Big Kahuna's Blabberings

- The Express Game-Worn Jersey Auction is currently happening on the official Express website (www.expressjrhockey.org).

- There are several different sources claiming that the Mahoning Valley Phantoms might jump to the USHL next season. The Express have played the Phantoms at least once every season since junior hockey came to Owatonna, including at the Robertson Cup championship in 2006 and 2007. They have been at or near the top of the North Division for the last 4 years, so it would open up that division if they do make the jump. Also, with the USNTDP joining the USHL, it would make sense to add a second team to even the numbers out.

- The Albert Lea Thunder finally got win #3 on the season Saturday night in Bismarck. That's 2 wins for the Thunder over the Central Division leading Bobcats this season. Any given night...

- Gustavus Adolphus with former Express forward Joe Welch and former Express draft pick Justin Lee, will play Hamline and former Express forward Brian Arrigoni, Wednesday night at 8pm for the MIAC championship and the automatic bid to the D-3 championship tournament. (thanks for the tip KL)

- I'm hearing some rumblings that there might be ice at the 4 Seasons Centre next spring which would facilitate home games in March and home playoff games (actually at "home"). It would apparently be the West rink, but at least it would be in Owatonna. Two nice crowds took in the two game series last weekend versus the Outlaws, and it would be interesting to see that ball keep rolling, instead of picking up shop and heading for Shattuck. Do the right thing Steele County!!


Coming up in the near future: A preview of next year's Express team (That's right, I'm not even going to wait for this season to end), a final look at the Express draft picks from last May, and how they panned out, updates on Express alumni, and much more.

See you at the rink.

--BK