The Express took care of business tonight in Albert Lea, winning 7-0. Jason Horstman had a nice night in net for the good guys and the goals came from Fiala (2), Smith, Carew, Palmiscno, Thorson, and Kurbatsky. The story of the night though (in my opinion), was the play of the Express defenseman. They played great from the opening face-off, blocking shots in front of the goal, and shutting down any play the Thunder could muster. If the defense plays this well the remainder of the season, this will be a scary team in the playoffs.
Although I have taken several shots at the Thunder this season, I want to take a minute and give them some props. Coach Zangs is a lot better coach than his win/loss record shows. I wish him good luck next season wherever he ends up. I also want to give major kudos to the Thunder players who earned their spot on the team the right way, and stuck it out through a miserable season. I hope the owner/upper management of the Thunder re-think their approach going into next season, and attempt to field a competitive team.
See you at the rink.
--BK
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Friday Night Ramblings
- This has nothing to do with the Express, or hockey at all, but I'm stoked that the Twins have apparently reached a deal with former White Sox 3B Joe Crede. After an off-season where the biggest move was signing Luis Ayala (who??), the Twins make a splash and finally may have picked up the right handed, power hitting third baseman they have needed since Gary Gaetti left.
- I saw an article the other day somewhere on Al Gore's internet congratulating Marquette coach Kenny Miller on his 100th career win. This got me thinking that Express coach Pat Cullen must have passed that milestone earlier this season. After a little bit of research, it looks like Coach Cullen's 100th career NAHL win came this season on November 28th against the Springfield Jr . Blues. This was the game where Stephen Carew scored an unassisted, short-handed goal in overtime to beat the Jr Blues. So a belated congratulations to Coach Cullen, and let's hope there are several hundred more wins to come down the line.
- Mad props to Jake Sloat for being named Central Division Player of the Week for last week. I love the way Jake plays, and I hope we get to watch him play in an Express sweater next season.
- From the Express Coaches Show on Monday: Forward Chris Darnell could be back in the next couple of weeks. This is good news for our favorite junior hockey team. Chris was just starting to take off when he was hurt, and the initial word was he would not be back until the playoffs.
- In case you missed it, Ian Stauffer from the People's Press wrote a nice article this week on former Express player Joel Gaulrapp. You can read it here: http://www.owatonna.com/news.php?viewStory=103850
- Congratulations to everybody who picked up some of the sweet memorabilia on the silent auction last weekend. This was a great idea by the powers that be, and hopefully becomes an annual event for the Express. Personally, I picked up the Paul Kariya autographed St Louis Blues jersey, and the game-used Rod Brind'Amour autographed stick for my personal collection. I think I got a great deal on both of them, and now have autographed items from 2 legends in the NHL. Brind'Amour has over 1100 points in his career, and Kariya should get his 1000th point in the next year or so.
Next up for the Express is a short road trip down to Albert Lea Sunday afternoon for the final matchup with the Thunder this season. The Express will be looking to make it a perfect 12-0 this season against our fellow expansion team. Plenty of good seats will be available.
See you at the rink.
--BK
- I saw an article the other day somewhere on Al Gore's internet congratulating Marquette coach Kenny Miller on his 100th career win. This got me thinking that Express coach Pat Cullen must have passed that milestone earlier this season. After a little bit of research, it looks like Coach Cullen's 100th career NAHL win came this season on November 28th against the Springfield Jr . Blues. This was the game where Stephen Carew scored an unassisted, short-handed goal in overtime to beat the Jr Blues. So a belated congratulations to Coach Cullen, and let's hope there are several hundred more wins to come down the line.
- Mad props to Jake Sloat for being named Central Division Player of the Week for last week. I love the way Jake plays, and I hope we get to watch him play in an Express sweater next season.
- From the Express Coaches Show on Monday: Forward Chris Darnell could be back in the next couple of weeks. This is good news for our favorite junior hockey team. Chris was just starting to take off when he was hurt, and the initial word was he would not be back until the playoffs.
- In case you missed it, Ian Stauffer from the People's Press wrote a nice article this week on former Express player Joel Gaulrapp. You can read it here: http://www.owatonna.com/news.php?viewStory=103850
- Congratulations to everybody who picked up some of the sweet memorabilia on the silent auction last weekend. This was a great idea by the powers that be, and hopefully becomes an annual event for the Express. Personally, I picked up the Paul Kariya autographed St Louis Blues jersey, and the game-used Rod Brind'Amour autographed stick for my personal collection. I think I got a great deal on both of them, and now have autographed items from 2 legends in the NHL. Brind'Amour has over 1100 points in his career, and Kariya should get his 1000th point in the next year or so.
Next up for the Express is a short road trip down to Albert Lea Sunday afternoon for the final matchup with the Thunder this season. The Express will be looking to make it a perfect 12-0 this season against our fellow expansion team. Plenty of good seats will be available.
See you at the rink.
--BK
Friday, February 13, 2009
Kruse Commits to Air Force Academy
According to the official Express website, forward John Kruse verbally committed to the Air Force Academy for next year. He will join current teammate Stephen Carew, and former Express players Tim Kirby, Kevin Wright, and Scott Kozlak. This is great news in light of the injury that kept John out of the lineup for an extended period of time this season.
Congratulations John.
My take: While it's great news for John, it means he won't be back for next season with the Express. I don't fault him at all for making this decision, but I looked forward to having him be one of the veteran leaders on next season's Express team. The Express pipeline to the AFA is flowing, and you could see 25% of the Falcons lineup next season filled with Express alumni.
See you at the rink.
--BK
Congratulations John.
My take: While it's great news for John, it means he won't be back for next season with the Express. I don't fault him at all for making this decision, but I looked forward to having him be one of the veteran leaders on next season's Express team. The Express pipeline to the AFA is flowing, and you could see 25% of the Falcons lineup next season filled with Express alumni.
See you at the rink.
--BK
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Brian Arrigoni Update
I received a nice email last week from Tim Ostroot the Assistant Hockey Coach at Hamline University in regards to former Express forward Brian Arrigoni. I cut and pasted the email below:
I wanted to send you an update on former Express player Brian Arrigoni, now centering the second line at Hamline University. Brian has nine goals, tied for second on the team (just one behind the leader) and is the MIAC's top scoring freshman. He has been a tremendous player for the Pipers, who have spent most of the season ranked in the top 15 D-3 teams in the country. He has played every game, plays on our power play, and has consistently been a top player on the ice. He is one of the best freshmen in the country, and is a big reason Hamline is in position to make a run at its second consecutive MIAC title.
Tim Ostroot
Hamline Asst. Coach
My take: It's great to hear about former Express players succeeding at the next level. Brian was an exciting player to watch in an otherwise dismal season last year. He had an exceptional knack for blocking shots with his facemask. On top of contributing to the on-ice success of the Pipers, Brian is getting a top-notch education at one of the most prestigious schools in the upper midwest. Congratulations Brian and we're all proud of you down in Owatonna.
Thanks Coach Ostroot for the update, good luck bringing home the MIAC title, and I'll see you at the rink the next time you're in town scouting.
--BK
I wanted to send you an update on former Express player Brian Arrigoni, now centering the second line at Hamline University. Brian has nine goals, tied for second on the team (just one behind the leader) and is the MIAC's top scoring freshman. He has been a tremendous player for the Pipers, who have spent most of the season ranked in the top 15 D-3 teams in the country. He has played every game, plays on our power play, and has consistently been a top player on the ice. He is one of the best freshmen in the country, and is a big reason Hamline is in position to make a run at its second consecutive MIAC title.
Tim Ostroot
Hamline Asst. Coach
My take: It's great to hear about former Express players succeeding at the next level. Brian was an exciting player to watch in an otherwise dismal season last year. He had an exceptional knack for blocking shots with his facemask. On top of contributing to the on-ice success of the Pipers, Brian is getting a top-notch education at one of the most prestigious schools in the upper midwest. Congratulations Brian and we're all proud of you down in Owatonna.
Thanks Coach Ostroot for the update, good luck bringing home the MIAC title, and I'll see you at the rink the next time you're in town scouting.
--BK
Monday, February 9, 2009
Catching Up
- The Express might have a new division foe next year. The City Council in Janesville, Wisconsin unanimously approved spending $229,000 to renovate their ice arena in preparation for an NAHL team. It's still early in the process, but it sounds good at this point. This is great news for hockey fans in Wisconsin, especially after the unmitigated disaster that was the WJHL.
- Springfield Jr Blues coach Chris Wyler was fired last week, and replaced by assistant coach Andy Maher. The move paid immediate dividends last weekend as the Blues beat the NAHL's best team, the Topeka Roadrunners, twice.
- The Motor City Machine traded their best player (Josh Bussell) to their division rival Mahoning Valley Phantoms. You can draw your own conclusions on this one.
- The Albert Lea Thunder also traded one of their best players in Mitch Torrel. He was traded to the Wenatchee Wild on Tuesday last week. I also remember reading somewhere that he committed to the Air Force Academy, but I was too lazy to look up a link confirming that.
- Express forward Dan Cecka was named Honorable Mention Central Division Player of the Week for his performance last weekend. Cecka has scored 15 points in only 10 games since coming to the Express.
- Former Express goalie Nick Hopper was traded to the Wichita Falls Wildcats last week. He had been playing most recently for the Omaha Lancers in the USHL.
- The Express have basically clinched a playoff spot for this season. If the Thunder won their remaining 18 games, and the Express lost their remaining 16 games in regulation, the two teams would be tied at 44 points. I don't know what the tie-breakers would be, but the Express are 10-0 versus the Thunder head-to-head this season.
- From the Express Coaches Show tonight: The 25 man Express roster is locked in for the remainder of the season. 15 forwards, 8 defensemen, and 2 goalies. The only roster move made at the deadline was removing goalie Adam Buegler.
Next up for the Express is a 3 game weekend with a road game Friday night at North Iowa, a home game Saturday night against the Outlaws, and a 5:00pm matinee Sunday against the Albert Lea Thunder.
See you at the rink.
--BK
- Springfield Jr Blues coach Chris Wyler was fired last week, and replaced by assistant coach Andy Maher. The move paid immediate dividends last weekend as the Blues beat the NAHL's best team, the Topeka Roadrunners, twice.
- The Motor City Machine traded their best player (Josh Bussell) to their division rival Mahoning Valley Phantoms. You can draw your own conclusions on this one.
- The Albert Lea Thunder also traded one of their best players in Mitch Torrel. He was traded to the Wenatchee Wild on Tuesday last week. I also remember reading somewhere that he committed to the Air Force Academy, but I was too lazy to look up a link confirming that.
- Express forward Dan Cecka was named Honorable Mention Central Division Player of the Week for his performance last weekend. Cecka has scored 15 points in only 10 games since coming to the Express.
- Former Express goalie Nick Hopper was traded to the Wichita Falls Wildcats last week. He had been playing most recently for the Omaha Lancers in the USHL.
- The Express have basically clinched a playoff spot for this season. If the Thunder won their remaining 18 games, and the Express lost their remaining 16 games in regulation, the two teams would be tied at 44 points. I don't know what the tie-breakers would be, but the Express are 10-0 versus the Thunder head-to-head this season.
- From the Express Coaches Show tonight: The 25 man Express roster is locked in for the remainder of the season. 15 forwards, 8 defensemen, and 2 goalies. The only roster move made at the deadline was removing goalie Adam Buegler.
Next up for the Express is a 3 game weekend with a road game Friday night at North Iowa, a home game Saturday night against the Outlaws, and a 5:00pm matinee Sunday against the Albert Lea Thunder.
See you at the rink.
--BK
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Tragedy in the Express Family
I just got home and saw the news that Rick Spitzack passed away suddenly this morning. For those who might not know, Rick was a member of the Express Board of Directors, and his wife Mary is the Billett Coordinator for the Express.
My condolences go out to Mary and the entire Spitzack family. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
--BK
My condolences go out to Mary and the entire Spitzack family. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
--BK
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Saturday Roundup
A great crowd witnessed a nice performance in a 4-2 Express victory Saturday night. John Kruse and Cory Thorson both scored twice, and Freddy Bergman held the Blizzard to 2 goals on 28 shots, as the Express recovered from a poor showing Friday night to pull back into a tie with the Blizzard in the standings. It was a very busy night at the rink, but everything went very smooth, so big kudos to the organization and all the volunteers.
- Saturday's Boxscore: http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=764166
- Saturday's Recaps from the People's Press: http://owatonna.com/news.php?viewStory=103309 , http://www.owatonna.com/news.php?viewStory=103305 , & http://www.owatonna.com/news.php?viewStory=103306
- People's Press Article from Friday about Express forward Stephen Carew: http://www.owatonna.com/news.php?viewStory=103223
- The Express organization is holding a silent auction which ends on February 15th. Some of the really sweet stuff up for grabs: Mikko Koivu and Brett Burns autographed Wild jerseys, a Paul Kariya signed St Louis Blues jersey, a Brian Schack signed Gophers jersey, an Air Force jersey signed by the 3 former Express players on their roster, and many other hockey related items. You can view and bid on the memorabilia at the Express games.
- Former Express and Owatonna High School forward James Gaulrapp scored a highlight reel goal against the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers Saturday night. It was an unassisted, shorthanded goal, which turned out to be the game-winner as the MSU-Mankato Mavericks swept the Gophers this weekend.
- Former Express forward Dusty Jackson had 3 assists Friday night in Denver's 6-2 win over Alaska-Anchorage. He also chipped in an assist Saturday night against the Seawolves.
Next up for the Express is a road trip to Bismarck for a pair of games against the Central Division leading Bobcats. The next home game for our favorite junior hockey team is on Valentine's Day when the North Iowa Outlaws come to the 4 Seasons Centre.
See you at the rink.
--Big Kahuna
- Saturday's Boxscore: http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=764166
- Saturday's Recaps from the People's Press: http://owatonna.com/news.php?viewStory=103309 , http://www.owatonna.com/news.php?viewStory=103305 , & http://www.owatonna.com/news.php?viewStory=103306
- People's Press Article from Friday about Express forward Stephen Carew: http://www.owatonna.com/news.php?viewStory=103223
- The Express organization is holding a silent auction which ends on February 15th. Some of the really sweet stuff up for grabs: Mikko Koivu and Brett Burns autographed Wild jerseys, a Paul Kariya signed St Louis Blues jersey, a Brian Schack signed Gophers jersey, an Air Force jersey signed by the 3 former Express players on their roster, and many other hockey related items. You can view and bid on the memorabilia at the Express games.
- Former Express and Owatonna High School forward James Gaulrapp scored a highlight reel goal against the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers Saturday night. It was an unassisted, shorthanded goal, which turned out to be the game-winner as the MSU-Mankato Mavericks swept the Gophers this weekend.
- Former Express forward Dusty Jackson had 3 assists Friday night in Denver's 6-2 win over Alaska-Anchorage. He also chipped in an assist Saturday night against the Seawolves.
Next up for the Express is a road trip to Bismarck for a pair of games against the Central Division leading Bobcats. The next home game for our favorite junior hockey team is on Valentine's Day when the North Iowa Outlaws come to the 4 Seasons Centre.
See you at the rink.
--Big Kahuna
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