consecutive nights for Prince George as they get re-acquainted with the defending champions for the first time since their 1st round playoff meeting that saw the Express advance in 6 games.
The Express have a great opportunity to get off to a good start on home ice with 5 consecutive games played at the Palace on Poirier following the showcase. As part of the early season home stand, the Express will play their second round playoff opponent the Langley Rivermen on Friday October 3rd.
The schedule then begins to balance out for the Express who will play 7 of their next 8 games on the road. The only home game is the front end of a home and home series with the Chilliwack Chiefs on Saturday October 17th. That is followed by 4 consecutive road games vs. Mainland division opponents Chilliwack, Langley and back to back games in Surrey on October 19th and 24th.
Coquitlam and their mainland division rivals will get very familiar with one another in October and November.
The Express will play 8 games within the division in October.
From October 17th until November 12th the Express will play 11 of 12 games against Mainland division clubs (6 road, 5 home). They will see Surrey 4 times, Chilliwack 3 times, Langley twice and Prince George once.
Here's the breakdown by division.
Vs. Mainland division opponents 34 games.
Vs. Interior division opponents 14 games (1 home, 1 away) *Plus one additional game vs. West Kelowna (A) and Trail (H) at the Bauer BCHL showcase.
Vs. Island division opponents 10 games (1 home, 1 away).
The Express will play Langley and Surrey 8 times. And have 9 games vs. Chilliwack (4 home, 5 away) and Prince George (4 home, 5 away).
With the 5 road games vs. the Spruce Kings, it means the Express will be making 3 separate trips up north this season. They will visit for a pair of games on November 28th and 29th and February 6th and 7th. They will also have a Sunday afternoon visit on January 18th. The night before Saturday January 17th will be the first meeting between the Express and the Vernon Vipers since the Fred Page cup final. Vernon will visit the Express on Friday January 23rd.
The Express will have a 4 game home stand just before their season finale on Saturday February 28th in Chilliwack.
Three times this season the Express will have Friday/Saturday home and home series with the Chiefs. They all will start on the Friday in Coquitlam and concluding the next night in Chilliwack. They will take place on October 17th/18th, November 21st/22nd, and February 27th/28th to conclude the season.
Five times the Express will play three games on three consecutive days. They will also play three games in four nights on Family day weekend with a Monday afternoon matinee in Surrey on February 9th. That game is on the heals of a pair of games in Prince George Friday and Saturday night.
Here are some highlights of the schedule.
Season opener Friday September 19th vs. West Kelowna in Chilliwack at Bauer BCHL showcase.
Home opener Friday September 26th vs. Prince George.
Home and home with the Penticton Vees Wednesday January 7th in Penticton, January 9th in Coquitlam.
Click here for the full 2014-15 Express schedule
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
BCHL SHOWCASE SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
The Express will begin the defence of their crown on Friday September 19th in a road game vs. the West Kelowna Warriors in the secondary rink at 7pm.
The next day Saturday the 20th the Express will be the home team vs. the Trail Smoke Eaters at high noon in the main rink.
Click here for the full Bauer BCHL showcase schedule
All Bauer BCHL showcase games will count in the regular season standings. The Express will also play a home and an away game in Coquitlam and on the road vs. West Kelowna and Trail.
The rest of the BCHL schedule should be announced shortly. Stay tuned.
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