Chris Van Duynhoven and I have been exchanging text messages back and forth Tuesday night. He had his surgery tonight. Obviously he will not be in action for at least a month.
He just wanted me to pass on a message to his family, girlfriend Michelle, freinds, teammates, the fans, and Express coaches and staff saying thank you for all the thoughts and well wishes during this time. Chris would paticularly like to thank Express trainer Wayne Hubbard for all his help during this time.
Get well soon Vandy.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
EXPRESS ISLAND TRIP WRAPUP
After opening the Island road trip with a 6-4 loss in Nanaimo, the Express continued their trip Saturday night in Cowichan Valley where the Capitals blanked the Express 3-0.
16 year old Laurent Brossoit stopped all 35 shots he faced including 20 in the third period to post the shutout for the Capitals. It was the 4th time this season that the Express have been blanked in a game.
Mike Hammond opened the scoring on Cowichan Valley's first shot of the game wiring a shot top shelf glove side on Harrison May.
Hammond had a hand on the Caps second goal in the 2nd period as he danced through the Express defence then put a pass on the tape of Nick Anderson who had a tap in at the side of the Express net to give the Capitals a 2-0 lead.
The 2nd period was where the Express let the game slip through their hands. They had 5 powerplays in the middle frame but couldn't score on any of them. Included in those powerplays, was a 5 on 3 advantage for 1:23.
The only team to score with the Express on the powerplay was Cowichan Valley as Joey Massingham scored a shorthanded goal on a 2 on 1 break as he wired a shot over the shoulder of Harrison May to give the Caps a 3-0 lead.
The Express pressed in the third period looking to at least break the goose egg but couldn't get a puck past Laurent Brossoit who came up with 20 saves in the third period to post the shutout.
Sunday, the Express travelled through the beautiful scenery of central Vancouver Island en route to Alberni Valley to wrap up the Island road swing.
It was the 2nd meeting of the season between the Express and the Bulldogs.
The game was scoreless after the first period. Malcom McKinney was one Express player who had a number of decent scoring chances, but couldn't bury one past Dogs goaltender Frank Slubowski.
Late in the first period saw a scary moment, Chris Van Duynhoven fired a slap shot from the blueline, and Alberni Valley forward Warren Muir went down to block the shot, and ended up taking the shot fortunately in the helmet. Another inch another way and Muir is taking that puck in the face. Muir was rattled and went to the room but returned for the start of the 2nd period.
The game remained scoreless until the 14 minute mark of the 2nd period when Alberni Valley's Johnny Rogic lifted a loose puck over former Bulldog Harrison May to open the scoring.
The lead didn't last long as just 30 seconds later Jimmy Geerin went to the net and re-directed a pass from Brad Reid past Slubowski for Gerrin's first goal of the season to tie the game.
Alberni Valley re-stored their lead before the period was done. David Dziurzynski layed a pass on to the tape of a streaking Kevin Ross who was in the clear and Ross beat Harrison May with a deke to the backhand to give Alberni Valley a 2-1 lead heading to the dressing room.
The Dogs added some insurance in the third period on a beautiful passing play off the rush when Jesse Halikas made a nice tip pass on the tape of Johnny Rogic who wired his 2nd of the game upstairs on Harrison May to give the Bulldogs a 3-1 lead.
Then with 4 minutes left in the third period, Alex Petan was called for a double minor for high sticking. While on that powerplay for Alberni Valley, came the game's second scary moment. Luke Fenske's point shot went off a stick and struck Chris Van Dyunhoven square in the face falling the Express defenceman instantly. This time unlike when Van Duynhoven's shot connected with Warren Muir in the helmet, this one caught the Express defenceman and he was in instant agony.
Van Dyunhoven suffered a broken jaw in two places and was taken to the hospital immediately. The Express defenceman travelled home with the team last night was scheduled for surgery Monday morning.
It is amazing how the game of hockey can be a game of inches. The difference of a few inches saved Warren Muir from taking a Chris Van Duynhoven square in the face hitting his helmet. While Fenske's shot a few inches the other way catches the Express defenceman in the face. Ironically, Warren Muir who blocked the Van Dyunhoven shot in the first period was on the ice at the time of Vandy's injury.
Alberni did round out the scoring on a powerplay goal by Mark MacMillan to make the final 4-1 in favour of Alberni Valley.
The biggest concern at this point is Chris Van Duynhoven, get well soon Vandy. Everyone is thinking about you.
And thank you to the Alberni Valley fans expressing their thoughts and best wishes for Van Duynhoven to Alberni Valley Bulldogs broadcaster Evan Hammond who relayed the support to me last night.
The great people in Alberni Valley continue to prove why they are the best fans in the BCHL. 100% pure class. My hats off to you AV.
16 year old Laurent Brossoit stopped all 35 shots he faced including 20 in the third period to post the shutout for the Capitals. It was the 4th time this season that the Express have been blanked in a game.
Mike Hammond opened the scoring on Cowichan Valley's first shot of the game wiring a shot top shelf glove side on Harrison May.
Hammond had a hand on the Caps second goal in the 2nd period as he danced through the Express defence then put a pass on the tape of Nick Anderson who had a tap in at the side of the Express net to give the Capitals a 2-0 lead.
The 2nd period was where the Express let the game slip through their hands. They had 5 powerplays in the middle frame but couldn't score on any of them. Included in those powerplays, was a 5 on 3 advantage for 1:23.
The only team to score with the Express on the powerplay was Cowichan Valley as Joey Massingham scored a shorthanded goal on a 2 on 1 break as he wired a shot over the shoulder of Harrison May to give the Caps a 3-0 lead.
The Express pressed in the third period looking to at least break the goose egg but couldn't get a puck past Laurent Brossoit who came up with 20 saves in the third period to post the shutout.
Sunday, the Express travelled through the beautiful scenery of central Vancouver Island en route to Alberni Valley to wrap up the Island road swing.
It was the 2nd meeting of the season between the Express and the Bulldogs.
The game was scoreless after the first period. Malcom McKinney was one Express player who had a number of decent scoring chances, but couldn't bury one past Dogs goaltender Frank Slubowski.
Late in the first period saw a scary moment, Chris Van Duynhoven fired a slap shot from the blueline, and Alberni Valley forward Warren Muir went down to block the shot, and ended up taking the shot fortunately in the helmet. Another inch another way and Muir is taking that puck in the face. Muir was rattled and went to the room but returned for the start of the 2nd period.
The game remained scoreless until the 14 minute mark of the 2nd period when Alberni Valley's Johnny Rogic lifted a loose puck over former Bulldog Harrison May to open the scoring.
The lead didn't last long as just 30 seconds later Jimmy Geerin went to the net and re-directed a pass from Brad Reid past Slubowski for Gerrin's first goal of the season to tie the game.
Alberni Valley re-stored their lead before the period was done. David Dziurzynski layed a pass on to the tape of a streaking Kevin Ross who was in the clear and Ross beat Harrison May with a deke to the backhand to give Alberni Valley a 2-1 lead heading to the dressing room.
The Dogs added some insurance in the third period on a beautiful passing play off the rush when Jesse Halikas made a nice tip pass on the tape of Johnny Rogic who wired his 2nd of the game upstairs on Harrison May to give the Bulldogs a 3-1 lead.
Then with 4 minutes left in the third period, Alex Petan was called for a double minor for high sticking. While on that powerplay for Alberni Valley, came the game's second scary moment. Luke Fenske's point shot went off a stick and struck Chris Van Dyunhoven square in the face falling the Express defenceman instantly. This time unlike when Van Duynhoven's shot connected with Warren Muir in the helmet, this one caught the Express defenceman and he was in instant agony.
Van Dyunhoven suffered a broken jaw in two places and was taken to the hospital immediately. The Express defenceman travelled home with the team last night was scheduled for surgery Monday morning.
It is amazing how the game of hockey can be a game of inches. The difference of a few inches saved Warren Muir from taking a Chris Van Duynhoven square in the face hitting his helmet. While Fenske's shot a few inches the other way catches the Express defenceman in the face. Ironically, Warren Muir who blocked the Van Dyunhoven shot in the first period was on the ice at the time of Vandy's injury.
Alberni did round out the scoring on a powerplay goal by Mark MacMillan to make the final 4-1 in favour of Alberni Valley.
The biggest concern at this point is Chris Van Duynhoven, get well soon Vandy. Everyone is thinking about you.
And thank you to the Alberni Valley fans expressing their thoughts and best wishes for Van Duynhoven to Alberni Valley Bulldogs broadcaster Evan Hammond who relayed the support to me last night.
The great people in Alberni Valley continue to prove why they are the best fans in the BCHL. 100% pure class. My hats off to you AV.
Friday, November 13, 2009
CLIPPERS GET PAST EXPRESS
The Nanaimo Clippers knocked off the Express 6-4 Friday night at the Frank Crane Arena.
Simon Denis opened the scoring just 34 seconds into the game. That was followed by a goal by Garrick Perry to give the Express an early 2 goal lead.
Carson Schell replied for Nanaimo before the period was done. Cody Bremner then pulled Nanaimo even in the 2nd period on a powerplay.
Denis restored the lead for the Express blasting home his 2nd of the game from the point after a won faceoff.
Luc Oliver Blain pulled Nanaimo even shortly after Denis' goal as Blain jammed the puck under Nick Enegren.
Andrew Gladiuk gave Nanaimo their first lead in the third when his shot beat Enegren up high. Gladiuk then added his second of the game minutes later. He was 1 on 1 with Jimmy Geerin, Gladiuk's shot went off Gerrin and dribbled into the net to the left of Enegren as he was going to his right.
Colby Kulhanek playing in his first Express game scored a powerplay goal after a coast to coast rush by Brad Reid to set up Kulhanek to pull the Express back within one.
That would be as close as the Express would come as Nicholas McIntyre wrapped up the game with an empty net goal to make the final 6-4 in favour of the Clippers.
The win extended Nanaimo's unbeaten streak to 6 games.
The effort was there for Burnaby. They competed hard and played a good road game. They just didn't get the bounces.
The Express now travel to Cowichan Valley Saturday night.
Simon Denis opened the scoring just 34 seconds into the game. That was followed by a goal by Garrick Perry to give the Express an early 2 goal lead.
Carson Schell replied for Nanaimo before the period was done. Cody Bremner then pulled Nanaimo even in the 2nd period on a powerplay.
Denis restored the lead for the Express blasting home his 2nd of the game from the point after a won faceoff.
Luc Oliver Blain pulled Nanaimo even shortly after Denis' goal as Blain jammed the puck under Nick Enegren.
Andrew Gladiuk gave Nanaimo their first lead in the third when his shot beat Enegren up high. Gladiuk then added his second of the game minutes later. He was 1 on 1 with Jimmy Geerin, Gladiuk's shot went off Gerrin and dribbled into the net to the left of Enegren as he was going to his right.
Colby Kulhanek playing in his first Express game scored a powerplay goal after a coast to coast rush by Brad Reid to set up Kulhanek to pull the Express back within one.
That would be as close as the Express would come as Nicholas McIntyre wrapped up the game with an empty net goal to make the final 6-4 in favour of the Clippers.
The win extended Nanaimo's unbeaten streak to 6 games.
The effort was there for Burnaby. They competed hard and played a good road game. They just didn't get the bounces.
The Express now travel to Cowichan Valley Saturday night.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
WARRIORS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS
Here's the highlights of Saturday's 3-2 Westside win over the Express in overtime.
Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen and Purple Penguin Productions.
Highlights courtesy of Cary Derksen and Purple Penguin Productions.
Friday, November 6, 2009
NO BROADCAST TONIGHT
There will be no Burnaby broadcast of tonight's game between the Express and the Warriors.
I am away working the webcast for the Women's Under 18 Championships in Surrey for Hockey Canada.
Gord Doerkson was supposed to fill in for me on play by play duties. But he won't be able to do the broadcast tonight as his computer has crashed on him.
He will be able to to broadcast the return match between the Express and Warriors tommorow night from the Bill Copeland Sports Centre.
I will return to the Express both when the Express hit the Island next weekend starting Friday in Nanaimo.
I am away working the webcast for the Women's Under 18 Championships in Surrey for Hockey Canada.
Gord Doerkson was supposed to fill in for me on play by play duties. But he won't be able to do the broadcast tonight as his computer has crashed on him.
He will be able to to broadcast the return match between the Express and Warriors tommorow night from the Bill Copeland Sports Centre.
I will return to the Express both when the Express hit the Island next weekend starting Friday in Nanaimo.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
McLELLAN TALKS PUSKAR TRADE
I spoke with Express Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Dave Mclellan after practice today about yesterday's trade that sent Jon Puskar to Quesnel and James Bettauer back to Burnaby.
Hear from Mclellan here.
Listening to Dave, it appears this might just be the tip of the ice berg when it comes to changes of the fortunes of this team doesn't turn around.
It was a rough couple of practices for the boys the last two days with back to back bag skates.
Burnaby has a home and home with Westside this weekend.
Hear from Mclellan here.
Listening to Dave, it appears this might just be the tip of the ice berg when it comes to changes of the fortunes of this team doesn't turn around.
It was a rough couple of practices for the boys the last two days with back to back bag skates.
Burnaby has a home and home with Westside this weekend.
Monday, November 2, 2009
OCTOBER MUCH DIFFERENT STORY FOR EXPRESS
At the end of September with the Express coming out of the seasons opening month with a record of 5-0-0-1, I stated we would know the true colors of the Express after a much tougher month of October.
Well, after a 14 game schedule in October, the numbers on the other side of the month are not pretty. The Express went 2-11-0-1 in October. The only 2 wins coming on home ice. The Express lost all 9 games on the road in October picking up just a single point away from home in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Trail Smoke Eaters on October 3rd.
The Express finished October with a visit to Penticton Friday night where the Express were blanked for the 3rd time this season 8-0 by the high octane Vees.
Penticton scored 24 seconds into the game on a goal by Bo Dolan and the Vees were on their way.
Denver Manderson, who spent most of the season sitting atop of the BCHL scoring race was playing in his first career game vs. Burnaby. He put on a show with 3 points 1 goal and 2 assists. Manderson was skating on a line with Garrett Milan and Alex Szczechura. That trio combined 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points.
Taylor Peters, playing in his first game of the season with Penticton scored a shorthanded goal on a breakaway and added 2 assists.
Joel Rumpel started in place of Sean Bonar between the Vees pipes posted the shutout stopping all 33 Express shots. He really stepped up in the 2nd period when the Express sent 18 shots his way.
At the other end of the ice, Harrison May was in goal for the full 60 minutes allowing 8 goals on the 46 shots he faced.
Bo Dolan who opened the scoring, also finished it by scoring the 8th goal of the game.
Penticton played without goaltender Sean Bonar and Joey Laleggia who were missing their first game while representing Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge. The Vees were also without Beau Bennett who is the only non USHL player on the American roster at the WJAC.
Saturday the Express returned home to face the resurrected Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
The Dogs got off to a quick start on a goal by Mitch MacMillan set up on a 2 on 0 break by his younger brother Mark at 2:33. The goal for MacMillan was his BCHL leading 17th of the season.
Alberni Valley then added their second goal of the game on a powerplay by David Dziurzynski before the Express had even registered a shot on goal by the 7:12 mark of the first period.
Warren Muir extended Alberni Valley's lead to three on a powerplay goal in the 2nd period.
The Express cut into the Dogs lead on a shorthanded breakaway goal by Dylan Herold. Then a goal on a 5 on 3 by Matt Ridley. But that would be as close as the Express would come.
Trent Dorais put the game away by hitting the empty net in the third period.
Overall, the Express were a better team at home than on the road in October.
Burnaby was outscored a total of 49-16 in October on the road. While at home, they were 2-3 with wins over the Victoria Grizzlies and Trail Smoke Eaters. The Express outscored their opponents 16-14 on home ice in those 5 home games.
Well, after a 14 game schedule in October, the numbers on the other side of the month are not pretty. The Express went 2-11-0-1 in October. The only 2 wins coming on home ice. The Express lost all 9 games on the road in October picking up just a single point away from home in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Trail Smoke Eaters on October 3rd.
The Express finished October with a visit to Penticton Friday night where the Express were blanked for the 3rd time this season 8-0 by the high octane Vees.
Penticton scored 24 seconds into the game on a goal by Bo Dolan and the Vees were on their way.
Denver Manderson, who spent most of the season sitting atop of the BCHL scoring race was playing in his first career game vs. Burnaby. He put on a show with 3 points 1 goal and 2 assists. Manderson was skating on a line with Garrett Milan and Alex Szczechura. That trio combined 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points.
Taylor Peters, playing in his first game of the season with Penticton scored a shorthanded goal on a breakaway and added 2 assists.
Joel Rumpel started in place of Sean Bonar between the Vees pipes posted the shutout stopping all 33 Express shots. He really stepped up in the 2nd period when the Express sent 18 shots his way.
At the other end of the ice, Harrison May was in goal for the full 60 minutes allowing 8 goals on the 46 shots he faced.
Bo Dolan who opened the scoring, also finished it by scoring the 8th goal of the game.
Penticton played without goaltender Sean Bonar and Joey Laleggia who were missing their first game while representing Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge. The Vees were also without Beau Bennett who is the only non USHL player on the American roster at the WJAC.
Saturday the Express returned home to face the resurrected Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
The Dogs got off to a quick start on a goal by Mitch MacMillan set up on a 2 on 0 break by his younger brother Mark at 2:33. The goal for MacMillan was his BCHL leading 17th of the season.
Alberni Valley then added their second goal of the game on a powerplay by David Dziurzynski before the Express had even registered a shot on goal by the 7:12 mark of the first period.
Warren Muir extended Alberni Valley's lead to three on a powerplay goal in the 2nd period.
The Express cut into the Dogs lead on a shorthanded breakaway goal by Dylan Herold. Then a goal on a 5 on 3 by Matt Ridley. But that would be as close as the Express would come.
Trent Dorais put the game away by hitting the empty net in the third period.
Overall, the Express were a better team at home than on the road in October.
Burnaby was outscored a total of 49-16 in October on the road. While at home, they were 2-3 with wins over the Victoria Grizzlies and Trail Smoke Eaters. The Express outscored their opponents 16-14 on home ice in those 5 home games.
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