Express All-Time Team - Defensemen

Well, everybody is pretty much in agreement over which two goalies will be on the Big Kahuna All-Time Express Team, so let's move on to the defensemen. I have 9 nominees, which will need to whittled down to 6 guys for the final All-Time Team roster. Make a case for which guys you think deserve to be named to the team. Eventually we'll have to choose 2 to start, but that'll come later.

Here are the nominees:

- Chris Barth - 2005/2006 - Filled the important role of enforcer for the Express in year #1, something we haven't had in subsequent years. He was untouchable once the gloves were dropped, and that helped keep Express opponents in line. He wasn't much of a scoring threat, but was far from a liability as a blue-liner. Played professionally in the CHL.

- Stu Bickel - 2005/2006 - Came to the Express part way into the season, and played both forward and defense. Showed some scoring ability, but his physical presence was the most beneficial to the Express. Played a year with the Gophers, and just signed with the NHL's Anaheim Ducks.

- Jeff Carlson - 2005/06 & 2006/07 - Offensive defenseman, scored 75 points in his 2 years with the Express. Currently playing at the University of Alaska - Anchorage.

- Gabe Guentzel - 2006/2007 - Played in 72 games for the Express including the playoffs. After a year in Sioux Falls (USHL), will play at Colorado College (WCHA) this fall.

- Peter Kavaya - 2005/06 & 2006/07 - Played the bulk of 2 seasons for the Express. Heading for Western Michigan University this fall.

- Tim Kirby - 2006/07 & 2007/08 - Made a huge improvement to become a solid division 1 prospect over his 2 seasons with the Express. Playing hockey for the Air Force Academy this fall.

- Brian Schack - 2005/2006 - Another solid defenseman from year #1. Currently playing hockey for the Gophers in the WCHA.

- Robby Spalding - 2006/07 & 2007/08 - Had the hardest slapshot of any Express player. Served as captain last year.

- Kevin Wright - 2005/06 & 2006/07 - Like Tim Kirby, a guy who really blossomed as a player during his 2 years with the Express. Earned an appointment to the Air Force Academy.


Let's hear what you have to say. We'll move onto forwards later this week.

--BK