Feel Good Hockey Related Story

David Carle, brother of the San Jose Sharks Matt Carle, skipped his Shattuck-St Mary's graduation a few weeks ago to attend the NHL Combine. Already committed to the University of Denver, he was projected as a 2nd or 3rd round pick. During a routine EKG test on his heart, it is discovered that he has Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy which ended his hockey career immediately. This is the same disease that killed the Boston Celtic's Reggie Lewis. So, he withdraws his name from the draft list, end of story right??

Well no, with their last pick in the last round of the NHL Draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning selected David Carle. Quote from the Faribault Daily News: Carle said: “The owner called me about an hour after and just kind of explained to me why they did it. He just told me that I worked too hard, that I worked my entire life to be drafted, and he didn’t really see why I shouldn’t be. (He said) that I deserved it, and he wanted that to always be by my name.”

What a great thing to do, and a great feel-good story. On top of that, the University of Denver is going to honor his scholarship.

Here's the whole story from the Faribault Daily News if you want to read it all:

http://faribault.com/news.php?viewStory=35743

Jake Pence - Update

This isn't Express related, but of interest to fans of Owatonna hockey.

Owatonnan Jake Pence, just finished his rookie year as a defenseman for the Ft. Wayne Komets of the International Hockey League. Including playoffs, he played in 88 games, scoring 2 goals and 11 assists, and finishing with a +21. The Komets won the Turner Cup IHL Championship with an exciting triple overtime win in game 7.

Jake played his college hockey at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, and is looking at playing professional hockey in Finland this coming up season.

Congratulations Jake!

Divisional Alignment for 2008/2009

So what does the NAHL do this year with the alignment of the divisions. Stick with 3 or switch to 4 divisions. Either way, it shouldn't affect the Express very much, unless the league gets really wacky. There's been some discussion over on the glassrattler board, and I thought I would take a stab at it.

Currently, according to the NAHL website, there are 3 divisions:

North: Alpena, Mahoning Valley, Marquette, Motor City, St. Louis, Traverse City, and USNTDP
Central: Owatonna, North Iowa, Alexandria, Albert Lea, Bismarck, and Springfield
South: Alaska, Fairbanks, Kenai River, Topeka, Wenatchee, and Wichita Falls

Possible 4 Division set-up:

Northwest: Alaska, Fairbanks, Kenai River, Wenatchee
South: Wichita Falls, Topeka, St. Louis, Springfield, Texas(dormant for 08/09)
Central: Owatonna, Bismarck, Alexandria, Albert Lea, North Iowa
Northeast: Marquette, Traverse City, Alpena, Motor City, Mahoning Valley, USNTDP

--The only difference for the Express would be the loss of Springfield to the South Division.

My take: I am happy that our favorite team is located where they are. Yes, the bus ride to Bismarck is long, but at least its a bus ride and not an expensive flight. The close proximity to our division rivals, make it easy for us to follow our favorite team on the road.

What do you think??


Side note: I really wonder how the new Wenatchee franchise thinks they can stay afloat financially with no other teams within driving distance of them (lots of frequent flyer miles for those boys). Everybody thinks it makes sense to throw Wenatchee in with the Alaska teams, but Wenatchee is closer to Detroit than to the Alaska teams. I hope they make it work, but I'm sure it will be an uphill battle.

Brandon Brodhag traded to North Iowa Outlaws

Found something I hadn't previously heard: The Motor City Machine traded former Express forward Brandon Brodhag to the North Iowa Outlaws for defenseman Reed Rushing.

My take: This trade is pretty fair for both teams. North Iowa gets some scoring punch, and the Machine get a solid offensive-minded defenseman. I am happy that Brandon gets to play closer to home, but it will be odd to see him in an Outlaws sweater this winter.

North Iowa Outlaws Coach Officially Leaving

It's being reported on the North Iowa Outlaws website that Head Coach Dave Boitz is leaving to take the same job with the Alaska Avalanche. Assistant Coach Jeff Crouse will assume the head coach role. Read the article here:

http://www.northiowaoutlaws.com/news_2008_coachingchanges.php

My take: When I first heard this rumor, I was puzzled. Why would you leave after winning the Central Division Championship?? Why would leave with your ticket already punched as the host team, for next year's Robertson Cup Championship?? Well then I looked at what players the Outlaws have coming back for this year, and I can understand why he would want out. If the current Outlaws on USHL rosters stick with those teams, only 2 of their top 13 scorers from last year are returning. Shea Walters' 84 points is gone, along with Max Mobley, Ring-Jarvi, Morin, Skarda, and Skinner. Only 3 defensemen are back and only 1 of those played more than 34 games. Most importantly, the best goalie in the NAHL, Robbie Moss is gone. The cupboard looks pretty bare in Mason City.

Express Alumni & Minnesota Pro 4 on 4 League

There's a handful of former Express players in the Pro 4 on 4 league this summer. This league has players from all over the world including dozens of current NHL guys, and lots of current Gophers.

Team #3 - Brian Arrigoni and Brad Wieck - with Ryan Carter of the Anaheim Ducks
Team #5 - Josh Carlson
Team #6 - Gabe Guentzel - with Aaron Voros & Brent Burns of the Wild
Team #8 - 2008 Express draft pick Tom McCarthy

They should make these games available on the B2 Network.

Express related article from today's People's Press

http://www.owatonna.com/news.php?viewStory=26955

Here's the gist if you don't want to read the article:

- CJ Willms and Ben Beaudoin are going to join Jamie Ruff at UW - River Falls.
- Brian Arrigoni is going to Hamline
- Spencer MacMillan is going to St. Olaf
- Chris Slavik and Teddy Falk are going to Augsburg


That's 6 from last year's team, now throw in Matt Lipinski at Northeatern who previously committed and you have 7. I heard something about Tim Kirby attending Air Force (committed, backed out, now back in??) Maybe 8 guys moving on to college.

Express Draft Pick - Marian Fiala

Marian Fiala - Defensemen

Originally from Slovakia, same home country as Stan Carsky. Played last year with Team Illinois Midget Major, scoring 1 goal and 2 assists in 22 games. Also played on the Slovakia U18 team.

My take: Couldn't really find enough info on this guy to formulate an opinion. Team Illinois is a solid program, so he shouldn't be a stiff. We'll find out what he's made of at tryout camp in 3 weeks.

Welcome to Owatonna Marian Fiala.

Express Draft Pick - Fredrik Csisar

Fredrik Csisar - 6'0"/175lbs - Forward

'90 birth year out of Oslo, Norway. 2nd round draft pick by the Express. Played 2005/06 season for Furuset in the Norwegian Junior Elite league. Played the last 2 seasons with Team Illinois Midget Major program. 2006/07 - Played 26 games with Team Illinois, scoring 5 goals and 15 assists with 30 PIM. Former Express players Scott Barrera and Scott Pederson were also on that team. 2007/08 - Played 21 games with Team Illinois scoring 6 goals and 11 assists with 18 PIM. Has also played for Team Norway in various tournaments. Committed to University of Nebraska-Omaha when he was only 14 years old, where he will be a future teammate of former Express goalie Nick Hopper. He won the U18 Catch & Shoot Skills Competition at the 2008 USAHockey National Championships.

My take: Makes things happen on the ice, a definite playmaker with a great shot. A player to watch at tryout camp.

Welcome to Owatonna Fredrik Csisar.

Express Draft Pick - Anthony Hayes

Anthony Hayes - 5'11"/180lbs - Forward

'89 birth year out of Canton, Michigan. Was selected in the 8th round of the 2005 OHL (Major Juniors) by the Plymouth Whalers. Attended Whalers tryout camp this summer. Played the past 2 seasons with the Green Bay Gamblers in the USHL. 2006/07 - 53 games with the Gamblers, scoring 5 goals and 2 assists, -4, and 45 PIM, playing with former Express players Sean Murphy, Derek Kohles, and Nick Graves. 2007/08 - 54 games with the Gamblers, scoring 8 goals and 7 assists, was a -12 with 60 PIM. Before that, played with Victory Honda/Compuware Midget Major programs and Team Michigan Select 17's.

My take: Minimal chance to end up in Owatonna, as he seems to have a pretty firm spot on the Gamblers roster, but strange things happen, and don't forget there is a brand new coaching staff in Green Bay. Solid Division 1 prospect, and is listed on the NHL's Central Scouting Players to Watch List. If he somehow ends up in an Express sweater, look for him to be a major piece of the offense, and an all-around solid player.

Welcome to Owatonna Anthony Hayes.

Future Express Player - Carson Curran

Carson Curran - Defenseman

Attended Flint Powers Catholic High School in Flint, Michigan. 4 year player on varsity hockey team. Was All-State as a junior and senior. Scored 14 goals/ 38 assists, and was a +41 on a team that lost in overtime of the state championship game. Was named to the All-Division Dream Team by the hockey coaches association. Played on Team Michigan at the Chicago Showcase. Was 2nd team All-Conference defensive lineman on a very good Flint Powers football team his junior year, but gave up football to concentrate on hockey his senior year. Also played lacrosse at FPCHS.

My take: He's a big, offensive-minded defenseman. Prides himself for playing a physical game, and loves to hit. But he's also smart about it, in that he only had 20 PIM his senior year. He admits "Hockey is my life" and "I want to play hockey for the rest of my life." Sounds like a great draft pick by the Express, and a potential fan favorite. Tryout camp is inching closer, and I can't wait to watch this guy in the corner putting somebody into the boards.

Welcome to Owatonna Carson Curran.

Express Draft Pick also NHL Draft Pick

Express draft pick Scott Winkler was chosen in the 3rd round (89th overall) of the NHL draft today by the Dallas Stars. Well, maybe Cedar Rapids (USHL), Colorado College (WCHA), and the Dallas Stars (NHL) all want him to get some more seasoning in the rough and tumble NAHL.

Future Express Player - Mac Williams

Mac Williams - 5'10"/175lbs - Defensemen

'90 birth year from Mound, Minnesota. Played the last 4 years at Shattuck-St. Mary's in Faribault, where he was a teammate of Jordan Murray and David Toews amongst others. 04/05 season - SSM Bantam Tier 1 team - scored 28 points in 68 games with 22 PIM. 05/06 season - SSM U16 team - scored 21 points in 45 games with 16 PIM. 06/07 season - SSM U16 team. 07/08 season - SSM Prep Team - 4 goals/9 assists/40 PIM in 61 games, which included a game against the Express on 10/16/2007 at the 4 Seasons (Express won 4-3 in OT). Also played on the 2007 Advanced 17 Team with the Owatonna Huskies Kyle Kozelka, Ryan Kalan, and Grant Paulson. Played with Team Minnesota Hockey Club in the series against Team Michigan. Side note: Former Mound-Westonka coach Paul Willett is now the coach of the Albert Lea Thunder.

My take: Anytime we can get a kid from one of the premier hockey programs in the nation, I'm happy. If memory serves, Coach Cullen was on staff at SSM last year, so I'm sure he's well aware of what kind of player Mac is. At the very least he should be well versed in the fundamentals of the game. If you think back to the game against the Express last fall, I remember how well SSM moved the puck in comparison to our favorite team. Let's hope he's wearing an Express sweater come September.

Welcome to Owatonna Mac Williams.

Future Express Player - Adam Schmidt

Adam Schmidt - 5'11" - Forward

'90 Birth Year out of Warrington, PA. In 2007/08, played for LaSalle College - High School, and The Valley Forge Minutemen of the Atlantic Junior Hockey League. His team at LaSalle HS, won the Pennsylvania state championship his senior year, in the arena in Johnstown, PA where many of the hockey scenes in "Slapshot" were filmed. With the Valley Forge Minutemen, he scored 14 goals and 22 assists in 20 games. He was a 13th round draft pick of the Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL.

My take: Has scoring touch, and isn't afraid of the physical aspects of the game. With the Minutemen, a majority of his 40 penalty minutes were Roughing penalties. He is on Sioux City's 30-man roster/protected list. USHL rosters need to be cut down to 25 by July 1, and down to 23 before the regular season begins, so there is a chance we will see him this fall.

Welcome to Owatonna Adam Schmidt.

Odds & Ends for 6/17/2008

Express draft pick Dylan Porter from Rosemount HS, was featured in today's St. Paul Pioneer Press as a member of their All-State Baseball Team. He was on the "starters" list. Read the article here: http://www.twincities.com/prep/ci_9606664?nclick_check=1

I take it as a good sign that he specifically mentioned playing junior hockey. So, we'll see him at tryout camp, and hopefully in September.


Rumors about North Iowa Coach leaving?? The folks over on the glassrattler boards are speculating that North Iowa Outlaws coach Dave Boitz might be leaving to take over the head coaching position with the Alaska Avalanche. Ordinarily I wouldn't believe much of what I read on there, but Marc Foster seems to think there might be something to it. Seems like a wierd move for him, especially this far into the summer. North Iowa is hosting the Robertson Cup next year, so he is assured of a spot in the championship round of the playoffs. Well maybe he didn't want to watch the Express win the Cup on his home ice.

Future Express Player - Tom Glomski

Tom Glomski - 6'1"/185lbs - Forward

'89 Birth Year from Waupun, Wisconsin. Played with the Madison Capitols AAA, and most recently with the Texas Attack AAA. Was drafted 3 straight years by Tier III Junior A CSHL teams. Attended the Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) main tryout camp this summer, but is not currently on their roster/protected list.

My take: Couldn't find much information on this guy. A little taller than most of the forwards the Express drafted. I guess we'll see what he is made of in just 30 days at tryout camp.

Future Express Player - Jake Sloat

Jake Sloat - 5'11"/176lbs - Defensemen

'90 birth year out of Superior, Colorado. After playing for the Colorado Thunderbirds Midget Major program, he was drafted by the Omaha Lancers in the 3rd round of the 2007 USHL Entry Draft. He spent the entire 2007/08 season on the Lancer's roster, scoring 1 goal and 2 assists while playing in 29 games. He did not see any action in the Lancer's playoff run to the USHL Championship.

My take: Could be a solid blue-liner for the Express. Yeah he didn't play much in Omaha last year, but he spent the entire year on the roster, so he must have some skills. He attended the Green Bay Gamblers main tryout camp a few weeks ago, but is not on their most recent protected list. A year with the Express getting 20 minutes a game is just what he needs to get back on a USHL roster.

Welcome to Owatonna Jake Sloat.

Future Express Players - Dylan Porter & Cam Stowers

Dylan Porter - 5'9"/170lbs - Forward

Attended Rosemount High School. Scored 17 goals and 28 assists his senior year as captain of the Irish hockey team. Played in the 2007 Elite league, and for Section 3 in the Great 8 tournament. Is also a very good baseball player. Was a centerfielder and captain of the Irish team that quailified for the state tournament a few weeks ago.

Cam Stowers - Forward

Olathe, Kansas product. Scored 32 points with 14 goals in 2007/08 playing for the Russell Stover AAA Midget Major program in Kansas City. Attended both the Fargo Force and Tri-City Storm tryout camps, but is not currently on either of those rosters.


My take: I couldn't find much on either of these 2 guys. Porter sounds like a good all-around athlete, and Stowers comes from a program with a history of producing quality hockey players. 2 guys I'm interested to see play at camp in a few weeks.

Welcome to Owatonna Dylan Porter & Cam Stowers.

NAHL camps in the neighborhood this weekend.

If you need a hockey fix, you could probably check out some tryout camp action this weekend.

Kenai River Brown Bears camp is in Rochester, Topeka Roadrunners camp is in Somerset, Wisconsin, and The Albert Lea Thunder are having camp on their home ice 30 minutes south of us.

I would hope the Express have some folks out and about today checking out the action.

Future Express Player?? - Scott Winkler

Scott Winkler - 6'2"/195lbs - Forward/Center

'90 Birth year originally from Asker, Norway. Played in 70 games in 2007/2008 for Russell Stover AAA in Kansas City, scoring 92 points (40 goals). Before that, played for Frisk-Asker Tigers in Norway, where he was a teammate of former Express goalie Lars Paulgaard. Also played for Team Norway in 2007 & 2008. Drafted in the 12th round of the USHL draft by the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, and is currently on their roster. Is the #176 ranked North American based skater on the NHL's Central Scouting list for the 2008 NHL draft.

My take: Probably the best overall player selected by the Express in the draft, and has already accepted a scholarship offer from Colorado College of the WCHA. Is a big, physical skater, with a quick shot and great speed. Also probably the least likely Express draft pick to actually don an Express sweater. He seems to have a pretty firm spot as one of Cedar Rapids 2 allowed rookie import players. I'll cross my fingers and hope the stars align just right to have this guy in camp come September. If that happens, in my opinion, he would immediately become one of the best Express players in the franchises history.

Welcome to Owatonna (hopefully) Scott Winkler.

Express players at USHL Camps

I browsed through the list of attendees at USHL camps thus far this summer, and this is what I found:

Former Express Players:

Brandon Brodhag - Omaha Lancers
Nick Graves - Sioux City Musketeers
Nick Carson - Tri-City Storm
Ami Peled - Des Moines Buccaneers
--none of these 4 is on that teams protected list.

Incoming Express Players:

Justin Lee - Fargo Force & Des Moines Buccaneers
Tim Smith - Sioux Falls Stampede
Cam Stowers - Tri-City Storm
Tom Glomski - Green Bay Gamblers
Jake Sloat - Green Bay Gamblers
Scott Winkler - Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

There was a lot of names, so I apologize if I missed any. There are still alot of camps to be held, so add names as you hear them.

Future Express Player - Zach Vierling

Zach Vierling - 5'9"/165lbs - Forward

2nd round draft pick of the Express out of Coon Rapids HS in Minnesota. Led the Northwest Suburban Conference in scoring with 63 points in 23 games his senior year, centering the top line at CR. Was named All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-State in 2008. Awarded the 2008 Hobey Baker High School Character Award (Pete Kalan's son Ryan also won this award). Played in the Great 8 for section 5. 16th round pick of the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL).

My take: As with a lot of kids going to juniors, he needs to bulk up some. Appears to be a finesse type of player with good puck-handling skills and a scoring touch. Played in the RoughRiders tryout camp all-star game, and is currently on their 28 man roster. USHL rosters have to be cut to 25 by July 1, so he'll be a guy to keep an eye on.

Welcome to Owatonna Zach Vierling.

Future Express Player - Justin Lee

Justin Lee - 5'10"/180lbs - Defensemen

'89 birth year - played high school hockey at Chaska HS in Minnesota. Was drafted in the 2nd round of the NAHL draft by the Express. Attended the Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL) tryout camp in 2007. Played in the camp all-star game (with former Express player Jordan Singer), and 4 preseason games with the Stampede, but did not make the regular season roster. He ended up with the Texas Tornado of the NAHL where he played 34 games, scoring 1 goal and 6 assists.

My take: Don't know much about this guy, but maybe some of the TT lurkers from the glassrattler board could fill us in.

P.S. - I can't confirm this, but I think the Express might have tendered one of his former Tornado teammates. I guess we'll find out at tryout camp.

Welcome to Owatonna Justin Lee.

Future Express Player - Dan Cecka

Dan Cecka - 5'11"/190lbs - Forward

'89 Birth year. Member of the 2008 Class AA State Champion Hill-Murray Pioneers, and was selected to the All-Tournament Team. Leading scorer in the Classic Suburban Conference his senior year. Was honorable mention All-State. Participated in the 2007 Minnesota Model Camp where he played on a the same team as Owatonna's Kyle Kozelka. Played for Team Minnesota at the Chicago Showcase in 2008. Played in the Tri-City Storm's (USHL) tryout camp all-star game in 2007. 9th round pick of the Indiana Ice in the 2008 USHL draft.

My take: Reminds me of another Hill-Murray alum, and Indiana Ice draftee: Brian Arrigoni... only bigger. He's a strong kid, team leader, and can finish. I don't know about his blocking the puck with your facemask skills. He was the leading scorer on the best team in Minnesota, not much else needs to be said.

Welcome to Owatonna Dan Cecka.

Welcome Glassrattler readers!!

A big thanks to "jrwannabe" over on the glassrattler boards for the free plug for my blog.

As the description above states, "I want this to be a place for constructive back and forth hockey discussion...". I just started this last Friday, and so far I have posted a few previews of some of the Express's draft picks/tenders. Feel free to chime in with your opinion, but lets keep it positive.

You do not need to register to leave comments, so tell me what you think.

Future Express Player?? - Stephen Carew

Stephen Carew - 5'10"/165lbs - Forward

'88 birth year from Eden Prairie, Minnesota. 4th round pick of the Green Bay Gamblers in the 2007 USHL draft. Played high school hockey at Benilde - St. Margarets. Scored 25-31=56 his senior year. Played 54 games in 2007/2008 for the Green Bay Gamblers in the USHL, scoring 11 goals and 8 assists. Was voted Green Bay Gambler Rookie of the Year. In 2007, he played on the Section 6 Great 8 team. Attended the 2006 University of Minnesota Model Camp, where he played on the same team as former Express players Brandon Brodhag and Ian Stauber.

My take: Needs to put on some size, but the height and weight numbers might be a year old. Managed a +/- of -8 on a bad Gambler team last year as a rookie in the USHL, and more than half of his total points came on the power play which I like. With a year of USHL under his belt, could be a very nice player for the Express. However, he was on Green Bay's initial protected list going into the draft last month, so there's a pretty good chance he'll be back in Green Bay. Best case scenario (for the Express, not for him), the new coaching staff in Green Bay wants to go with their own guys, or he gets caught in a numbers crunch, and ends up in our lovely little town wearing silver and blue.

Welcome to Owatonna Stephen Carew.

Future Express Player - Tim Smith

Tim Smith - 5'11"/190lbs - Defensemen

Drafted by the Express in the 1st round of the 2008 NAHL Entry Draft out of traditional powerhouse Superior HS in Superior, Wisconsin. Was first team all-state selection in 2007 (Teddy Falk was also on that list) & 2008. Finalist for 2008 Wisconsin Mr. Hockey. Member of the "Outstate" Minnesota team that beat Shattuck on the way to winning the prestigious Nike/Bauer National Invitation Tournament. Drafted by the USHL's Sioux Falls Stampede in the 8th round of the 2007 draft, but decided to finish his high school career at Superior. Is listed on the NHL's Central Scouting "Players to Watch" for the 2008 NHL Draft.

My take: This guy is an absolute stud. With some help from Coach Cullen, he is a definite division 1 prospect despite being a little undersized at 5'11". Scored 14 goals and 13 assists his senior year playing on a very good team in high school that didn't shy away from competition, beating Duluth Marshall, Cloquet, and Hermantown amongst others. He was on Sioux Falls's (USHL) initial protected list going into the USHL draft last month, so there's a chance he won't ever don an Express sweater, but time will tell.

Welcome to Owatonna Tim Smith.

Future Express Player - Tom McCarthy

Player profile: Thomas McCarthy - 6'0"/205 lbs Defensemen

Drafted by the Express in the 1st round of the 2008 NAHL Entry Draft. Played high school hockey at Benilde St. Margarets in the Twin Cities (3rd place at 2008 state tournament). 3 year letter winner in both football and hockey. Captain of football and hockey teams his senior year. Was also drafted by the expansion Fargo Force of the USHL in the 9th round of the USHL draft. Played with fellow Express draft pick Stephen Carew at Benilde.

My take: He is a tough defender with a big shot. Scored 33 points in 31 games last year, including 7 power play goals. I would figure he would play a role very similar to what Robby Spaulding played with lots of shifts on the PP and the PK. I like the fact that Cullen drafted a pair of defensemen in the first round of the entry draft. It was painful last year to watch our defensive struggles.

Welcome to Owatonna, Tom McCarthy.

Future Express Player - Josh Daley

In case you missed it in the local fishwrap today (That is slang for newspaper to the people who don't listen to The Common Man or Jim Rome), the Express signed a new player to a tender. His name is Josh Daley and he played last year for Bishop Canevin and the Pittsburgh Predators in Pennsylvania. Looks like he is a tall (6'3"), offensive threat, scoring 160 points in 76 games in high school. Read the article here:

http://www.yourbridgeville.com/bridgevilleareanews/article/daley-steps-big-step-toward-dream

Looks like a great signing, and I hope he ends up in a one of the new Express jerseys. The article mentioned that Des Moines and Green Bay in the USHL are still interested in him. I found it interesting that his advisor is Rochester native Shjon Podein.

Welcome to Owatonna Josh Daley!

Welcome Express hockey fans!!

Yes, I realize this has been tried before (twice). However, I think there is a need for a message board/blog where just us Express fans can get together and chat. I have been a member on the Glassrattler.com board for several years, and it seems to be rather South Division-centric. The first 2 tries at an Express blog, while entertaining at times, didn't really cover much hockey. So, here I go, and the third time is the charm.

I will try my best to provide interesting topics of discussion, and keep things positive. I would love this to be "the" place that Express fans, current players, former players, future players, billets, player's families, etc... come to talk Express hockey.

Now since this is a brand new blog, I need everybody to help spread the word. Tell your friends and family! Let's get it on!