Highlights of the Express 4-3 overtime victory over Chilliwack Friday night.
Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.
Saturday, January 12, 2019
KIMENS PLAYS OT HERO FOR EXPRESS AGAINST HIS FORMER CHIEFS MATES
Regan Kimens scored at 3:54 of the first overtime to lift the Coquitlam Express to a 4-3 overtime victory over Kimens' former team the Chilliwack Chiefs. Click here for boxscore
The result ensured that all 6 games have been won by the home team in the season series. Each time has won three times on their comfortable confines.
This was the tightest of the six games between the teams, which felt more like a playoff game. Clay Stevenson had one of his better outings in recent weeks to post the victory in the Express crease.
Friday marked the Express debuts for Ty Westgard and Aaron White who were acquired from Surrey on Wednesday. Dallas Farrell also returned to the lineup after missing the previous 5 games.
Penalties were the name of the game for the Express in the first period. Chilliwack struck on their first powerplay on a cross ice pass by Ethan Bowen to set up Cole Donhauser for the 1-0 Chilliwack lead.
Clay Stevenson ensured the deficit was just one shutting the door the rest of the period including a number of challenging saves on deflections.
The Express were whistled for two other penalties in the opening period, but the penalty killing rose to the occasion to keep the Express only down 1-0 after being outshot 15-4.
Dallas Farrell pulled the Express even late on their first powerplay in the second period. Alex DiPaolo from the left wing fired a wrist shot that produced a rebound for Farrell to bury his 9th goal of the season.
2:02 later now with the Express shorthanded, a clearing attempt into the Chilliwack end was pressured up ice by Josh Wildauer who stole the puck off Chiefs goaltender Daniel Chenard and was beat on a wraparound by Wildauer for the first Express lead of the night.
The second period was a more wide open period with the teams at times trading chances at both ends of the ice.
Pito Walton extended the Express lead to 3-1 taking pass from Alex DiPaolo then ripping a snapshot for his 4th of the season.
The pesky Chiefs cut the lead to one before the second period was through on a goal from Brett Rylance cutting into a slot then snapping a shot over the shoulder of Clay Stevenson with 1:45 remaining in the second period.
Chilliwack opened the third period with a powerplay with Christian Sanda in the box for kneeing. Jacques Boquot even the game at 3 just 30 seconds into the third period taking a cross ice pass from Skyler Brind'Amour then cutting to the net and sliding home a backhand.
Now in a tie game the teams settled into a tight and somewhat nerve racking third period with neither team wanting to be the one to blink.
Alex DiPaolo came close to giving the Express the lead with a shot off the post with 3 minutes to play.
Then with just under 90 seconds left Clay Stevenson made his best save of the game off Ethan Bowen from the slot. Stevenson finished with 31 saves.
Ty Westgard may have been able to play the role of hero for the Express if a pass from Dallas Farrell into the slot in the final minute wasn't behind one of the newest members of the Express.
Friday was the second straight game for the Express to head to overtime. They played much better in the overtime compared to the previous game Wednesday vs. Merritt. The Express managed to get more puck possession which is so vital in overtime, and that lead to more chances in the extra session for the Express.
Late in the overtime a shot from the boards by Kimens was stopped by Daniel Chenard. Then the Chiefs Harrison Blaisdell took the rebound behind his net to slow things down for the Chiefs, only to bel pressured by his former teammate Regan Kimens who stole the puck off Blaisdell then scored the overtime winner lifting the puck over the pad of Chenard to give the Express the 4-3 overtime victory.
The win gives the Express a 2-0-1 record picking up 5 out of 6 points so far on their 6 game home stand. It will resume Sunday afternoon when the Express host Alberni Valley.
The result ensured that all 6 games have been won by the home team in the season series. Each time has won three times on their comfortable confines.
This was the tightest of the six games between the teams, which felt more like a playoff game. Clay Stevenson had one of his better outings in recent weeks to post the victory in the Express crease.
Friday marked the Express debuts for Ty Westgard and Aaron White who were acquired from Surrey on Wednesday. Dallas Farrell also returned to the lineup after missing the previous 5 games.
Penalties were the name of the game for the Express in the first period. Chilliwack struck on their first powerplay on a cross ice pass by Ethan Bowen to set up Cole Donhauser for the 1-0 Chilliwack lead.
Clay Stevenson ensured the deficit was just one shutting the door the rest of the period including a number of challenging saves on deflections.
The Express were whistled for two other penalties in the opening period, but the penalty killing rose to the occasion to keep the Express only down 1-0 after being outshot 15-4.
Dallas Farrell pulled the Express even late on their first powerplay in the second period. Alex DiPaolo from the left wing fired a wrist shot that produced a rebound for Farrell to bury his 9th goal of the season.
2:02 later now with the Express shorthanded, a clearing attempt into the Chilliwack end was pressured up ice by Josh Wildauer who stole the puck off Chiefs goaltender Daniel Chenard and was beat on a wraparound by Wildauer for the first Express lead of the night.
The second period was a more wide open period with the teams at times trading chances at both ends of the ice.
Pito Walton extended the Express lead to 3-1 taking pass from Alex DiPaolo then ripping a snapshot for his 4th of the season.
The pesky Chiefs cut the lead to one before the second period was through on a goal from Brett Rylance cutting into a slot then snapping a shot over the shoulder of Clay Stevenson with 1:45 remaining in the second period.
Chilliwack opened the third period with a powerplay with Christian Sanda in the box for kneeing. Jacques Boquot even the game at 3 just 30 seconds into the third period taking a cross ice pass from Skyler Brind'Amour then cutting to the net and sliding home a backhand.
Now in a tie game the teams settled into a tight and somewhat nerve racking third period with neither team wanting to be the one to blink.
Alex DiPaolo came close to giving the Express the lead with a shot off the post with 3 minutes to play.
Then with just under 90 seconds left Clay Stevenson made his best save of the game off Ethan Bowen from the slot. Stevenson finished with 31 saves.
Ty Westgard may have been able to play the role of hero for the Express if a pass from Dallas Farrell into the slot in the final minute wasn't behind one of the newest members of the Express.
Friday was the second straight game for the Express to head to overtime. They played much better in the overtime compared to the previous game Wednesday vs. Merritt. The Express managed to get more puck possession which is so vital in overtime, and that lead to more chances in the extra session for the Express.
Late in the overtime a shot from the boards by Kimens was stopped by Daniel Chenard. Then the Chiefs Harrison Blaisdell took the rebound behind his net to slow things down for the Chiefs, only to bel pressured by his former teammate Regan Kimens who stole the puck off Blaisdell then scored the overtime winner lifting the puck over the pad of Chenard to give the Express the 4-3 overtime victory.
The win gives the Express a 2-0-1 record picking up 5 out of 6 points so far on their 6 game home stand. It will resume Sunday afternoon when the Express host Alberni Valley.
Friday, January 11, 2019
CENTENNIALS AT EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights of the Merritt Centennials 5-4 overtime win over the Express Wednesday night.
Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.
Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.
Thursday, January 10, 2019
EXPRESS ACQUIRE WESTGARD AND WHITE FROM EAGLES
The Coquitlam Express made a big trade one day prior to the BCHL trade deadline acquiring forwards Ty Westgard and Aaron White in exchange for forward Cole Edgerton and future considerations.
Westgard is the marquee name in this trade as a 20 year old veteran and 5th year player in the BCHL.
The Surrey native's production has taken a big jump dating back to last season. In 82 games dating back to last season Westgard has 25 goals and 79 assists for 104 points. This season he has 10 goals and 24 assists for 24 points in 26 games. Those number are still tops on the Surrey Eagles this season.
Last season Westgard teamed up with John Wesley for one the more explosive offensive duos in the BCHL. His 55 assists were the second most in the BCHL. His 70 points finished tied for 2nd in BCHL scoring.
In 160 career BCHL games all with Surrey, Westgard has 43 goals and 116 assists for 159 points. He also spent time in the WHL with Victoria and Portland with 1 goal and 3 assists in 28 games.
Aaron White has split this season with Surrey in the BCHL and Madison and Omaha in the USHL.
This season in Surrey the Sylvania, Michigan native had 3 goals in 10 games All three goals coming in a 7-6 loss in Merritt in early September. In the USHL White had 1 goal and 5 assists in 21 games. Last season in Surrey, White 13 goals and 11 assists for 24 points in 43 games.
Both Westgard and White are entering the Express room to some familiar faces playing last season with forward Chase Danol. White was also a teammate in the 16-17 season with the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U18 program with Danol and Josh Wildauer.
Edgerton dressed for 30 games with the Express this season with 3 goals and 7 assists.
Westgard is the marquee name in this trade as a 20 year old veteran and 5th year player in the BCHL.
The Surrey native's production has taken a big jump dating back to last season. In 82 games dating back to last season Westgard has 25 goals and 79 assists for 104 points. This season he has 10 goals and 24 assists for 24 points in 26 games. Those number are still tops on the Surrey Eagles this season.
Last season Westgard teamed up with John Wesley for one the more explosive offensive duos in the BCHL. His 55 assists were the second most in the BCHL. His 70 points finished tied for 2nd in BCHL scoring.
In 160 career BCHL games all with Surrey, Westgard has 43 goals and 116 assists for 159 points. He also spent time in the WHL with Victoria and Portland with 1 goal and 3 assists in 28 games.
Aaron White has split this season with Surrey in the BCHL and Madison and Omaha in the USHL.
This season in Surrey the Sylvania, Michigan native had 3 goals in 10 games All three goals coming in a 7-6 loss in Merritt in early September. In the USHL White had 1 goal and 5 assists in 21 games. Last season in Surrey, White 13 goals and 11 assists for 24 points in 43 games.
Both Westgard and White are entering the Express room to some familiar faces playing last season with forward Chase Danol. White was also a teammate in the 16-17 season with the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U18 program with Danol and Josh Wildauer.
Edgerton dressed for 30 games with the Express this season with 3 goals and 7 assists.
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
WICKS LATE HEROICS CARRIES CENTENNIALS OVER EXPRESS IN OT
Nick Wicks tied the game in the final minute, then won it in overtime in Merritt's 5-4 overtime win over the Express Wednesday night. Click here for boxscore
The Merritt captain started the game by taking the games opening faceoff against his younger brother Garrett who dressed for the Express for a second straight game as an AP.
Danny Pearson returned to the Express lineup after being on the receiving end of a big hit from Powell River's Ryan Pouliot in the final game before the Christmas break. Pearson picked up right where he left off chipping in offensively, 5:35 into he game he went hard to the net and tipped home a perfect pass from Christian Sanda to open the scoring.
The lead was extended to 2-0 just over 6 minutes later when Chase Danol's shot from the left wing eluded Austin Roden for Danol's Express leading 21st of the season.
39 seconds later the Centennials cut the lead to 2-1 on a powerplay goal from Payton Matsui chipping home a loose puck in the Express crease.
Rylan Van Unen erased Merritt's two goal deficit for the first time putting home a rebound that was put right on his tape from Kolby Matthews following a shot from Talon Zakall.
Christian Sanda was really effective using his speed to be a difference maker for the Express Wednesday. He put the Express back in the lead with a pass from the right wing that went off a Centennials defender and in for Sanda's 16th of the season.
Alex DiPaolo was on the receiving end of a hit from Matthieu Gosselin that didn't sit well with the Express. Regan Kimens among others quickly got into the face of Gosselin, but they showed good restrain to not take their team off the on-coming powerplay.
DiPaolo got his revenge personally late in the advantage burying the rebound of Jordan Schulting point shot giving the Express a 4-2 lead heading to the 3rd period.
The lead was looking pretty safe as the final minutes of the third period stared to emerge on the horizon. Kolby Matthews appeared to be pretty dialled in in the Express crease.
Then a 3 on 2 resulted in a third chance opportunity ending up on the stick of Daniel Tkac who buried the rebound with 3:50 to play.
In the final minute with Austin Roden on the bench, his replacement Nick Wicks set up shop in front of the Express net and tipped home a Jayden Fetter shot to tie the game at 4 with 37 seconds left to play.
The Express argued the goal was contacted with a high stick. And the referee originally waved off the goal. Then upon further discussion the call was overturned and the goal was allowed to stand sending the game to overtime.
Chase Danol had the best chance for the Express in overtime cutting into the slot firing a wrist shot that was denied by Roden.
Merritt showed good patience in overtime being very reluctant to give up the puck during the 3 on 3. That patience paid off on the game winning goal. Nick Wicks had the puck in the Express zone and retreated back into the neutral zone then went back on the attack from the right wing and ripped a shot over the shoulder of Kolby Matthews to give the Centennials the 5-4 overtime win. For the Centennials it was their third consecutive overtime win.
The 6 game home stand for the Express continues Friday when the Express host the Chilliwack Chiefs.
The Merritt captain started the game by taking the games opening faceoff against his younger brother Garrett who dressed for the Express for a second straight game as an AP.
Danny Pearson returned to the Express lineup after being on the receiving end of a big hit from Powell River's Ryan Pouliot in the final game before the Christmas break. Pearson picked up right where he left off chipping in offensively, 5:35 into he game he went hard to the net and tipped home a perfect pass from Christian Sanda to open the scoring.
The lead was extended to 2-0 just over 6 minutes later when Chase Danol's shot from the left wing eluded Austin Roden for Danol's Express leading 21st of the season.
39 seconds later the Centennials cut the lead to 2-1 on a powerplay goal from Payton Matsui chipping home a loose puck in the Express crease.
Rylan Van Unen erased Merritt's two goal deficit for the first time putting home a rebound that was put right on his tape from Kolby Matthews following a shot from Talon Zakall.
Christian Sanda was really effective using his speed to be a difference maker for the Express Wednesday. He put the Express back in the lead with a pass from the right wing that went off a Centennials defender and in for Sanda's 16th of the season.
Alex DiPaolo was on the receiving end of a hit from Matthieu Gosselin that didn't sit well with the Express. Regan Kimens among others quickly got into the face of Gosselin, but they showed good restrain to not take their team off the on-coming powerplay.
DiPaolo got his revenge personally late in the advantage burying the rebound of Jordan Schulting point shot giving the Express a 4-2 lead heading to the 3rd period.
The lead was looking pretty safe as the final minutes of the third period stared to emerge on the horizon. Kolby Matthews appeared to be pretty dialled in in the Express crease.
Then a 3 on 2 resulted in a third chance opportunity ending up on the stick of Daniel Tkac who buried the rebound with 3:50 to play.
In the final minute with Austin Roden on the bench, his replacement Nick Wicks set up shop in front of the Express net and tipped home a Jayden Fetter shot to tie the game at 4 with 37 seconds left to play.
The Express argued the goal was contacted with a high stick. And the referee originally waved off the goal. Then upon further discussion the call was overturned and the goal was allowed to stand sending the game to overtime.
Chase Danol had the best chance for the Express in overtime cutting into the slot firing a wrist shot that was denied by Roden.
Merritt showed good patience in overtime being very reluctant to give up the puck during the 3 on 3. That patience paid off on the game winning goal. Nick Wicks had the puck in the Express zone and retreated back into the neutral zone then went back on the attack from the right wing and ripped a shot over the shoulder of Kolby Matthews to give the Centennials the 5-4 overtime win. For the Centennials it was their third consecutive overtime win.
The 6 game home stand for the Express continues Friday when the Express host the Chilliwack Chiefs.
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
WARRIORS @ EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights of the Express 8-1 win over West Kelowna Monday.
Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.
Highlights produced by Eddie Gregory.
Monday, January 7, 2019
EXPRESS USE FULL THROTTLE 2ND PERIOD TO BLOWOUT WARRIORS
Jared Power scored his first BCHL hat-trick and second of his junior career in a 8-1 Express win over West Kelowna on a rare Monday night game. The Express used a six goal second period to take complete control of the game. Click here for boxscore
Little went right for the West Kelowna Warriors. Their lone goal of the night opened the scoring, Auston Chorney rushed the puck right into the Express zone then snapped a shot from the right wing past Kolby Matthews. That goal would be the lone knock on Kolby Matthews who had a great night the rest of the way shutting the door.
Power's big night got rolling on the Express first powerplay of the night. With Power standing in front of the net, he showed good hands deflecting a Connor Gregga shot to tie the game at one. Prior to the game, Connor Gregga was named the Express player of the month after 5 goals and 10 assists for 15 points in 9 December games.
It didn't take long for the Express to completely suck the life out of the Warriors in the second period.
Regan Kimens gave the Express their first lead converting a set up from the slot from Jordan Schulting for a 2-1 Express advantage at 4:18.
And from there the goals just kept coming.
Jared Power buried his second of the night on a scramble lifting a backhand over a sprawled out Connor Hopkins at 7:30.
2:11 later a quick pass up ice on the tape of Chase Danol allowed him to cut in from the left wing and his shot trickled through Hopkins and was poked home by Josh Bruce for his 3rd of the season to open up a 4-1 lead.
That goal chased Connor Hopkins after 4 goals on 21 shots. Warriors Head Coach Geoff Grimwood also called his timeout at that time.
The message didn't get through as the Express kept rolling along, and Brock Baier faced the brunt of the Express attack. He was welcomed to the game by facing a great odd man rush chance for Christian Sanda.
Power then put the puck past Baier completing his first Express hat-trick converting a tap in pass from Connor Gregga to make it a 5-1 lead. It was the first hat-trick for Jared Power since November 22, 2016 when he was a member of the Olds Grizzlys of the AJHL. Connor Gregga finished up three assists.
Jack Cameron got in on the fun 43 seconds after Power's third goal taking a feed in the slot and snapping home just his second of the season.
Then Alex DiPaolo capped off 6 Express goals in 11:05 burying the rebound of a Kabir Gill point shot to make it a 7-1 game.
Even though the Express middle period will be highlighted by the offensive eruption, Kolby Matthews had a very strong second period as well making 15 saves at the other end of the ice. He would finished with 36 saves for 12th win of the season.
The Express took their foot off the gas in the third period. The only goal of the frame came late in the period by Josh Wildauer poking home a loose puck in the crease after Jordan Schulting was set up backdoor by Regan Kimens.
There will be little time for the Express to enjoy their victory as they continue their busy week Wednesday when they host the Merritt Centennials.
Little went right for the West Kelowna Warriors. Their lone goal of the night opened the scoring, Auston Chorney rushed the puck right into the Express zone then snapped a shot from the right wing past Kolby Matthews. That goal would be the lone knock on Kolby Matthews who had a great night the rest of the way shutting the door.
Power's big night got rolling on the Express first powerplay of the night. With Power standing in front of the net, he showed good hands deflecting a Connor Gregga shot to tie the game at one. Prior to the game, Connor Gregga was named the Express player of the month after 5 goals and 10 assists for 15 points in 9 December games.
It didn't take long for the Express to completely suck the life out of the Warriors in the second period.
Regan Kimens gave the Express their first lead converting a set up from the slot from Jordan Schulting for a 2-1 Express advantage at 4:18.
And from there the goals just kept coming.
Jared Power buried his second of the night on a scramble lifting a backhand over a sprawled out Connor Hopkins at 7:30.
2:11 later a quick pass up ice on the tape of Chase Danol allowed him to cut in from the left wing and his shot trickled through Hopkins and was poked home by Josh Bruce for his 3rd of the season to open up a 4-1 lead.
That goal chased Connor Hopkins after 4 goals on 21 shots. Warriors Head Coach Geoff Grimwood also called his timeout at that time.
The message didn't get through as the Express kept rolling along, and Brock Baier faced the brunt of the Express attack. He was welcomed to the game by facing a great odd man rush chance for Christian Sanda.
Power then put the puck past Baier completing his first Express hat-trick converting a tap in pass from Connor Gregga to make it a 5-1 lead. It was the first hat-trick for Jared Power since November 22, 2016 when he was a member of the Olds Grizzlys of the AJHL. Connor Gregga finished up three assists.
Jack Cameron got in on the fun 43 seconds after Power's third goal taking a feed in the slot and snapping home just his second of the season.
Then Alex DiPaolo capped off 6 Express goals in 11:05 burying the rebound of a Kabir Gill point shot to make it a 7-1 game.
Even though the Express middle period will be highlighted by the offensive eruption, Kolby Matthews had a very strong second period as well making 15 saves at the other end of the ice. He would finished with 36 saves for 12th win of the season.
The Express took their foot off the gas in the third period. The only goal of the frame came late in the period by Josh Wildauer poking home a loose puck in the crease after Jordan Schulting was set up backdoor by Regan Kimens.
There will be little time for the Express to enjoy their victory as they continue their busy week Wednesday when they host the Merritt Centennials.
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