Former Southern Minnesota Express forward Dustin Jackson will likely miss this entire season after having surgery to repair a broken leg he suffered in a scrimmage late last week. Jackson is entering his junior year at the University of Denver, and would have been a big contributor to the Pioneers this season. Read the article here: http://letsgodu.blogspot.com/2009/09/dusty-jackson-out-for-season-with.html .
Jackson spent the 2006/2007 season in Owatonna as part of the 2nd season of the Southern Minnesota Express. He scored one of the biggest goals in Express history with the game-winner in the third overtime to clinch the 2007 Central Division Playoff Championship and send the Express to their 2nd straight Robertson Cup. (Interesting side note: current Express defenseman Nick Carson was also in uniform for that game)
Get well soon Dusty, and good luck next year.
See you at the rink.
--BK
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
David Kurbatsky Update
Express alum David Kurbatsky was named Cyclone Player of the Week following his performance in Iowa State University's two game sweep over the University of Missouri last weekend. Seeing his first collegiate action as a freshman at Iowa State, he tallied a hat trick in both victories for the Cyclones. Read the article here: http://www.cyclonehockey.com/pdf/9-20-09POW-DavidKurbatsky.pdf .
Kurbatsky joined the Express midway through the 2008/2009 season, playing in 30 regular season games and all 9 playoff games. A 1988 birth year, Kurbatsky was out of junior hockey eligibility, and decided to play his college hockey at perennial ACHA powerhouse Iowa State. He will be teammates with former Southern Minnesota Express forward Derek Kohles.
My take: As a fan of the Express and a proud graduate of Iowa State University, I couldn't be happier for David. 2 games....2 hat tricks....2 victories, not much more needs to be said.
The latest episode of The Other Side of the Tracks with Big Kahuna is up on the official Express website. Read it here: http://expressjrhockey.pointstreaksites.com/view/expressjrhockey/home-page/big-kahuna .
See you at the rink.
--BK
Kurbatsky joined the Express midway through the 2008/2009 season, playing in 30 regular season games and all 9 playoff games. A 1988 birth year, Kurbatsky was out of junior hockey eligibility, and decided to play his college hockey at perennial ACHA powerhouse Iowa State. He will be teammates with former Southern Minnesota Express forward Derek Kohles.
My take: As a fan of the Express and a proud graduate of Iowa State University, I couldn't be happier for David. 2 games....2 hat tricks....2 victories, not much more needs to be said.
The latest episode of The Other Side of the Tracks with Big Kahuna is up on the official Express website. Read it here: http://expressjrhockey.pointstreaksites.com/view/expressjrhockey/home-page/big-kahuna .
See you at the rink.
--BK
Sunday, September 20, 2009
What a Difference a Week Makes
Last Saturday night, our favorite junior hockey team was embarrassed in Albert Lea by a team coming off a 4 win season. Fast forward to Wednesday afternoon, and the Express struggled to score goals in a 4-2 loss to the expansion Janesville Jets. What is going on?? Has the Express train derailed??
Fastforward 3 more days, and the Express returned from Blaine late last night in 1st place in the Central Division. Chris Westin and Jake Youso scored in the shootout, and Express goalie Mike Shibrowski stopped 4 out of 5 shots as the Express beat the Alaska Avalanche 2-1 to wrap up the 2009 NAHL Showcase.
Historically, the Express have always struggled in the Showcase, and didn't get off to a good start this year with the loss the Jets. However, they then played the 3 time defending Robertson Cup Champion St Louis Bandits even before losing in a shootout. Following that was an overtime victory over the Texas Tornado, who will always be a tough beat with Coach Tony Curtale behind the bench.
Yes, it's early, but it sure is nice to not leave the Showcase looking up from the bottom of the standings.
Observations:
- The #1 line of Porter/Thorson/Youso is going to give opposing coaches fits this season. They carried the Express scoring effort thus far, and should only get better as they get used to playing with each other.
- Stat of the Day: Points scored through the first 5 games by Express players with previous junior hockey experience: 14 goals with 21 assists for a total of 35 points. Points scored through the first 5 games by Express players with no previous junior experience: 1 assist. You would expect the veterans to outperform the rookies at the beginning of the season, but 35 to 1?? But do you want to know the best part?? It doesn't worry me at all, because when the rookies start scoring, this team will be scary good.
- Veteran forward Chris Bournazos missed the Alaska game with a lower body injury. He also was the recipient of a vicious cheap shot at the end of the Janesville game. He is probably quite happy that the Showcase is in the rear-view mirror.
- Much like last season, the special teams units have struggled early in the season. Not to worry though, as the boys in blue will adjust to the Cullen method of hockey, and will be just fine.
Next up for the Express is a return trip this Saturday to Albert Lea for a rematch with the Thunder. Something tells me the result will be different this time around.
It was a pleasure getting to meet some of you guys in Blaine, and I look forward to a great season of Express hockey.
See you at the rink.
--Big Kahuna
Fastforward 3 more days, and the Express returned from Blaine late last night in 1st place in the Central Division. Chris Westin and Jake Youso scored in the shootout, and Express goalie Mike Shibrowski stopped 4 out of 5 shots as the Express beat the Alaska Avalanche 2-1 to wrap up the 2009 NAHL Showcase.
Historically, the Express have always struggled in the Showcase, and didn't get off to a good start this year with the loss the Jets. However, they then played the 3 time defending Robertson Cup Champion St Louis Bandits even before losing in a shootout. Following that was an overtime victory over the Texas Tornado, who will always be a tough beat with Coach Tony Curtale behind the bench.
Yes, it's early, but it sure is nice to not leave the Showcase looking up from the bottom of the standings.
Observations:
- The #1 line of Porter/Thorson/Youso is going to give opposing coaches fits this season. They carried the Express scoring effort thus far, and should only get better as they get used to playing with each other.
- Stat of the Day: Points scored through the first 5 games by Express players with previous junior hockey experience: 14 goals with 21 assists for a total of 35 points. Points scored through the first 5 games by Express players with no previous junior experience: 1 assist. You would expect the veterans to outperform the rookies at the beginning of the season, but 35 to 1?? But do you want to know the best part?? It doesn't worry me at all, because when the rookies start scoring, this team will be scary good.
- Veteran forward Chris Bournazos missed the Alaska game with a lower body injury. He also was the recipient of a vicious cheap shot at the end of the Janesville game. He is probably quite happy that the Showcase is in the rear-view mirror.
- Much like last season, the special teams units have struggled early in the season. Not to worry though, as the boys in blue will adjust to the Cullen method of hockey, and will be just fine.
Next up for the Express is a return trip this Saturday to Albert Lea for a rematch with the Thunder. Something tells me the result will be different this time around.
It was a pleasure getting to meet some of you guys in Blaine, and I look forward to a great season of Express hockey.
See you at the rink.
--Big Kahuna
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Postgame Report: Janesville Edition
Much better performance today from the boys in blue, but the final result still ended up in the wrong column of the standings.
The biggest problem in the 4-2 loss to the Jets was an unproductive power play. The Express controlled the play for much of the game, but couldn't manage to capitalize on 7 of their man advantage situations. The second Express goal did go down as a power play goal, but that goal was do solely to individual effort on the part of Express forward Brian McGinty. A Jet player had the puck to the left of their goalie, while his teammates were breaking out of the zone. McGinty checked the Jet player off of the puck, swooped around the back of the goal, and scored the unassisted goal on Jet goalie Matt Wichorek.
Next up for the Express is a 4pm match up on Thursday with the 3 time defending Robertson Cup Champion St Louis Bandits.
See you at the rink.
--BK
The biggest problem in the 4-2 loss to the Jets was an unproductive power play. The Express controlled the play for much of the game, but couldn't manage to capitalize on 7 of their man advantage situations. The second Express goal did go down as a power play goal, but that goal was do solely to individual effort on the part of Express forward Brian McGinty. A Jet player had the puck to the left of their goalie, while his teammates were breaking out of the zone. McGinty checked the Jet player off of the puck, swooped around the back of the goal, and scored the unassisted goal on Jet goalie Matt Wichorek.
Next up for the Express is a 4pm match up on Thursday with the 3 time defending Robertson Cup Champion St Louis Bandits.
See you at the rink.
--BK
Monday, September 14, 2009
I Need Your Help!!
I wanted to mention this on a separate post, so it doesn't get lost at the bottom of my postgame report that I published earlier.
As of right now, there will be no radio broadcast of Express road games. Those of you who tried to tune into the game the other night probably figured that out the hard way. I had heard that this might happen, but didn't know for sure until I noticed there was no Express announcer in the pressbox in Albert Lea on Saturday.
I might have come up with an alternative. There are a lot of details to work out yet, but what I would like to have is a live blog session during some of the away games. If I can make it work, I would probably do this for all of the games against North Iowa and Albert Lea, and maybe some of the Alexandria games. Don't count on me making the trip to Bismarck or Topeka. This whole idea is contingent on being able to get a press pass so I can get internet access and a place to set up my laptop computer. If I can get it worked out, I might even be able to start with this weeks games at the Showcase.
I am planning on using software called "CoverItLive", which you will see in the box below. The next part requires some help from you guys and gals. Tuesday night (the 15th) at 7:00pm, I want to do a test run of the live blogging. What I would appreciate, is if you guys could tune in and ask me some questions, or at least let me know if it is working for you. You don't need to sign up for anything, or download any software, just follow the minimal instructions in the box below. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
See you on Tuesday night at 7pm for the live test blogging.
--BK
As of right now, there will be no radio broadcast of Express road games. Those of you who tried to tune into the game the other night probably figured that out the hard way. I had heard that this might happen, but didn't know for sure until I noticed there was no Express announcer in the pressbox in Albert Lea on Saturday.
I might have come up with an alternative. There are a lot of details to work out yet, but what I would like to have is a live blog session during some of the away games. If I can make it work, I would probably do this for all of the games against North Iowa and Albert Lea, and maybe some of the Alexandria games. Don't count on me making the trip to Bismarck or Topeka. This whole idea is contingent on being able to get a press pass so I can get internet access and a place to set up my laptop computer. If I can get it worked out, I might even be able to start with this weeks games at the Showcase.
I am planning on using software called "CoverItLive", which you will see in the box below. The next part requires some help from you guys and gals. Tuesday night (the 15th) at 7:00pm, I want to do a test run of the live blogging. What I would appreciate, is if you guys could tune in and ask me some questions, or at least let me know if it is working for you. You don't need to sign up for anything, or download any software, just follow the minimal instructions in the box below. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
See you on Tuesday night at 7pm for the live test blogging.
--BK
Postgame Report
All right, I have had a few days to digest Saturday night's season opener for the Express. What can you say?? The Express laid a giant egg. Obviously, it's way to early to draw much for conclusions from what I saw in Albert Lea a couple of days ago.
Tidbits:
- The loss of Jake Sloat just 2 minutes into the game hurt the Express. He was ejected for fighting after the whistle along with the Thunder player who started the melee. He is a veteran defenseman in his third year of junior hockey and started the game with fellow veteran Marco Fiala. His ejection forced the Express to play with only 5 defenseman the rest of the game, with 2 of those guys in their first NAHL game.
- The Express were also without veteran forward Chris Darnell who missed the game on account of the flu.
- The loss was the first in the history of the Express to the Thunder. The Express went 12-0 against our closest rivals last season.
- Again, it's way to early to draw any major conclusions, but it looks like the Thunder might be a little more competitive this season. As I mentioned several times last season, it is important to the Express to have a healthy rivalry with the Thunder. Let's hope they can take down the Bobcats, Outlaws, and Blizzard a few times this season as well.
- Express forward Cory Thorson laid out one of the Thunder players early in the first period with a crushing check at the blueline. It took several seconds for the Thunder player to clear the cobwebs and limp over to the bench.
- The Thunder staff still haven't figured out how Pointstreak works. Three of the Thunder goals were short-handed, and some of the penalties they inputted just don't jive with what actually happened.
- Former Motor City Machine goalie Joe Rogers was in goal for the Thunder, and looked fairly good between the pipes. Rogers was born without a full right hand, yet is succeeding in the NAHL, and has committed to play college hockey at Notre Dame. Read an article about him here: http://www.usahockeymagazine.com/article/2008-12/not-your-average-joe .
My take: The Express took one on the chin Saturday night because they gave up 3 short-handed goals, and didn't play their game. As we learned last season, the Thunder want to goon it up, and the Express fell into that trap. There are 57 games remaining, and the cream will rise to the top.
See you at the rink.
--BK
Tidbits:
- The loss of Jake Sloat just 2 minutes into the game hurt the Express. He was ejected for fighting after the whistle along with the Thunder player who started the melee. He is a veteran defenseman in his third year of junior hockey and started the game with fellow veteran Marco Fiala. His ejection forced the Express to play with only 5 defenseman the rest of the game, with 2 of those guys in their first NAHL game.
- The Express were also without veteran forward Chris Darnell who missed the game on account of the flu.
- The loss was the first in the history of the Express to the Thunder. The Express went 12-0 against our closest rivals last season.
- Again, it's way to early to draw any major conclusions, but it looks like the Thunder might be a little more competitive this season. As I mentioned several times last season, it is important to the Express to have a healthy rivalry with the Thunder. Let's hope they can take down the Bobcats, Outlaws, and Blizzard a few times this season as well.
- Express forward Cory Thorson laid out one of the Thunder players early in the first period with a crushing check at the blueline. It took several seconds for the Thunder player to clear the cobwebs and limp over to the bench.
- The Thunder staff still haven't figured out how Pointstreak works. Three of the Thunder goals were short-handed, and some of the penalties they inputted just don't jive with what actually happened.
- Former Motor City Machine goalie Joe Rogers was in goal for the Thunder, and looked fairly good between the pipes. Rogers was born without a full right hand, yet is succeeding in the NAHL, and has committed to play college hockey at Notre Dame. Read an article about him here: http://www.usahockeymagazine.com/article/2008-12/not-your-average-joe .
My take: The Express took one on the chin Saturday night because they gave up 3 short-handed goals, and didn't play their game. As we learned last season, the Thunder want to goon it up, and the Express fell into that trap. There are 57 games remaining, and the cream will rise to the top.
See you at the rink.
--BK
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Game On!!!!
"The journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step" - Confucius
The 2009/2010 Express begin their journey tonight in Albert Lea with a 7pm match up with the Thunder. The final destination??: Wenatchee, Washington for the 2010 Robertson Cup Championship.
The Thunder have never defeated the Express, and I don't see that changing tonight. Big Kahuna's prediction: Express 4 - Thunder 1
I apologize for the lack of new posts lately but it's been a difficult couple of weeks for me personally. Every once a while life has to kick you in the head (twice) so you appreciate the good times. Rest in peace Grandpa and rest in peace Larry.
See you at the rink.
--BK
The 2009/2010 Express begin their journey tonight in Albert Lea with a 7pm match up with the Thunder. The final destination??: Wenatchee, Washington for the 2010 Robertson Cup Championship.
The Thunder have never defeated the Express, and I don't see that changing tonight. Big Kahuna's prediction: Express 4 - Thunder 1
I apologize for the lack of new posts lately but it's been a difficult couple of weeks for me personally. Every once a while life has to kick you in the head (twice) so you appreciate the good times. Rest in peace Grandpa and rest in peace Larry.
See you at the rink.
--BK
Thursday, September 3, 2009
2009/2010 Express Roster Released
The moment you have all been waiting for finally arrived this afternoon. The roster has been released. You can view the roster on the official Express website here:
http://nahlowatonna.stats.pointstreak.com/teamroster.html?teamid=137694&seasonid=4527 .
Obviously there will be plenty more information on the roster, but I will give you just a quick Big Kahuna opinion on this year's version of our favorite junior hockey team.
Goalies:
Mattias Horan - A native of Denmark, he spent last season in France. He was highly coveted by the Wichita Falls franchise, and was set to go to training camp with Wildcats. However, when former Express goalie Freddy Bergman committed to the University of Nebraska-Omaha, that opened up a juicy role with the Express, that Mattias jumped on.
Mike Shibrowski - An honorable mention all-state goalie at Benilde - St Margrets as a junior, he finished last season with the Russell Stover AAA program in Kansas City.
Defensemen:
Marco Fiala, Nick Carson, Jake Sloat, and Grant Fahnhorst return from last year. Newcomers joining them are:
Ben Montgomery - He is a cousin of former Express player and current UMD Bulldog Mike Montgomery. Ben comes from the Shattuck St Mary's program in Faribault.
Jake Suter - He is the son of former NHL star Gary Suter, the nephew of 1980 Olypmic team member Bob Suter, and the cousin of current NHLer Ryan Suter.
Connor Quinn - Hailing from Wildwood, Missouri, he played last season with the St Louis Amateur Blues.
John Kirby - The Austin, Minnesota native is the brother of former Express and current Air Force Falcon defenseman Tim Kirby.
Forwards:
Chris Bournazos, Dylan Porter, Chris Darnell, Zach Vierling, Cory Thorson, and Brian McGinty return from last year's squad, and will be joined by 9 newcomers.
Schyler Adams - Comes to the Express from New Prague High School, and was the #11 leading scorer in the entire state of Minnesota as a senior.
Jake Youso - USHL veteran, and committed to the University of Minnesota.
Ben Persian - Played at Orono High School last season. Has a verbal commitment to the Air Force Academy.
Chris Westin - Tied for 8th in scoring in the state of Minnesota last season as a senior at Virginia High School.
Blake Schammel - Tied for 21st in the state of Minnesota in scoring last season at Red Wing High School.
Jason McAloon - A tremendous athlete, he comes to the Express from the Team Illinois AAA program.
Nick Widing - Although he is from Somerset, Wisconsin, he played his high school hockey at Hill-Murray. It just wouldn't be an Express team without a former Hill-Murray guy on the roster.
John Haeg - Tied for 26th in the state in scoring last season at the Academy of Holy Angels.
Jordan Treddinick - Led the state of Wisconsin in scoring his senior year, and was a Wisconsin Mr. Hockey finalist.
My take: It's hard not to be extremely excited about the 25 guys on the roster. Coach Cullen mentioned at the meet & greet that it's going to be real tough to chose the 5 guys who won't dress for each game. This team is highly talented, and will be very dangerous come playoff time. I'm not going to mince words here: Anything less than a Central Division Championship, and a Robertson Cup run will be a disappointment.
See you at the rink.
--Big Kahuna
http://nahlowatonna.stats.pointstreak.com/teamroster.html?teamid=137694&seasonid=4527 .
Obviously there will be plenty more information on the roster, but I will give you just a quick Big Kahuna opinion on this year's version of our favorite junior hockey team.
Goalies:
Mattias Horan - A native of Denmark, he spent last season in France. He was highly coveted by the Wichita Falls franchise, and was set to go to training camp with Wildcats. However, when former Express goalie Freddy Bergman committed to the University of Nebraska-Omaha, that opened up a juicy role with the Express, that Mattias jumped on.
Mike Shibrowski - An honorable mention all-state goalie at Benilde - St Margrets as a junior, he finished last season with the Russell Stover AAA program in Kansas City.
Defensemen:
Marco Fiala, Nick Carson, Jake Sloat, and Grant Fahnhorst return from last year. Newcomers joining them are:
Ben Montgomery - He is a cousin of former Express player and current UMD Bulldog Mike Montgomery. Ben comes from the Shattuck St Mary's program in Faribault.
Jake Suter - He is the son of former NHL star Gary Suter, the nephew of 1980 Olypmic team member Bob Suter, and the cousin of current NHLer Ryan Suter.
Connor Quinn - Hailing from Wildwood, Missouri, he played last season with the St Louis Amateur Blues.
John Kirby - The Austin, Minnesota native is the brother of former Express and current Air Force Falcon defenseman Tim Kirby.
Forwards:
Chris Bournazos, Dylan Porter, Chris Darnell, Zach Vierling, Cory Thorson, and Brian McGinty return from last year's squad, and will be joined by 9 newcomers.
Schyler Adams - Comes to the Express from New Prague High School, and was the #11 leading scorer in the entire state of Minnesota as a senior.
Jake Youso - USHL veteran, and committed to the University of Minnesota.
Ben Persian - Played at Orono High School last season. Has a verbal commitment to the Air Force Academy.
Chris Westin - Tied for 8th in scoring in the state of Minnesota last season as a senior at Virginia High School.
Blake Schammel - Tied for 21st in the state of Minnesota in scoring last season at Red Wing High School.
Jason McAloon - A tremendous athlete, he comes to the Express from the Team Illinois AAA program.
Nick Widing - Although he is from Somerset, Wisconsin, he played his high school hockey at Hill-Murray. It just wouldn't be an Express team without a former Hill-Murray guy on the roster.
John Haeg - Tied for 26th in the state in scoring last season at the Academy of Holy Angels.
Jordan Treddinick - Led the state of Wisconsin in scoring his senior year, and was a Wisconsin Mr. Hockey finalist.
My take: It's hard not to be extremely excited about the 25 guys on the roster. Coach Cullen mentioned at the meet & greet that it's going to be real tough to chose the 5 guys who won't dress for each game. This team is highly talented, and will be very dangerous come playoff time. I'm not going to mince words here: Anything less than a Central Division Championship, and a Robertson Cup run will be a disappointment.
See you at the rink.
--Big Kahuna
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