It was a so-so weekend for the Express. Friday night was a fun game to watch with the guys dominating the Blizzard for most of the game en route to a 7-2 victory. The first period might have been the best 20 minutes of hockey the Express have played all season. Although the scoreboard didn't necessarily reflect it, the guys outshot the Blizzard 21-5. The second period was more evenly played, but the Express took advantage of their opportunities, scoring 4 goals on only 10 shots. With the rout on, the Express played their usual disciplined game, while the Blizzard started to get chippy and took the stupid penalties. The Blizzard's resident tough guy Jon MacRae ran Express goalie Jason Horstman behind the net and earned himself an early trip to the shower, while giving the Express a 5 minute powerplay. Shortly after that, in a scrum with Nick Carson, Blizzard defenseman Trent Johnson got an extra 2 minute penalty, which kept the Express on the powerplay. In that flurry of penalties, the Express tallied two powerplay goals, which kept the game out of reach for the Blizzard.
Saturday night was a bit disappointing, but it's tough to win on the road, especially against a veteran team like the Blizzard. All 5 of the Blizzard's goals were scored by guys with at least 1 full season of junior hockey under their belts. I like our chances anytime we take the ice against the Blizzard, and by the end of the season, our young team will be battle tested just like the Blizzard.
Big Kahuna's Stars of the Weekend:
1. Jake Sloat - I love the way Jake plays the game. He plays physical, and gets under the skin of the opponent, but plays smart. He stood up for his teammate Friday night, when MacRae ran Horstman.
2. Nick Carson - He played like he had a chip on his shoulder Friday night, and I hope that continues the rest of the season.
3. Tim Smith - Of all the guys on the roster, I think Tim has improved the most since the Showcase. He is solid defensively, and is tied for 2nd in the NAHL in scoring for defensemen.
Next up for the Express is a pair of home games this Thursday and Friday against the St. Louis Bandits. The Bandits had their way with the Express last weekend, but I expect a much better series this weekend. After that, the Express get some time off for Christmas before resuming the season on New Year's Eve.
Speaking of New Year's Eve, don't forget the big New Year's Eve Party following the game against the Bismarck Bobcats. $50 ($25 of which is tax-deductible) gets you a ticket to the game, admission to the party, free drinks and free Plaza Morena food at the party, champagne toast at midnight, live music, and a ride home from an Express player so you don't hit a tree and end up in jail. You can get your tickets for the game/party from me, so email me at owatonnaexpress@yahoo.com , or they are also available at the Express office, or from the coaching staff and board members. It should be a whale of a time, and if you're one of the few folks who still don't know who I am, I promise to introduce myself at the party. Big Kahuna will be getting jiggy with it, so I hope to see you there.
See you at the rink.
--Big Kahuna
Saturday night was a bit disappointing, but it's tough to win on the road, especially against a veteran team like the Blizzard. All 5 of the Blizzard's goals were scored by guys with at least 1 full season of junior hockey under their belts. I like our chances anytime we take the ice against the Blizzard, and by the end of the season, our young team will be battle tested just like the Blizzard.
Big Kahuna's Stars of the Weekend:
1. Jake Sloat - I love the way Jake plays the game. He plays physical, and gets under the skin of the opponent, but plays smart. He stood up for his teammate Friday night, when MacRae ran Horstman.
2. Nick Carson - He played like he had a chip on his shoulder Friday night, and I hope that continues the rest of the season.
3. Tim Smith - Of all the guys on the roster, I think Tim has improved the most since the Showcase. He is solid defensively, and is tied for 2nd in the NAHL in scoring for defensemen.
Next up for the Express is a pair of home games this Thursday and Friday against the St. Louis Bandits. The Bandits had their way with the Express last weekend, but I expect a much better series this weekend. After that, the Express get some time off for Christmas before resuming the season on New Year's Eve.
Speaking of New Year's Eve, don't forget the big New Year's Eve Party following the game against the Bismarck Bobcats. $50 ($25 of which is tax-deductible) gets you a ticket to the game, admission to the party, free drinks and free Plaza Morena food at the party, champagne toast at midnight, live music, and a ride home from an Express player so you don't hit a tree and end up in jail. You can get your tickets for the game/party from me, so email me at owatonnaexpress@yahoo.com , or they are also available at the Express office, or from the coaching staff and board members. It should be a whale of a time, and if you're one of the few folks who still don't know who I am, I promise to introduce myself at the party. Big Kahuna will be getting jiggy with it, so I hope to see you there.
See you at the rink.
--Big Kahuna
3 comments:
Interesting that you picked 3 defensemen. Agree that Sloat plays a real smart game. Cullen uses him a lot just for that reason. As an offensive minded defensemen, pairing him up with a good defensive guy can make them a deadly combo. See that the Coach keeps moving the lines around.
Smith is also a good player. Good improvement during season. He's consistent, and it shows. By end of season, Smith and Sloat will lead the D in scoring.
Express played incredible on Friday. Need to get that energy in all games, and especially with the upcoming games against St. Louis and Bismark.
Measuring where the team is now vs @ beginning of season - good improvement and shows why Cullen/Fink are doing a good job.
BK, will you BUY me a FREE drink at the New Year's Eve party if I go?
"BK, will you BUY me a FREE drink at the New Year's Eve party if I go?"
- Sure Eric, I'll buy you a virgin strawberry daiquiri.
--BK
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