Goodbyes

With the 2009 NAHL draft coming in only 12 days, I want to wrap up a few things regarding this past season. First and foremost, we need to say goodbye to the Express players that we know will not be returning this fall.

A Big Kahuna farewell to:

-- Tim Smith - Was a first round draft pick of the Express, and lived up to that billing. Turned his 1 year of junior hockey into a Division 1 spot with Providence College. Congratulations Timmy.

-- Troy Puente - Completed his final year of junior hockey eligibility with the Express after a couple of seasons with the Texas Tornado. We came to know Troy quite early in training camp as he was sporting that great Fu Manchu goatee. Coach Cullen brought him in to provide some veteran leadership to this young expansion team, and he played that roll very well. Thanks Troy, and good luck with whatever is next for you.

-- David Kurbatsky - Came to the Express in November. He seemed to really step his game up in the playoffs. Thank you and good luck in the future.

-- Michael Palmiscno - Decided to play out his final year of junior hockey in Owatonna, after playing in Canada previously. Was one of the most exciting players to watch in the history of junior hockey in Owatonna. I look for Palmo to make a college choice in the coming weeks. Thanks Mike.

-- Joe Beaudette - Aged out. Made the switch from forward to defenseman this season. Destroyed my woodshed with an accurately placed medicine ball throw last fall. Thanks Joe and good luck down the line.

-- John Kruse - Committed to the Air Force Academy. Good luck John.

-- Tony McDonald - Aged out. Tony came to the Express in a draft-day trade with Kenai River. One of the fastest players on the ice, and one of the nicest guys off the ice. Thanks Tony, it was a pleasure getting to know you this last year.

-- Stephen Carew - Aged out/committed to Air Force Academy. Captain Kanga-Carew was the leading scorer for the expansion Express. Was a great leader on and off the ice. Thanks Stevie and good luck in Colorado Springs.


It's sort of depressing to think of these 8 guys not being around any more, but like everything in life, we move on. The exciting part is that there are 16 other guys from last year's roster that are eligible to return for another season with the Express. Now I realize that it's unlikely that all 16 will return, as that's the nature of junior hockey. However, anyway you slice it there will be plenty of junior hockey experienced guys wearing blue and white this fall in Owatonna.

After the hectic offseason last year, it's nice to know we are not starting from scratch this year. Coaches Cullen and Fink have had an entire year of scouting and preparing for camps this summer. They don't have to go out and find 25 guys to fill the roster, they just need to find the right 10-12 guys to fill the holes left by the guys leaving.

Rest assured, there are some tenders already signed for this fall, and I am sure Cullen has some gems identified in the draft later this month. There should be plenty of talented players attending the Express tryout camps in June and July.

Hey, in only 2 months, the roster will be chosen, and in only 4 months, your favorite junior hockey team will be taking the ice at the Showcase in Blaine.

I can't wait.

See you at the rink.

--Big Kahuna