EXPRESS MIXLR BROADCAST

Saturday, September 19, 2009

EXPRESS EEK OUT WIN IN SURREY

It wasn't a thing of beauty, but the Express still got the desired result. A 2-1 win over the Surrey Eagles Friday night. This was a game where the Express didn't play a sharp game. Especially in the final 40 minutes.


The game began relatively evenly played between the two teams. The shots were 10-9 Burnaby in the fist period. The story of the opening 20 minutes was the play of the Express penalty killing. Burnaby was shorthanded 4 times including a 5 on 3 for over a minute. The Express penalty killing shut the Eagle attack down.

With all the powerplays Surrey had late in the first period, and into the 2nd. it gave them life and they started to carry the play. Express goaltender Harrison May was up to the challenge providing a calming presence in the Burnaby crease.

The games first goal came against the flow of the play as the American Express line of Garrick Perry, Rich Manley and Jon Puskar struck again as Perry found a loose puck in the slot and fired it past Eagles goaltender Vinny Lessard 7 minutes into the 2nd period. Puskar and Manley drew the assists on the goal. That line has scored 5 of the Express first 6 goals this season. And that trio has combined for 12 points. 4 points apiece.

The Eagles tied the game late in the 2nd period as Andrew Wallace put a cross ice pass on to the tape of a pinching Doug Marshall who fired a great shot top corner glove side on Harrison May.

Surrey began the third period like they did the second, with a powerplay. Luke Challier put a headlock on Eagles forward Andrew Wallace at the end of the period. Challier was given an extra two minutes. Once again, the Express penalty killing prevailed keeping the score tied.

Early in the third, Harrison May nearly gift wrapped the lead for the Eagles. He went out behind his net to play the puck, but lost it in his feet and it came in front of a wipe open net, Jason Grecica pounced on the loose puck, but May dove back and made a spectacular save with his stick to just get enough of it to keep it out. Captain Dylan Herold finished the job as he cleared the puck which was slowly dribbling to the Express net. Easily, a candidate for save of the year by Harrison May.

Moments later, the Express found themselves shorthanded again with Rich Manley in the box. At the time, you had to wonder if all the Express penalties were eventually going to come back to bite them. However, it was the Express breaking the deadlock shorthanded, Matt Ridley flipped the puck out of his own zone and it landed right on the stick of Garrick Perry who made no mistake scoring his 2nd goal of the game on a breakaway.

Hear Perry's game winning goal here.


Now with 12 minutes remaining in the third period, the Express found themselves in the same situation as one week ago in Cowichan Valley, protecting a one goal lead in the third period.

In the final 90 seconds, the Express were given an opportunity to put the game away with a powerplay. And it appeared they sealed the game away. The Express appeared to score a powerplay goal in the final minute, as they poked a loose puck that was sitting between the legs of Vinny Lessard, but referee Sean Raphael, waved the goal off. Much to the dismay of the Express. The call didn't end up having an impact on the outcome as the Express held on the rest of the way and came away with a 2-1 win.

The Express improved their record to 2-0 with the win.

It wasn't a pretty win for the Express. Is there room for improvement? sure. Over the course of a 60 game schedule, every team will have wins in their back pocket where the team doesn't play at their best. You could put this game into that category for Burnaby.

The Express have their penalty killing to thank. Killing off a 7 Eagle powerplays.

The Express passed another big test in the third period as they successfully protected a one goal lead in the third period for a second consecutive game.

Two wins on the road in the seasons opening two games is crucial for this team. It's always more difficult to win on the road. With 9 of the Express first 13 games on the road this season, learning how to win on the road now will help in the month of October when the Express visit Salmon Arm, Vernon, Penticton, Nanaimo and Powell River.

Shots:

Burnaby 21
Surrey 32

Powerplays:

Burnaby 0/4
Surrey 0/7

3 stars:

3 - Garrick Perry. Scored both Express goals. His game winning goal was a pure goal scorers goal beating Lessard on a breakaway.

2 - Grant Toulmin. One assist playing on Surrey's top line with Andrew Wallace and Chris Santiago.

1 - Harrison May. Great Express debut for the veteran goaltender. Stopped 31 of 32 shots and looked very steady doing so. Even came up with a save of the year candidate to keep the game tied at 1 in the third period.



Up next, home opener Saturday night vs. Powell River.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

EXPRESS ALUMNI NEWS FROM NHL CAMPS

Former Express and 09 RBC Cup champion Cam Brodie has been sent to Syracuse of the AHL. He went to Columbus' camp to begin his pro career. Brodie was part of 15 players either released, sent to the AHL or returned to their respective junior camps by the Blue Jackets.

In other Express alum news from NHL camps, Mark Santorelli had 1 assist as the Predator rookies defeated the Thrasher rookies 3-0.

Milan Lucic set up Max Sauve's game winning goal as the Bruins defeated the New York Rangers 2-1. Paul Crowder did not dress for the Rangers.

Kyle Turris will play in Los Angeles tonight as the Coyotes split their training camp squad and play a pair of exhibition games.

The Colorado Avalanche will play their Burgundy vs. White game tomorrow night. Brandon Yip will play along side former Express teammate David Jones, along with veterans Adam Foote, Scott Haanan, Darcy Tucker and Marek Svatos for team Burgundy.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

EXPRESS OPEN SEASON WITH A WIN

It was a good start to the season for the Burnaby Express, they knocked off the Cowichan Valley Capitals 4-3 Friday night in Duncan.

If you believe the line, if you look good, you play good. Well, that was the case for Burnaby last night. They debuted their beautiful new red road jerseys and played well in the opening 40 minutes.

Shawn Mueller opened the scoring for the Capitals with a shot from the right boards that beat Nick Energren up high. Energren got the start for the Express in goal as Harrison May tweaked his ankle earlier this week while playing basketball. There is no reason for concern when it comes to May, he should be good to go for the two games next weekend.

The Capitals lead didn't last long as captain Dylan Herold tied the game minutes later on a powerplay as he banged home a centering pass in the goal crease.

Rich Manley, who was making his Express re-debut last night, had a pair of outstanding chances to score in front of Caps goaltender Kiefer Smiley in the first period but was robbed of a goal on both occasions. The third time however was the charm, Manley buried Jon Puskar's centering pass with 1:10 remaining in the first period to give the Express the lead heading to the room.

Manley added his 2nd goal of the game in the opening minute of the 2nd period as he took a drop pass from Garrick Perry and Manley cut to the net and jammed the puck home.

The top line of Rich Manley, Garrick Perry and Jon Puskar was dangerous all night long. And they teamed up again for the 4th Express goal as they worked the cycle in the Caps zone, and Manley played it up the boards to Perry who put a beautiful backhand pass across the slot to Jon Puskar who blasted home the pass to give Burnaby a 4-1 lead.

Burnaby took their 3 goal lead to the third period. The Caps began their comeback on a powerplay in the opening minute when John Chayka's centering pass from the goal line went off former Cap Jimmy Geerin and past Energren.

Then with the Caps on another powerplay courtesy of Jon Puskar's roughing after the whistle penalty, the Caps pulled within one as Shayne Taker's point shot got past Energren who was bumped by the traffic in front of the net. The Express lead was suddenly cut to one with the goals coming just 2:02 apart.

From that point on, the Capitals took over the game pressing for the game tying goal. Burnaby was outshot 14-2 in the third period, but didn't crack under the pressure as they held on the rest of the way to pick up their first victory of the season.

Nick Energren stopped 26 of 29 Capital shots for the win. He is now 2-0 in his BCHL career.

Energren won his BCHL debut with the Express in their final game of the season last year in Langley.

The all American top line of Garrick Perry, Rich Manley and Jon Puskar combined for 8 points. 3 goals and 5 assists.

Shots:
Burnaby 26
Cowichan Valley 29

Powerplays:
Burnaby 1/4
Cowichan Valley 2/5

3 stars

3-Shayne Taker - The Caps defenceman had 1 goal and 1 assist in the loss. He controlled the Caps attack from the blueline especially in the third period.

2-Jon Puskar - It was an impressive BCHL debut for Puskar. Had 2 assists and showed his great finishing ability for his first BCHL goal as he blasted home a one timer in the 2nd period.

1-Rich Manley - Played an outstanding game. Finished with 2 goals and 1 assist. Easily could have had 4 goals if he buried his glorious scoring chances in the first period. Played to his size to control the puck in the offensive zone. Also played well on the defensive side of the puck. Including hustling back into his own zone to pick the pocket of a Caps player of the puck while on the rush.

Next up, in Surrey Friday night.

Friday, September 11, 2009

NEW EXPRESS ROAD JERSEY UNVEILED



The Burnaby Express have a new look for 09-10. Here is the new Express road jerseys. A new home jersey will be unveiled at the home opener Saturday the 19th vs. Powell River.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT COMING AT 7:15

Log on to the Burnaby Expressions blog for a special announcement from the Express at 7:15 tonight...

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

LOOKING AHEAD TO 09-10


Well, we are now just hours away from the Burnaby Express opening up their 09-10 season. It feels like it has been a really long time since the 08-09 campaign came to an end in late February with the Express missing the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

Since that time there has been plenty of change. And nothing less should have been expected after last season. The Express had a number of future considerations to use from trades made last season that are expected to re-build the team and get them back into the playoffs.

One of the biggest acquisitions both literally and figuratively was the acquisition of Harrison May. He came to the Express from Merritt via Vernon in the Cam Brodie, Mike Leidl trade. May instantly gives the Express plenty of experience in the BCHL and an all star between the pipes. He represented Merritt at last years all star game. His 1536 shots faced were the third highest total in the BCHL last season.

May stands 6'3 and uses his large frame to his advantage to give the shooters little room to look at. The Express haven't had a goaltender with such a large net presence since Bryce Luker in 05-06.

The Express brass last year went with 2 rookie goaltenders last season, and admitted it didn't work out as expected. Heading into this season, they made sure they had an experienced guy in between the pipes.

The Express did lose their other asset they acquired in the trade with Vernon, John Digness didn't return to the team this season. He has moved on with his life enrolling in school back home in Alberta.

Now following the players that came to the Express from the Brodie Reid trade last November is a little complicated. The Express did pick up Brent Vandenberg in the deal along with future considerations. Vandenberg ended up being dealt to Salmon Arm at the deadline for more futures. The Express eventually got futures that were owed to Salmon Arm in a trade they completed with Victoria in the summer of 08. The Express used the futures from Victoria via Salmon Arm to acquire Cody Bremner.

However, Bremner is enrolled in school on the island to help prepare him for his college days when he heads to Cornell on a lacrosse scholarship. So Bremner wanted to stay on the Island, so he was dealt along with Greg Bay to Nanaimo. Coming the other way is Dan Correale and Konrad Sandor who the Clippers had acquired from Prince George. It doesn't stop there, Correale was sent down to Major Midget last season by the Spruce Kings, and during the off-season Grande Prairie took a run at Correale. That set off a battle for who had Correale's rights. As it turned out, Burnaby had his rights. Grande Prairie still wanted Correale, so they picked up former Nanaimo Clipper Zac Ashdown from La Ronge of the SJHL. Grande Prairie then flipped Ashdown to Burnaby in exchange for Correale. Hope you can follow that.

To continue the completion of the Brodie Reid trade, the Express added some size on the backend with the acquisition of Matt Ridley. He is the son of former Vancouver Canuck Mike Ridley. The towering blue liner stands 6'3 and weighs in at 220 lbs.

The Brodie Reid trade doesn't stop there, Brad Reid also came to the Express as part of the deal. Brad Reid is entering his 3rd season in the BCHL, the Express expect him to contribute to the top 6 this season. Last season in Penticton, Reid had 18 points in 49 games.

The final piece of the Brodie Reid trade is Jimmy Geerin. He was acquired late this off-season. Geerin split last season with Cowichan Valley and Penticton. Geerin had 16 points in 31 games with the Capitals. But didn't register a point in 6 regular season games with the Vees in 08-09. Geerin should provide the blueline another player who's a good skater with strong puck moving ability.

Geerin is just part of the Express defence that is completely revamped from last season. Only 2 players return from last years team on the blueline. Simon Denis, and Todd Fletcher. Those two will team up with the twin towers on the blue line, Matt Ridley, and Chris Van Dyn Hoven.

The Express are thrilled to have Van Dyn Hoven on the blueline. He spent time in the WHL with Chilliwack and Prince George. And spent part of last season with Grandview of the PIJHL. Van Dyn Hoven is a monster at 6'5, 230lbs.


A pair of rookies will debut on the blueline. Stefan Gonzales who impressed at prospects camp in the spring, and Kai Ohs has been added as well.

Upfront looks promising. Garrick Perry returns for his second season in the BCHL. He's coming off a 19 goal and 41 point rookie season. He was a candidate for the Coastal Conference rookie of the year award. Perry should be the prime candidate to be the player that never flourished for the Express last season, and that's a player taking his game to a level where he's ready to lead the team offensively. Last season, one issue the Express had was they didn't have a returning player fill the void offensively left behind by graduating players.

Perry is supported by Brad Reid and newcomer Jon Puskar. The Canton Michigan native is expected to be one of the Express top recruits this year. I am looking forward to seeing his skill on display in this league.

Dylan Herold will serve as team captain this season. There will be no questions this year when it comes to leadership. Herold is looking to build off a strong performance that saw his offensive game emerge after arriving in Burnaby from Merritt where he scored 13 goals in 36 games to match his offensive output from his first 2 1/2 seasons in the league. Herold's 28 points with Burnaby last season nearly matches his career output before putting on Express colors. Look for Herold to build on his strong performance from last season.

The Express brought a familiar face back as well. Rich Manley is back after spending last season with the Lincoln Stars of the USHL, Manley had 5 goals and 15 points in 28 games last season.


In 07-08 with the Express as an 18 year old, Manley put up 16 goals and 51 points in 58 games. If he plays to his size at 6'5, 225lbs, Manley is capable of providing a size presence and offensive depth.

Continuing down the depth chart upfront, Luke Challier returns after a strong second half of last season. He along with a healthy Jared Chernoff and the acquisition of Konrad Sandor will provide plenty of grit and some offence to the Express forward group.

Rookie forward Brodie Jaimeson is a player i'm looking forward to watch his development throughout the course of his first season in the BCHL. He played last season with the Vancouver Northwest Giants of the Major Midget League. If his offensive skills blossom the way the Express brass expect, they could have another offensive weapon.

Now, as long as the team doesn't go through another season of 270 plus manned games lost due to injury, a return to the playoffs for the Express shouldn't be a problem.

The Express brass worked hard in the off-season to completely revamp the roster so a repeat of last season doesn't happen. Looking at the team on paper, it appears the 09-10 edition of the Express, doesn't appear to be a reason to indicate that they aren't ready to compete this season.

However, are 15 other teams in this league that remember this team as one that won just 18 games and missed the playoffs by 20 points last season. The work that the Express brass did in the off-season raised the expectations for the team this season.

But the last time I checked, expectations don't win you hockey games, the written or the spoken word doesn't win hockey games. The only way to prove to people that things are different is to hit the ice and prove it.

We will find out for sure starting Friday night in Cowichan.

I just have to say, it's about time. It's been a long long wait.

Friday, September 4, 2009

HELLO

Apologies for not posing much on the blog recently. I've been pretty busy this week with the Hockey Canada Cup. But the Express did pick up their first win of the pre-season yesterday in Gibsons defeating Powell River 5-2. Now the pre-season concludes tonight at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre as the Express host SFU.

Last night saw the marquee matchup of the Hockey Canada Cup. The United States defeated Canada 4-2. http://watch.tsn.ca/international-hockey/clip210076#clip210076 Here's the highlights from TSN.ca

The win for the U.S. gives them first place in the standings and will play Finland in the semis on Saturday. The Finns pulled off the upset of the tournament knocking off the U.S. 3-2 on Monday. Canada will play Sweden in the other semi final.

The Gold and Bronze Medal games go Sunday at GM Place. Tickets are still available for both games at ticketmaster. The webcasts featuring myself and Colin Tiggelaar at http://www.fasthockey.com