Highlights from the Express 4-3 OT win in Surrey Friday night.
Saturday, September 1, 2018
DANOL PLAYS OT HERO FOR EXPRESS VS. HIS OLD TEAM
I'm sure Chase Danol's excitement would be a little higher if he scored the overtime winner for the Express next Friday when they start the regular season in Surrey. But he'll take getting the OT winner Friday in the second to last exhibition game as a starting point in a 4-3 Express win over Chase Danol's former team the Surrey Eagles.
The win was the second straight for the Express in exhibition play. Both wins have come beyond 60 minutes of regulation time following Tuesday's shootout win over Chilliwack.
The Express got off to a fast start opening a 2-0 lead by the 3:05 mark of the first period. Josh Bruce scored on a set up from Alex Uryga at 1:20. That was followed 1:45 later by Regan Kimens converting a pass from behind the net by Dallas Farrell to put the Express up a pair.
Chase Stevenson who was acquired by Surrey in the offseason from West Kelowna cut the Express lead to 2-1 briefly burying a Eric Linell rebound from a shot off the rush.
Kimens quickly put the Express back up a pair taking a hard pass from Ferrell on his second of the night for a 3-1 Express lead after 20 minutes.
Kolby Matthews went the distance in goal for the Express. The only puck to beat him in the second was a shot from Eric Linell from the right win that found it's way through.
At the other end Regan Kimens had at least two good chances to complete his hat-trick, but a sprawling Seth Eisele did his best to keep the Express forward at bay.
A string of Express penalties gave Surrey plenty of time work with the man advantage in the opening 6 minutes or so of the third period. That included a two man advantage for 1:07. Credit to the Express penalty killers for getting the job done in a key situation.
Eventually the run of penalties did catch up with the Express. Matthew McKim on a scramble play in the Express crease shoveled home the equalizer at 12:40 to tie the game at 3.
In the final minutes of the third period Kolby Matthews made some clutch saves off Chase Stevenson and Corey Clifton to send the game to overtime. Matthews finished with 22 saves in the Express crease.
Three on three overtime only lasted 1:13 and it was Chase Danol who the Express acquired from Surrey pouncing on a loose puck to give the Express the 4-3 win.
The exhibition wraps up Saturday afternoon as the Express and Eagles meet one final time in Port Coquitlam before it counts for real next Friday back in Surrey.
The win was the second straight for the Express in exhibition play. Both wins have come beyond 60 minutes of regulation time following Tuesday's shootout win over Chilliwack.
The Express got off to a fast start opening a 2-0 lead by the 3:05 mark of the first period. Josh Bruce scored on a set up from Alex Uryga at 1:20. That was followed 1:45 later by Regan Kimens converting a pass from behind the net by Dallas Farrell to put the Express up a pair.
Chase Stevenson who was acquired by Surrey in the offseason from West Kelowna cut the Express lead to 2-1 briefly burying a Eric Linell rebound from a shot off the rush.
Kimens quickly put the Express back up a pair taking a hard pass from Ferrell on his second of the night for a 3-1 Express lead after 20 minutes.
Kolby Matthews went the distance in goal for the Express. The only puck to beat him in the second was a shot from Eric Linell from the right win that found it's way through.
At the other end Regan Kimens had at least two good chances to complete his hat-trick, but a sprawling Seth Eisele did his best to keep the Express forward at bay.
A string of Express penalties gave Surrey plenty of time work with the man advantage in the opening 6 minutes or so of the third period. That included a two man advantage for 1:07. Credit to the Express penalty killers for getting the job done in a key situation.
Eventually the run of penalties did catch up with the Express. Matthew McKim on a scramble play in the Express crease shoveled home the equalizer at 12:40 to tie the game at 3.
In the final minutes of the third period Kolby Matthews made some clutch saves off Chase Stevenson and Corey Clifton to send the game to overtime. Matthews finished with 22 saves in the Express crease.
Three on three overtime only lasted 1:13 and it was Chase Danol who the Express acquired from Surrey pouncing on a loose puck to give the Express the 4-3 win.
The exhibition wraps up Saturday afternoon as the Express and Eagles meet one final time in Port Coquitlam before it counts for real next Friday back in Surrey.
Thursday, August 30, 2018
ROBILLARD NAMED 2018-19 EXPRESS CAPTAIN
The 6'3" 205 lbs Robillard was born and raised in Coquitlam and has spent the past 3 seasons with the Express. The coaching staff believes that Robillard was the easy choice. Coach Fortier stated "We spoke to our returning players and new recruits, after a brief chat they unanimously chose Troy to lead them this season. He is a motivated athlete that has the character and discipline to be successful in life. We all believe Troy will help us raise the standard and create a new culture. Alex Ambrosio was our past captain and did a great job so we are looking for Troy to build from which the passion Alex brought and create his own style."
"I am extremely honored and grateful for this opportunity and to have the support and respect from teammates and staff, means a great deal to me. When the coaches announced my name, it was a surreal feeling. They explained their decision and made it very clear that being a good teammate and someone who puts the teams needs ahead of my own will be my priority." said Robillard about today's announcement.
"All players want respect and belief in their abilities from coaches but for our staff to recognize Troy, and appreciate his values, the way he carries himself and how he treats others is something his family has made an obvious impact raising him." added Fortier.
When asked about expectations and where the newly appointed captain Robillard sees the Express this year, he responded optimistically "The staff did a very good job from organization, expectations and making sure camp was competitive. From the minute training camp began, the veterans were all really excited and it was a different camp than we had in the past. To get better everyday is something our coaches have preached and our expectations for the season are high. I don't want to put a number on where we finish because coaches are preaching that the results will come if we improve our habits and focus on what is needed to be successful. We are working to create a new standard for Express Hockey and I think we are going to surprise a lot of people."
The Coquitlam Express begin their 2018-19 regular season next Friday September 7 against the Surrey Eagles on the road at the South Surrey Arena.
Friday, August 24, 2018
RIVERMEN 4 EXPRESS 1
The Langley Rivermen picked up their second exhibition win this week over the Express with a 4-1 win Friday night in Langley. It was the third straight wins in as many games for the Rivermen in exhibition play.
The Express dressed a few more of their veteran players including Christian Sanda, Sam Kozlowski, Chase Danol and Jonathan Sheardown. It was also the first games of the pre-season for Pito Walton, Jack Cameron and Drew Cooper on the backend.
Each team was 0 for 2 on the powerplay in the first period. The Express shut down Langley's two advantages which included 30 seconds of 5 on 3 time.
Daneel Latagen opened the scoring in the final seconds of the first period snapping a shot that went through the legs of Express starter Thomas Wardle.
Wardle split the game with Kolby Matthews equally and the Rivermen also went with a 50/50 split with Alex Rolfe and Matthew Trulsen.
With the teams skating at 4 on 4, an Express turnover at the Rivermen blueline resulted in a chance on the counter attack and Ethan Leyh buried the rebound of a Conner Merrill shot for a 2-0 lead at 11:43. Langley had a 25-8 advantage in shots after 40 minutes.
Just shy of the 5 minute mark of the third period a Christian Sanda goal was waved off due to a high stick.
Seconds later Kolby Matthews made the save of the night diving to his left to get a pad on a Ethan Leyh chance.
Just prior to the midway mark of the third period the Express got on the board thanks to a heads up pass from behind the net by Cooper Connell who teed up a pass for Chase Danol who blasted home a shot for his first goal of the exhibition at 8:52.
A late Express penalty in the final minutes was converted on the powerplay by the Rivermen thanks to a beautiful shot by Reed Stark ripping it over the glove of Matthews to seal the game at 18:07. Langley finished 1 for 6 unofficially on the powerplay. I had the Express 0 for 4 on the night.
Daneel Latagen rounded out the scoring with an empty net goal at 19:55.
The exhibition for the Express continues Tuesday night when they will take on the defending RBC cup champion Chilliwack Chiefs in Hope.
The Express dressed a few more of their veteran players including Christian Sanda, Sam Kozlowski, Chase Danol and Jonathan Sheardown. It was also the first games of the pre-season for Pito Walton, Jack Cameron and Drew Cooper on the backend.
Each team was 0 for 2 on the powerplay in the first period. The Express shut down Langley's two advantages which included 30 seconds of 5 on 3 time.
Daneel Latagen opened the scoring in the final seconds of the first period snapping a shot that went through the legs of Express starter Thomas Wardle.
Wardle split the game with Kolby Matthews equally and the Rivermen also went with a 50/50 split with Alex Rolfe and Matthew Trulsen.
With the teams skating at 4 on 4, an Express turnover at the Rivermen blueline resulted in a chance on the counter attack and Ethan Leyh buried the rebound of a Conner Merrill shot for a 2-0 lead at 11:43. Langley had a 25-8 advantage in shots after 40 minutes.
Just shy of the 5 minute mark of the third period a Christian Sanda goal was waved off due to a high stick.
Seconds later Kolby Matthews made the save of the night diving to his left to get a pad on a Ethan Leyh chance.
Just prior to the midway mark of the third period the Express got on the board thanks to a heads up pass from behind the net by Cooper Connell who teed up a pass for Chase Danol who blasted home a shot for his first goal of the exhibition at 8:52.
A late Express penalty in the final minutes was converted on the powerplay by the Rivermen thanks to a beautiful shot by Reed Stark ripping it over the glove of Matthews to seal the game at 18:07. Langley finished 1 for 6 unofficially on the powerplay. I had the Express 0 for 4 on the night.
Daneel Latagen rounded out the scoring with an empty net goal at 19:55.
The exhibition for the Express continues Tuesday night when they will take on the defending RBC cup champion Chilliwack Chiefs in Hope.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
RIVERMEN DOUBLE EXPRESS IN EXHIBITION OPENER
The BCHL opened their exhibition schedule Wednesday night. The Express played host to the Langley Rivermen at the Poirier Rec centre. It was the visitors who came away with a 4-2 win.
The Express got into penalty trouble in the first period and Langley capitalized on three consecutive powerplays in the first period on goals from Daneel Lategen, Reed Stark and Andrew Lucas for a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes. The best save in the first period for Express goaltender Dylan Barton was on a shorthanded breakaway from Dawson Frank.
The second period saw a regrouped Express squad that picked up their game which led to some of their better scoring chances on the night. Josh Bruce had a partial breakaway, Ryan Stack had a clean look in the slot, but they couldn't find the back of the net.
Both teams changed goaltenders midway through the contest. Dylan Barton started for the Express and Matthew Trulsen started for the Rivermen. They were relieved by Liam Marshall in the Express cage and Kristian Lyons in the Rivermen goal.
Early in the third period the Express got on the board with a shorthanded goal from Tristan Fraser.
That was followed by Daneel Lategen's second of the game at 8:33.
Marshall made the save of the night for both teams flashing the glove on a breakaway by Daylon Mannon who tried to flash some skill of his own by firing the shot with his stick between his legs.
Alex DiPaolo (UMass-Amhearst) rounded out the scoring converting a quick pass from Josh Wildauer who battled hard all night for a powerplay goal for the Express in the final minute of the 3rd period to make it a 4-2 game.
I had the Langley Rivermen unofficially 3 for 9 on the powerplay, while the Express were 1 for 3.
The exhibition resumes Friday night when the Express will visit Langley at the George Preston Recreation centre.
The Express got into penalty trouble in the first period and Langley capitalized on three consecutive powerplays in the first period on goals from Daneel Lategen, Reed Stark and Andrew Lucas for a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes. The best save in the first period for Express goaltender Dylan Barton was on a shorthanded breakaway from Dawson Frank.
The second period saw a regrouped Express squad that picked up their game which led to some of their better scoring chances on the night. Josh Bruce had a partial breakaway, Ryan Stack had a clean look in the slot, but they couldn't find the back of the net.
Both teams changed goaltenders midway through the contest. Dylan Barton started for the Express and Matthew Trulsen started for the Rivermen. They were relieved by Liam Marshall in the Express cage and Kristian Lyons in the Rivermen goal.
Early in the third period the Express got on the board with a shorthanded goal from Tristan Fraser.
That was followed by Daneel Lategen's second of the game at 8:33.
Marshall made the save of the night for both teams flashing the glove on a breakaway by Daylon Mannon who tried to flash some skill of his own by firing the shot with his stick between his legs.
Alex DiPaolo (UMass-Amhearst) rounded out the scoring converting a quick pass from Josh Wildauer who battled hard all night for a powerplay goal for the Express in the final minute of the 3rd period to make it a 4-2 game.
I had the Langley Rivermen unofficially 3 for 9 on the powerplay, while the Express were 1 for 3.
The exhibition resumes Friday night when the Express will visit Langley at the George Preston Recreation centre.
Friday, August 17, 2018
EXPRESS ACQUIRE GOALTENDER MATTHEWS
The Coquitlam Express have bolstered their goaltending position just prior to the opening of training camp next week with the acquisition of local product Kolby Matthews (99) from the Calgary Canucks of the AJHL for future considerations.
The Coquitlam native is coming off his first full season of junior hockey and is familiar to local hockey followers.
Matthews split last season with the Battlefords Northstars (SJHL) and Calgary Canucks (AJHL).
In 10 games with Battlefords, he posted a 9-1 record with a 2.46 GAA and a .911 save percentage.
On November 30, 2017 he was traded to the Calgary Canucks. In Calgary, he posted a 9-6-1 record with a 4.40 GAA and .886 save percentage. But it wasn't uncommon for Matthews to face 35+ shots per night, something he did 11 times last season posting a record of 7-3-0-1 in those games.
In the playoffs he posted a 1-3 record while facing 34+ shots per game in all 4 contests.
He has made two cameo appearances with the Express as an affiliate player playing in one game in each of the 2016-17 and 2015-16 seasons.
Kolby played his major midget hockey in Coquitlam spending two seasons with the Vancouver Northeast Chiefs of the BC Major Midget league. He posted spectacular numbers during the 2016-17 season with a 21-3 record with a stingy 1.81 GAA. His 21 wins was tops in the BCMML that season.
Matthews will be on the ice next week when the Express open training camp on Monday. They will have intra squad games during the week. Monday's game starts at 7pm at the Porier Sports and Leisure complex.
Welcome to the Express Kolby.
The Coquitlam native is coming off his first full season of junior hockey and is familiar to local hockey followers.
Matthews split last season with the Battlefords Northstars (SJHL) and Calgary Canucks (AJHL).
In 10 games with Battlefords, he posted a 9-1 record with a 2.46 GAA and a .911 save percentage.
On November 30, 2017 he was traded to the Calgary Canucks. In Calgary, he posted a 9-6-1 record with a 4.40 GAA and .886 save percentage. But it wasn't uncommon for Matthews to face 35+ shots per night, something he did 11 times last season posting a record of 7-3-0-1 in those games.
In the playoffs he posted a 1-3 record while facing 34+ shots per game in all 4 contests.
He has made two cameo appearances with the Express as an affiliate player playing in one game in each of the 2016-17 and 2015-16 seasons.
Kolby played his major midget hockey in Coquitlam spending two seasons with the Vancouver Northeast Chiefs of the BC Major Midget league. He posted spectacular numbers during the 2016-17 season with a 21-3 record with a stingy 1.81 GAA. His 21 wins was tops in the BCMML that season.
Matthews will be on the ice next week when the Express open training camp on Monday. They will have intra squad games during the week. Monday's game starts at 7pm at the Porier Sports and Leisure complex.
Welcome to the Express Kolby.
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
EXPRESS ACQUIRE DANOL FROM EAGLES
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| Photo courtesy of Garrett James. Graphic by Jacob Lazare |
The Coquitlam Express have acquired forward Chase Danol (99) from the Surrey Eagles in exchange for forward Eric Linell (98).
Danol comes to the Express with a commitment to Bowling Green University.
The upcoming 2018-19 season will be Danol's second in the BCHL. Last season in Surrey he had 11 goals and 8 assists for 19 points in 52 games. He then added 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points in 13 playoff games as the Eagles lost in the second round of the playoffs to the Prince George Spruce Kings.
The newest member of the Express feels there is plenty of potential to showcase his ability in Coquitlam. “I do believe strongly this an opportunity for this coming season to show what I haven't been able to show yet.” says Danol.
“Chase is a player we believe will come in and help us immediately. He is a player that former teammates speak really highly of and brings a strong work ethic on and off the ice. As a rookie last season he may not have had the ice time or confidence to produce big numbers but after a season under his belt we feel he can be a major contributor.” says Express GM and Head Coach Jason Fortier.
This trade reunites Chase, a Westland, Michigan native with Express forward Josh Wildauer who is also from the Michigan area. They were teammates previously with the Oakland Jr Grizzlies during the 2016-17 season, and the Victory Honda U16 and Belle Tire Bantam programs in previous seasons.
“We are fortunate to be able to add a player like Chase considering Eric was scheduled to begin school at UConn next season but something changed and he will be heading there in 2019. We would have welcomed Eric back if he wanted to return but he spoke with us and asked for a change of scenery. We respect Eric's decision and appreciate the effort he gave to the Express last season but now it is time to move forward and continue building for this upcoming season. After Eric requested a trade, we spoke to several teams about him and Surrey made us a few offers. We wanted to acquire Chase or the deal would not get done unless we could add him. The deal is good for both sides and we are thrilled to add a player like Chase to the Express family.” Fortier adds.
Welcome to the Express Chase.
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