EXPRESS LEAD 3-0 IN CUP FINAL THANKS TO ANOTHER COMEBACK AND OT DRAMATICS

The Coquitlam Express did it again, they fell behind for the third straight game and found a way to battle back. They defeated the Vernon Vipers 3-2 in overtime and have a 3-0 strangle hold on the BCHL Championship series.

Ryan Rosenthal who has been scoring timely goals all playoffs long, may have gotten his two biggest goals thus far in the playoffs. He tied it with 1:11 to go and was the overtime hero at 12:16.

As has been the story all series long the Express dug themselves into an early hole. Vernon came out strong for a third straight game in the series. They had a 6-1 advantage in shots when Dylan Chanter at the side of the Express net scored to open the scoring for Vernon for a third straight game in this series.

Vernon kept up the pressure looking to build on their lead but were turned aside by Defiel who only let Vernon get one in the opening 20 minutes. Defiel was peppered with 17 shots in that first period.

The Vipers built on their lead on a second period power play to open the frame when Liam Coughlin scored on a feed from Michael McNicholas at 1:14. Vernon led 3-0 in the first period of game 1. And have had 2-0 leads in both games 2 and 3.

Vernon kept their foot on the gas pedal in the second period as they looked to have a full 60 minute effort and not allow the Express to get back into the game. There were times in the first half of this game where the Vipers were in complete control of the contest.

Brendan Lamont midway through the second period scored his second of the playoffs for the Express as he buried the rebound of a Zach Hodder point shot that was kicked out by Austin Smith.

Another solid 20 from Vernon saw them with a 1 goal lead and a 28-12 advantage in shots.

But in case you didn't know, you can't allow this Express team to hang around in the third period.

The final frame has been the best for the Express in the playoffs. And the third saw the game start to turn in the Express favor. They didn't have an all out push and were dominating the period. But they were getting their shots and were hoping one would go in.

Well, one did and no surprise it was Ryan Rosenthal. He came down the right wing and snapped a shot from the boards and beat Austin Smith to the far side with just 1:11 remaining. And out of the blue the game was tied at 2.

That goal all of a sudden gave the Express an incredible boost of energy. They were all over Vernon in the final minute of regulation and had a number of great chances to win it before overtime. Rosenthal rang a shot off the post. Marc Biega and Adam Rockwood also had glorious chances before regulation expired.

In the post-season the Express have now outscored their opposition 27-12. And 6-2 so far in this series.

Regulation ended, and the Express momentum carried over from the third period with them.

They came out in overtime with good shifts in the Vipers zone throwing pucks at the net. Adam Rockwood came close to winning it for a second straight game as he was set up in front of the net but the puck found a way to go out of play.

Then came Rosenthal time, he scored on a set up from Corey Mackin getting it past the glove of Austin Smith for his second of the game to give the Express the dramatic 3-2 win and 3-0 lead in the Fred Page Cup final.

Gordie Defiel turned aside 35 of 37 Vernon shots in the Express crease. And like he's done in the playoffs, he's shut the door at key times the longer the games go on.

What started as a 28-12 advantage in shots for Vernon through two periods. It was reduced to just a 37-36 advantage by the time this one was said and done.

Entering game 4 tomorrow, the big question is how does Vernon respond? They've jumped out to great starts in each of the three games in this series and have nothing to show for it. They know no matter what happens in this series they will still have some hockey left as hosts of the RBC Cup in Vernon in May. A loss of that magnitude might have a real deflating effect. But the Express can't let those thoughts creep into their heads. They still have some work to do if they want to finish the job the right way.

Game 4 is Tuesday night with the Express looking to claim their second Fred Page Cup championship in franchise history.

BO PIEPER BCHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Coquitlam Express forward Bo Pieper has been named the BCHL Player of the Week for the week ending April 13, the league announced Monday.

Pieper exploded for four huge goals, including the game-winner, in Game 1 of the Fred Page Cup Finals. Pieper's offence helped the Express rally from a three-goal deficit to win the game 6-4.

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound native of Roseville, Minn. was named the game's 1st Star. He now has 10 goals and five assists for the Express in 17 playoff games.

Honourable mentions this week:

Coquitlam Express F Adam Rockwood: 2G, 1A, OT GWG, 1st Star

Coquitlam Express D Zach Hodder: 3A, 2nd Star

Vernon Vipers F Dexter Dancs: 2G, 1A, 2nd Star

EXPRESS UP 2-0 IN FRED PAGE CUP FINAL

The Coquitlam Express are coming home up 2-0 in the Fred Page Cup final after taking game two 4-3 in overtime.

The visitors for a second straight night got off to a slow start in the first period. Dexter Dancs and Brendan Persley scored 1:40 apart before the game was 7 minutes old to pace Vernon to a 2-0 lead.

But for a second straight night the Express didn't let the quick start by the opposition phase them.

46 seconds after the Persley goal the Express got on the board with a power play tally by Canon Pieper.

Dancs re-stored Vernon's two goal lead 8 minutes into the second period with his second of the night.

The deeper this Express team travels in the 2014 post-season, we're learning a lot about the heart of this years group of Express. Corey Mackin scored his third goal of the Fred Page cup final 46 seconds into the third period to pull the Express within one.

Then Adam Rockwood scored beating Adam Smith up high with 7:39 remaining to even things up. In addition to his goal in the offensive zone, Rockwood was also a key factor for the Express with some solid plays in his own end of the rink.

In the first two games of this series the Express have showed championship heart battling back from a 3-0 deficit in game 1. They followed it up in game two battling back from 2-0 and 3-1 deficits. It's not really a recipe for long term success, and i'm sure the players and coaches would like to reverse this trend, but it's encouraging to see the way they find a way to respond.

Gordie Defiel had another top notch performance for the Express between the pipes. Especially in the third period as he turned aside 22 Vernon shots to keep his team in a position to complete the comeback. Saves off Liam Coughlin, Michael McNicholas in the final minute of the third period, and another one with one second remaining in the third period sent this game to overtime.

It didn't take long for this one to be decided just over two minutes in Adam Rockwood scored off the rush for his second of the night to give the Express the 4-3 win and the 2-0 series lead.

The Express come home with a firm grasp  of the Fred Page cup final where the Express have 6-1 home ice record.

Game 3 is Monday night, with game 4 Tuesday in Coquitlam.

Monday's game will see the return to the lineup of forward Joey Santucci after serving a two game suspension. The Express have now won their last 4 games, all with either Cody Boyd or Santucci serving a suspension. 

BO & EXPRESS EXPLODE IN FINAL 40 TAKE GAME 1 OF CUP FINAL

It took 20 minutes for the Express to get rolling, but when they did they were tough handle, especially Bo Pieper who set an Express playoff franchise record scoring four times in a 6-4 win in game 1 of the Fred Page Cup final vs. the Vernon Vipers. The Express lead the championship series 1-0.

Probably some nerves of playing on the BCHL's biggest stage played a factor in the start for the Express. Vernon stormed out to a first period lead on goals by Brendan Persley, Brett Mulcahy and Deminco Hannoun. The first two strikes coming in the first 3:05 of the first period.

The visitors settled down and the tide definitely turned in the second period in the Express favor, and Bo Pieper began to take over. He scored his first two goals of the night at even strength and on the power play to pull the Express within one. Then late in the frame Corey Mackin on a shorthanded breakaway scored to tie the game at three with 1:03 left in the period. The Express now have 5 shorthanded goals in the playoffs. And 24 if you including the 19 they tallied in the regular season.

Vernon did restore their lead 3 minutes into the third when Mason Blacklock scored on a breakaway of his own.

Then came a key turning point, Gordie Defiel made a key stop, one of his 31 saves on the night as he came across to his left and stacking the pads to keep his team down just a goal. Moments later Bo Pieper capped off his hat-trick to even the game at 4.

Bo then set an Express playoff franchise record by scoring his 4th of the night to put the Express up for the first time Friday night. Corey Mackin then completed the Express run of 3 goals in a span of 5:02 in the third period with his second of the night. Zach Hodder finished with 3 assists from the backend.

Brendan Persley and Demico Hannoun each had a goal and an assist for Vernon. Austin Smith was tagged for 6 goals on 35 shots.

Game 2 goes Saturday night in Vernon. 

FRED PAGE CUP FINAL PREVIEW AUDIO

Coach Wolff and the boys come together as one before heading up to Vernon.

Wednesday the Express had their last practice in Coquitlam before heading off to Vernon for the start of the Fred Page Cup final vs. the Vipers. I spoke with a few members of the Express to get their thoughts on the playoffs to date. And to look ahead to the final.

One final practice in Coquitlam before heading up to Vernon.

EXPRESS AND VIPERS BY THE NUMBERS

OVERALL RECORDS
EXPRESS - 27-26-2-3, 3rd in Mainland division Playoff record - 10-5 Defeated Prince George 4-2 in 1st round Defeated Langley 4-2 in 2nd round Went 2-1 in round robin in BCHL semi final	VIPERS – 30-18-4-6, 3rd in Interior division Playoff record - 10-5 Defeated West Kelowna 4-2 in 1st round Defeated Penticton 4-3 in 2nd round. Went 2-0 in round robin BCHL semi final
HEAD TO HEAD REGULAR SEASON December 8 at Coquitlam – 4-2 Express January 11 at Vernon – 3-1 Vipers
2014 PLAYOFFS
EXPRESS Round 1 Mainland division semi finals vs. Prince George – Express win best of 7, 4-2 Gm. 1 Mar. 4 @ PG – 3-2 L Gm. 2 Mar. 5 @ PG – 3-2 W Gm. 3 Mar. 7 @ CQ – 2-0 W Gm. 4 Mar 8 @ CQ – 6-3 W Gm. 5 Mar. 10 @ PG – 3-2 2OTL Gm. 6 Mar. 11 @ CQ – 2-1 W Round 2 Mainland division final vs. Langley – Express win best of 7 4-2. Gm. 1 Mar. 14 @ LA – 4-2 W Gm. 2 Mar. 15 @ LA – 2-1 W Gm. 4 Mar. 17 @ CQ – 5-0 L Gm. 4 Mar. 18 @ CQ – 5-3 W Gm. 5 Mar. 20 @ LA – 5-2 L Gm. 5 Mar. 21 @ CQ – 5-3 W Round 3 BCHL Semi finals vs. Victoria and Vernon. Express advance to Fred Page Cup final with 2-1 round robin record. Gm. 1 Mar. 30 @ VER – 6-1 L Gm. 2 Apr. 1 vs. VIC – 6-3 W Gm. 3 – Apr. 3 @ VIC – 4-3 3OTW	VIPERS Round 1 Interior division semi final vs. West Kelowna – Vipers win best of 7, 4-2 Gm. 1 Mar. 4 @ WK – 5-1 L Gm. 2 Mar. 5 @ WK – 4-1 W Gm. 3 Mar. 7 @ VER – 6-4 W Gm. 4 Mar. 8 @ VER – 4-1 W Gm. 5 Mar. 10 @ WK – 4-1 L Gm. 6 Mar. 11 @ VER – 5-0 W Round 2 Interior division final vs. Penticton – Vipers win best of 7, 4-3 Gm. 1 Mar. 14 @ PEN – 4-3 W Gm. 2 Mar. 15 @ PEN – 5-3 L Gm. 3 Mar. 17 @ VER – 4-3 L Gm. 4 Mar. 18 @ VER – 5-2 W Gm. 5 Mar. 20 @ PEN – 3-2 W Gm. 6 Mar. 21 @ VER – 2-0 L Gm. 7 Mar. 22 @ PEN – 4-3OT W Round 3 BCHL Semi final vs. Victoria and Coquitlam. Vipers advance to Fred Page Cup final with 2-0 record. Gm. 1 Mar. 28 @ VIC 5-4 W Gm. 2 Mar. 30 vs. CQ 6-1 W
PLAYOFFS SPECIAL TEAMS
EXPRESS PP – 5/54 – 9.26% - 11th VIPERS PK – 48/62 – 77.42% - 9th *1SHG for.	VIPERS PP – 9/43 – 20.93% - 5th EXPRESS PK – 53/62 – 85.48% - 2nd *4 SHG's for.
TOP SCORERS PLAYOFFS
EXPRESS Ryan Rosenthal – 12G, 5A, 17PTS Adam Rockwood – 1G, 13A, 14PTS Bo Pieper – 6G, 5A, 11PTS Canon Pieper – 5G, 6A, 11PTS Marc Biega – 6G, 3A, 9PTS Corey Mackin – 2G, 7A, 9PTS	VIPERS Colton Sparrow – 7G, 11A, 18PTS Brett Mulcahy – 13G, 3A, 16PTS Brendan Pearsley – 7G, 8A, 15PTS Michael McNicholas – 5G, 10A, 15PTS Josh Bryan – 0G, 13A, 13PTS Liam Coughlin – 6G, 5A, 11PTS
EXPRESS GOALTENDING PLAYOFFS	VIPERS GOALTENDING PLAYOFFS
Gordie Defiel – 10-5, 2.65 GAA, .922 Sv.%, 1SO	Austin Smith - 2.67 GAA, .916 Sv.%, 1SO

FRED PAGE CUP FINAL PREVIEW

The 2014 Fred Page Cup final begins Friday in Vernon between the Express and the Vipers.

It's the second trip in franchise history for the Express to the BCHL final. Their first coming in 2006 when the franchise was located in Burnaby where they won in 6 games over Penticton en route to an RBC Cup national championship.

For Vernon they've won a BCHL best 12 BCHL championships in their long and storied history.

They're back in the final for the first time since 2011 when they capped off a run of 3 straight Fred Page Cup championships.

This series features two teams that finished third in their respective divisions during the regular season.

The Express advanced to the final with 6 games wins over Prince George and Langley. Then went 2-1 in the round robin semi final losing their first game to Vernon 6-1 in Vernon. Then taking both games vs. Victoria 6-3 and 4-3 in triple overtime last Thursday to advance to the Fred Page Cup final.

Victoria was eliminated after going 0-3 in the round robin losing both games to the Express and their first of the third round 5-4 to Vernon. The Vipers went 2-0 in the round robin with their wins over the Express and Grizzlies in a 3 day span.

In the first two rounds of the playoffs Vernon advanced by defeating West Kelowna in 6 games in the first round. Then needing a come back from a 3-1 third period deficit and an overtime goal from Michael McNicholas in Penticton in game 7 to advance.

Both teams have had a chance to rest after the Express played 12 games in 18 days in the first two rounds. Vernon played 13 games in 19 days in the first two rounds.

Then both teams had about a week off to prepare for round 3. Then Vernon played just two games in 3 days. The Express played 3 games in 5 nights in the third round.

Entering the final the Vipers will have played just 2 games in a span of nearly 3 weeks 19 days dating back to their series clinching win over Penticton. And they will have had 11 days off since their last game on March 30th vs. the Express.

The Express will have played 3 games since they eliminated Langley in 6 games on March 21st. And they will have had 7 full days off by the time the final gets going on Friday night.

Entering the final these teams can't truly say they're completely familiar with one another despite the one meeting between the clubs in the third round on March 30th in Vernon. That 6-1 Vipers victory was a much closer game than the final score showed at the end of the night.

It was a 2-1 Vernon lead one minute into the third period. The Express were on the wrong side of puck luck especially in the first two periods. Vernon cleared a puck off the goal line, and had the help of back to back posts in the first period. Ryan Rosenthal was a little unfortunate that he couldn't finish off a wrap around chance in the second period.

Vernon did add 3 goals in the final ten minutes of that contest. Including two in the final minute. And with a goals for and goals against being a possible tie breaker in the third round, they needed to get those key goals at the time which didn't have an impact in the final out come of round 3.

The shots in that game were even at 30 apiece.

For the Express Ryan Rosenthal has been a thoroughbred during the playoffs scoring timely goals and at times being unstoppable. He leads the Express in scoring with 12 goals and 17 points in 15 games.

All the production coming after going pointless in the first three games of the playoffs in the first round vs. Prince George. His line mates Corey Mackin and Adam Rockwood have come up with clutch performances at key times at various points during this playoff run. Rockwood's point production is similar to what we saw in the regular season where he led the team in scoring. He has 1 goal and 13 assists for 14 points in 15 playoff games second behind Rosenthal.

The Pieper brothers have provided timely scoring with various wingers at times in the post season.

The third line mostly consisted of Cody Boyd, Jace Hennig and Joey Santucci has provided very valuable minutes mostly going up against the opposition first line throughout the playoffs minimizing the damage inflicted by the opponents top players. But that line did play the entire third round without Cody Boyd who served a 3 game suspension for an accumulation of junior A supplement infractions. Joey Santucci will be suspended for the first two games of the final in Vernon after receiving a 2 game suspension for his 5 minute major and blow to the head penalty assessed in overtime of the deciding game in Victoria.

Gordie Defiel has been providing championship quality goaltending right from the start of the playoffs. He made 58 saves last Thursday in Victoria. Including 31 in overtime alone.

Zach Hodder and Marc Biega have continued their regular season form in the playoffs adding an offensive punch from the backend with 6 and 5 goals apiece. The rest of the blue line has provided very steady play all playoffs long.

Vernon's top line of Brendan Pearsley, Brett Muclahy and Colton Sparrow have been burning out red lights all playoffs long. They've also got support offensively from Michael McNicholas, TJ Dumonceaux and Liam Coughlin. Josh Bryan on the backend is tied with Adam Rockwood with 13 assists for the second best total in the playoffs to date.

Austin Smith has posted similar numbers to Gordie Defiel in the Vernon crease in the post season.

The Express have made it this far with just 5 goals in the playoffs. That lack off success hasn't hurt them in the playoffs considering they're still playing. I don't really like to make NHL references when writing about the BCHL. But I do remember in 2011 in the set up to the Stanley Cup final between Boston and Vancouver, plenty of the talk at the start of the series was about Boston's lackluster power play. Well we all know how that turned out. Vernon's penalty killing sits at 77.42% in the playoffs.

The Express penalty killing is still second best in the BCHL entering the final at 85.48%. It is the highest mark of all teams that advanced past the first round of the playoffs. Prince George killed off 21 of 22 shorthanded situations in their series with the Express.

On the surface there doesn't seem to be much that separates these two teams at this point. Two very worthy teams have earned their spot in the final and it should be a good series.

ROSENTHAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Coquitlam Express forward and captain Ryan Rosenthal has been named the BCHL Player of the Week for the week ending April 6, the league announced Monday.

Rosenthal led the Express to a pair of wins over the Victoria Grizzlies in the round-robin semifinals that put Coquitlam into the Fred Page Cup Finals.

A native of Montvale, N.J., Rosenthal notched three goals and two assists in the pair of wins. He scored his team's first and third goals in a 6-3 home win on Tuesday and forced overtime Thursday on the road when he scored in the final minute of regulation.

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound forward was named 1st Star and FortisBC Energy Player of the Game in the win at home.

Honourable mentions this week:

Victoria Grizzlies F Gerry Fitzgerald: 2G, 2A, 3rd Star

Coquitlam Express D Marc Biega: 2G, 1A, OT GWG

Coquitlam Express G Gordie Defiel: 2W, 88 saves/94 shots, .936 sv%, 2.08 GAA