March 8, 2020 – Express finish the regular season with OT victory
The last regular season game of the year was an entertaining back and forth effort with the River East Knights. With 4 regulars, Hillis, Skorpad, Johnson and Hyde taking this game off, there was lots of ice time for others including affiliate newcomers Chudley, Campbell and Chateauneuf who are joining us for the playoffs.
The Knights came out flying and scored first. Lamont answered 5 seconds later taking the puck right from centre ice draw to drive the net and even the score. Unfortunately we let the Knights do the same scoring less than 20 seconds later.
Early in the 2nd Matsumoto took a feed from Heide and streaking towards the net picked top shelf from a very difficult angle to even the score. Shortly after newcomer Campbell threw a shot towards the net that rebounded off a Knight player right to Kotchon who scored his 8th of the season to put the Express in front 3-2. The Knights goaltender stood on his head making a number of tremendous saves to keep the Knights in the game.
Seconds after the start of the 3rd the Knights were able to tie the score. Around the middle of the 3rd Chudley took a nice pass from Kotchon to put the Express back out front although late in the period the Knights were able to knot the score on the PP to send the game to OT.
It took Grunsten about 20 seconds to find Matsumoto for a breakaway in OT for the winner.
Another soldi effort from Powers between the pipes and preparation for new players as we head to playoffs.
Thank you family and friends for your support all season, now the 2nd season begins. Round 1 has Express playing the Raiders with Game 1 at East End Arena on Friday March 13th at 8pm.
March 6, 2020 –Shootout win in Stonewall
A Friday night game in Stonewall with little implications for the playoffs proved to be an exciting affair. The Jets opened the scoring in the 1st and Grunsten tied it in the second on a feed from Skorpad on the PP.
The Express took the lead in the 3rd on Grunsten's 2nd of the game once again from Skorpad but late in the 3rd the Jets pressured us on the PP and were able to tie the score with just over a minute to go.
OT settled nothing so we headed to a shootout. Each team traded misses and goals with Lamont, Skorpad and Matsumoto matching scoring with the Jets until number 9 shooter, defenseman Burke Heide was called and scored for the Express win.
Last home game of the year is Sunday March 8th vs Knights.
March 1, 2020 – 3rd place solidified!
Sunday afternoon was a buzz at East End Arena as the Express were playing host to the Raiders in a game with playoff standings and implications on the line. Powers got the start as he has had success the last two outings with the Raiders.
Just over a minute into the 1st Grunsten got dumped in front of the Raiders net, only to get up and the puck came right back to him, making no mistake to put us up early. Teams exchanged opportunities throughout the 1st in a close checking affair. Playing shorthanded, Skorpad scored a huge SH goal, forcing the play in the Raiders zone and was able to drive the net and score backhand to put us up by a pair. The first period ended 2-0.
The game opened up a bit in the second but both goaltenders and goalposts were sharp to keep respective teams from getting ahead. Skorpad scored his second of the game on some slick passing with Poirier and Boonstra to extend the lead to 3, then later in the period the Raiders broke the goose egg to go into the second intermission 3-1.
The Raiders came out flying in the 3rd pressing to close the gap and did just that at the 4 minute mark. The checking and intensity continued and both teams pressed hard. Powers stood strong shutting the door on the Raiders and then with just over a minute to go and their netminder pulled Skorpad found himself on a breakaway. With nothing between him and an empty net, he was hauled down which is an auatomatic goal, his 3rd of the game, 30th of the season, completing his hat trick for the night and seal the win.
This win solidified our placement in 3rd for the season with a pair of games to go. Our regular season closes out with games Friday in Stonewall and Sunday March 8th at East End Arena vs River East.
Playoffs will begin Friday March 13th at East End Arena, game time is 8PM. Our opponent is yet to be determined.
February 28, 2020 – Back in the win column
Express headed into St James to take on the Canucks in an important match for playoff placement as we currently sit 2 points up on St James with 4 games to go. Both teams having several key players out with injury.
Arnold getting the start, had to be sharp in this game.
Another slow start for the Express, as we didn't have our A game ready to go. Though there were chances for both, we had trouble controlling the puck and gave up too many chances letting St James go on the board first midway into the 1st period. A very unusual break a couple minutes later, with a delayed penalty being called on us and the Canucks netminder on the bench, a pass from deep in our end by St James to their point went 180 feet into the open St James net to tie the score. Goal was credited to Blackburn with his 4th of the season. Lucky, but we will take it.
On the first shift of the 2nd period Grusten finished a tic tac toe passing play with Johnson, Skorpad to put us up 2-1. The second period was a little more evenly played but still saw the puck bouncing in all sorts of ways that didn't let the flow of the game develop.
Midway through the 3rd period the Canucks were able to tie the game and then take the lead but with less than 3 minutes to go and some concentrated pressure in the Canucks zone paid off when Heide and Hyde were able to get the puck to Grunsten who scored his 2nd of the game on a one timer. The Express maintained pressure and exactly a minute later Kotch found Laden in front of the Canucks net who was able to redirect the puck past the Canucks goaltender for the winner.
A strong finish but still looking to get back to the 60 minute game. Express now up by 4 points on St James with 3 games to go for both teams.
Next home game is Sunday Oct 1 - 2pm at East End Arena against the Raiders.
February 21 and 23, 2020 games
Express looking for 'A' game
Express have been on a bit of a lull since losing Hillis and Chats to injury. Others have been trying to pick up the slack but playing shorthanded on defence, even going into Vics game with one 4 defense dressed was a challenge. Current games tend to have many little games within the 60 minute game. Our inability to play a full 60, and trying to do more as individuals has cost us a few wins.
Lots of potential and time to get back on track, expecting Hillis and Chats back in action soon.
Vics game started with our opponents flying and us on our heels but that changed in the 2nd period when Skorpad scored twice and Delisle got his 5th to even the game but a few penalties hurt as Vics netted a couple PP goals to stay up by one. The third was even for the first half but when Vics netted their 5th to go up by two we started to take chances and again got into penalty trouble and couldn't catch up.
The Twins game was another slower start going down by one in the first on a Twins PP goal. The 2nd was more open and we were able to net a pair of PP goals from Matsumoto and Grunsten but giveaways and mistakes let the Twins score three to stay up by a pair heading into the 3rd. Boonstra brought us to within one with a wrister from the point that found the back of the net. We were able to press hard in the third but unable to get any closer and an empty net goal sealed the game for the Twins win.
February 16, 2020 –Express kept off the score sheet
EXPRESS vs Hawks - Sunday, Feb. 16
The Railer Express played one of their last games before league playoffs Sunday night against the Hawks. Regular season games had the Express winning the series 5-3.
Despite leading the league in power play goals, the Express was unable to find their way past the Hawks' goaltender and failed to make a 5 on 3 power play count. The team outshot the Hawks 14 to 7 in the third period, but being a player down for two-many penalty minutes was a tough one to overcome for the visiting Express. On the positive note, the Express' penalty kill held them off for all 8 penalties.
Final: EXPRESS 0, Hawks 3 (last goal, empty netter)
SOG EXPRESS 34-29
Next home game is Friday, February 21 against the St. Vital Vics at East End Arena, with the Express leading this series 3-1.
February 14, 2020 – Express win 2nd in a row over the MMJHL leading Twisters
On Feb 14th this was no love fest for Valentine's Day at East End Arena. The 2nd meeting in the last month with the 1st place Twisters and aiming to get back on the winning ways. Our PP struck early when Boonstra picked up his own rebound to put the Express up by one at the 5 minute mark of the 1st period. Teams traded opportunities but Arnold smothered all rebounds and directed pucks away from the net to keep the Express up. Funk put us up by a pair when he redirected a point shot into the net and gave us a 2-0 lead that carried into the 1st intermission.
As expected the Twisters came out skating in the 2nd and were able to cut our lead in half but before the end of the 2nd Kotchon found Poirier driving the net and feathered a perfect pass for a redirect and regained the 2 goal advantage after 2.
The intensity cranked up even more in the 3rd with tempers on edge as both teams battled for every puck around the nets. On a failed clearing atempt later in the 3rd the Twisters fired a shot towards the Express net. Arnold got a piece of the shot, it went up in the air and came down behind the goal line. That was all we would allow and won the 2nd in a row against the Twsiters to maintain our hold on 3rd place.
Next home game is Friday Feb 21st against the Vics at 8 pm at East End Arena.
February 9, 2020 - Express solidly in 3rd place
The Express kept the streak alive on this Sunday afternoon tilt with the pesky Riels. The Riels brought their typical hardworking game and it required us to match their game. We started quick as Hillis continued his scoring just 22 seconds into the game on a set up from Heide and Skorpad but we weren't prepared for the puck drop and allowed the Riels to tie it up within the first minute of the game. Matsumoto scored a slick goal, his 14th of the season for #14, on a good finish of passing set up from Skorpad and Hillis.
The line of Grunsten, Skorpad and Johnson were dominant and Grunsten extended the lead to 3-1 on first shift of the 2nd period. Not long after Delorme was juming into the offense and took the defender wide then threw a perfect pass to a streaking Lamont to increase the lead to 4-1.
Even playing shorthanded four times in the 2nd period the Express were in control and pumped 16 shots on the Riels tender.
On a PP early in the 3rd period, Captain Skorpad found the back of the net to extend the lead to 4. Late in the game the Riels were able to get their second but the Johnson line came back with one of their own as Skorpad notched his 24th to finish the scoring at 6-2.
Next home game is Friday Feb 14th agaisnt Pembina Valley - 8 pm at East End Arena.
February 2, 2021 – EXPRESS vs Vics
The Railer Express hosted the St Vital Vics on Sunday Feb 2, a game of support for Resse Ketler. St Vital sits in second spot holding a four-point lead over the Express who are in 3rd. Ashley Fergusson, the Express trainor baked 200 cupcakes to sell while freinds and families also made donations along with the Railer Express Hockey Club and in total raised over $1,400 to donate to Resse's fund.
First period
The game started quick and Express netminder Arnold kept us even through a bit of a shaky start. Skorpad kept us even after one period finding the twine on a lead pass from Grunsten to tie the score.
Second period.
The 2nd period was much better for the Express, passes started to click and we found our legs. We outshot the Vics 11-6 and outscored them 2-1 in the second that had lot of opportunites. We gave up a SH goal early but came right back with Johnson scoring a PP goal in the same penalty to tie the score at 2. then #14, Matsumoto scored his 14th of the year from Kotchon and Hillis to give us the lead 3-2 after two periods.
Third period
The tempo only increased in the 3rd with the Vics firing 18 shots on Arnold who gave up one and we were headed to OT.
The OT would make highlight reals anywhere - from the centre ice puck drop Hillis pushed the puck past the Vics centre and stepped around him, accelerating to the blueline he chipped it again past a flat footed defenseman and was in on a breakaway. He made no mistake roofing the shot for the OT win in only 6 seconds.
Final (OT): Express 4, Vics 3
SOG Express 29-37
Railer Express next game is Tuesday, Feb. 4 at River East Arena vs the Knights. Puck drop at 7:30 pm.
January 31, 2021 – Last minute comeback for 10th consecutive win!
The Railer Express are coming off a tremendous Sportsman dinner the night before and riding a 9 game winning streak into this Friday night tilt with the Raiders.
Powers gets the start after getting the win against the Raiders last time we met.
The teams were skating in the first. The Express having several high-quality scoring opportunities but only managed to squeak one by their goaltender on a good individual play by Hillis. The 2nd was a different story, the puck was not bouncing our way, missed passes, giveaways and the Raiders took control firing 20 shots at Powers managing to get a pair by him and take a 2-1 lead into the 2nd intermission.
The first half of the 3rd seemed to be a continuation of the 2nd but then the Express started to push. With a little over 4 minutes left in the 3rd the Raiders drove the length of the ice and got their 3rd to seemingly have the insurance goal they wanted. BUT then they took a penalty and on the PK took a second penalty running over an Express player to put us on a 5 on 3 PP with just over 3 minutes to play. Multiple scoring chances and with 2 minutes left, the goalie out to make it a 6 on 3 PP, Conner Grunsten found the top shelf on some hard work and puck movement from Johnson and Hillis to get us within one. We continued to pressure the Raiders net and with 53 seconds to go Grunsten found the back of the net again for his second of the night from Lamont and Skorpad to tie the score and send it to OT.
Three on three OT didn't start well with Express getting a penalty 17 seconds in, but great PK, blocking pucks, shutting down passing lanes and pressuring the Raiders prevented disaster. After a good kill we were rewarded when Delorme was dumped as he was jumping up into the play to put us back on the PP. We wasted little time as captain Skorpad was found all alone in front of the Raiders net and made no mistake roofing the puck for the winner. A great character win for the club, battling back for the victory.
Next home game is Sunday Feb 2, 12:45 pm at East End Arena against the Vics. Remember this game is being dedicated to support Reese Ketler.
January 26, 2021 – Playoff atmosphere with win #9 vs Canucks
Sunday afternoon was a barn burner of a game at East End Arena. This game had a playoff type atmosphere as the Railer Express held a one-point lead for third spot in the MMJHL standings over the Canucks.
The first period started with a flurry, both teams getting chances and both goaltenders looking sharp. The Canucks took a 1-0 lead when Arnie made an acrobatic safe on a Canuck shot but the puck fell on the goal line and the Canuck forward was able to tap it in. This would be the only one to get past Arnold all game. Mats tried to even the score, but found the crossbar with the score remaining 1-0 after the first.
The Express picked-up the tempo in the 2nd and fired 13 shots at the Canucks net plus hitting another crossbar. After killing off 2 minor penalties in a row, Skorpad broke in off the wing and found the short side for his 20th of the season to break the goose egg and tie the game. We had a few quality scoring opportunities but misfires on one timers kept the score at 1-1 after 2. The intensity of the game was growing.
Six minutes into the 3rd, Grunsten scored his 6th goal in past 7 games with Transcona for the go ahead marker, then with 4 minutes to go notched his 7th in 7 games for insurance. Riley Johnson figered in on all three goals and was flying all night.
Railer Express are hosting their Sportsman Dinner this Thursday Jan 30th and play host to the Raiders Friday at 8pm at East End Arena.
January 18, 2021 – Express make it 7 wins in a row.
Twins and Express games are always a battle and todays game was no different. Both goaltenders were strong and gave their teams every possible chance to win. The first period was scoreless but not without opportunity. Ice was tough to find at both ends and any chances were shut down by the two tenders.
The 2nd period was much the same except the Express put themselves in a hole with 3 penalties. That didn't stop Hillis who while defending SH he anticipated the pass across our blueline and found himself on a breakaway scoring top shelf, shorthanded for the games 1st goal and a 1 - 0 lead after 2.
Five minutes into the 3rd Skorpad spotted Hillis heading to the net who found himself alone with the Twins goaltender and found the top shelf once again for his second of the game and a 2-0 lead. The Twins potent PP closed the gap on a PP goal but that was all they could do to solve Arnold in the Express net. Grunsten found the centre of the empty net getting his 3rd in the last two games to seal the game.
A highly entertaining and hard fought game.
Next home game is Sunday Jan 26th against the Canucks - 2pm at East End Arena
January 17, 2021 – Express explode for 7 goals to open Showcase
The Express drew the Riels for their first match at this year's Showcase weekend. Riels opened the scoring on their 1st shot on net less than a minute into the game but Laden feathered a nice pass across the crease for Delisle for a tap-in to tie the game less than a minute later. This was the start of a high scoring first period with 7 goals between the two teams.
After the Riels went up on a PP goal, the Express answered with 3 goals in a row started by Kotch who was hit with a nice feed from Johnson and undressed the Riels goaltender. Mats bounced a pass of the defenders skate for the 3rd goal and then Hillis drove the crease on a PP to bury his 16th goal of the season and put the Express up by a pair. The Riels got a late goal to end the scorefest in the 1st with a 4 - 3 Express lead.
Early in the 2nd Johnson carried the puck wide into the offensive zone and Boonstra raced from his defense position to jump into the front of the net for a tap in. After another Riel PP goal the 2nd period ended 5-4 for Transcona.
The 3rd belonged to newcomer Grunsten who netted a pair of goals and Powers shut the door to finish with a 7-4 victory.
Next game in Showcase is the Twins on Saturday vs the Twins.
January 12 - EXPRESS earn timely OT win
Express make it 5 wins in a row
The Express jumped out to a two goal lead but the Hawks battled back, forcing overtime, with the home team thankfully deciding the outcome, posting valuable points in a very close standings race. The Grunsten family scored a hat trick as they got picked for Shoot to Win, they won the 50/50 and Conner scored the winner in OT!
First period
The Express struck first when defenseman Liam Eori (2) moved-in from the blue line and found the back of the net, beating the Hawks' goalie with a strong shot from the point. Assists from Mathieu Chateauneuf and Noah Skorpad. No Hawks scoring in the first.
Second period
Devon Matsumoto (12) made it a two nothing contest with a nice snipe and passing play from Travis Blackburn and Liam Eori. The Hawks however would tie-it up, with a power play marker less than two minutes later, followed by their second goal of the period. Second period ended at 2 all.
Third period
Kyle Lamont (9) moved the team in front, scoring just 38 seconds into third, helped out by Steven Delisle and Hyde Rickard. The Hawks unfortunately pulled even at 9:19 into the third forcing a three-on-three overtime.
Overtime
Once again on the first shift in OT, Nathan Hillis and Devon Matusmoto worked hard to gain control of the puck in our defensive zone and found a streaking Connor Grunsten who made no mistake to bury the OT winner.
Next game: MMJHL Showcase at BellMTS Iceplex - Remax: Friday, January 17 at 7:15 pm, EXPRESS vs Riels
SOG EXPRESS 41-31
FINAL SCORE (overtime): EXPRESS 4, Hawks 3
January 10, 2020, Express stop Twisters in Morris
EXPRESS vs Twisters
Fans in Morris were entertained Friday night as the Railer Express defeated the league-leading Twisters. Both teams exchanged chances and both goaltenders kept the game close. Arnold was steady in net for the Express, challenging shooters, controlling rebounds and finding loose pucks. Devon Matusmoto was on a mission, finishing checks and forcing many turnovers.
In the first Lamont was able to finish off a nice pass from Hillis past the Twisters goaltender for the early 1-0 lead and Matsumoto used his speed to outskate two Twisters defenders and hammer home his 11th of the year to put the Express up 2-1 before the end of the first period.
The pace continued through the 2nd and into the 3rd periods. SKorpad was able to redirect a point shot from Heide for a PP marker mid 3rd period and then Arnold closed the door as Twisters pressed to get back in the game but the Express held on for a 3-1 victory.
A complete 60 minute game for the Railer Express paid dividends with win over the reigning MMJHL champs.
Next game is Sunday Jan 12 at 2pm in East End Arena against the Hawks
January 4, 2020 – New Year starts off right!
EXPRESS vs Jets
The Railer Express opened up 2020 with a crucial game at home versus the Stonewall Jets seeing both teams tied for 4th spot in the standings at 29 points.
First period
The Express opened up the scoring at 3:08 of the first period with a laser of a one timer by Devon Matsumoto (10th), assisted by Jason Kotchon and Noah Skorpad. Express went into the break up 1-0.
Second period
Stonewall responded with a power play goal midway through the second frame but the Express answered back five minutes later with their own power play goal from a great pass by Hyde Rickard for a tip in by newcomer Conner Grunsten (8th) and his 1st goalas a Railer Express. Express held a 2-1 lead after forty minutes.
Third period
The third saw the intensity from both teams increase as they seemed to realize with 20 minutes to go, the importance of the two points on the line.
The Express killed off back to back penalties and answered with a full strength goal by Jason Kotchon (6th) with assists from Mattie Boonstra and Skorpad. The Jets responded to get close 3-2, but the Railers held the Jets off the board for the remainder of the game to secure a 3-2 win and sole possession of 4th place in the standings.
Railer Express next home action is January 12, 2020 at East End Arena. Puck drop at 2:00 pm.
December 15, 20 and 22, 2019 games
Dec 15th we went into St James to take on the Canucks. a very evenly matched game saw each team score a pair of goals in the 2nd period, each getting 1 PP goal. After a scoreless 3rd the Canucks were able to find the twine with under a minute to play in OT for the win.
On Dec 20th the Express played a solid game taking the Raider 6-2 at the Seven Oaks Arena. the game was all square after 1 with Matsumoto scoring his 9th then we broke out in the 2nd for a 4-2 lead as skorpad, Lamont and Hillis gave us some breathing room. Skorpad scored a pair in the 3rd to complete his hat-trick and Powers shut the door to keep the Raiders from getting back into the game.
A Sunday afternoon matinee on Dec 22nd saw the Express throw almost 50 shots at the Knights net but needed and OT goal from Laden to win the game. Hillis a a pair of goals and an assist in the winning effort.
December 13, 2019 – Historic occasion, awesome win for the home team
December 13 - EXPRESS work hard, results in a W
The Railer Express Board of Directors along with the hockey club honoured two championship teams, the 1990-91 and 1991-92 Railer hockey teams at this home game at East End Arena.
Championship banners were hung at East End Arena in honour of their hard-won accomplishments along with them being the league champs in their respective years. Players, coaches and staff from both those teams were in attendance.
This year's Express worked hard and entertained the home crowd, giving their fans a much-wanted win.
Game recap
The team's victory over the visiting St. Vital Vics was a high-energy and fast-paced contest which earned the Express a win for the record book.
Assistant Captain Nathan Hillis, scored two goals and notched in the winning goal. His two goals were his 11th and 12th of the season. Hillis also earned an assist on the first Express goal of the game.
The visitors may have scored first, but the Express responded readily when Devon Matsumoto's (8) sneaky move caused the Vics' goal tender to fall for it and Matsumoto found the back of the net to tie the game at one all. The next two goals came from the Express.
The team kept at it with Hillis notching in his first goal of the game, assisted by Devon Matsumoto and Burke Heide. Express were up by two! The third goal came from Hillis (assists from Evan Chudley and Noah Skorpad) when he beat the goaltender with a dirty snipe.
Noah Skorpad scored his 13th goal of the season on lucky Friday the 13th. Helping out on his goal was Jason Kotchon and Mattie Boonstra. The Express win this outing 4 to 2.
Next game: Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2:45 pm at St. James Civic Centre EXPRESS vs Canucks.
SOG EXPRESS 41-34
FINAL SCORE EXPRESS 4, Vics 2
Go EXPRESS Go
December 10, 2019 – Laden leads the way with a hat trick in convincing 8-1 win for Express
Coming off a couple games that got away from us, the Express come out to play. Unfortunately university exams and a few in sick bay, but Murta and Behun filled in admirably coming up from their high school teams to fill up the lineup.
Justin Powers was more composed and confident, holding the Knights to a single tally tonight too.
The Express got the jump going early and built up a 2-0 lead in the first after Skorpad buried his own rebound for his 12th goal of the season and Blackburn made a nice tip on a shot from Hillis to find the back of the net.
The 2nd period, though fairly even in shots, was another dominant period for the Express as Laden got his first of three, Blackburn got his second and Hillis scored on a set up from defenseman Eori, who was forced to play forward with the number of players out of the lineup.
The 3rd period was led by Laden who scored two more goals to complete his first hat trick in the MMJHL and Eori was able to make a great tip in for his first in the MMJHL as well. A much-needed victory and boost to move the Express up one spot in the standings and only a couple points to jump another few spots.
Next home game is Friday Dec 13th when the Express host the St Vital Vics at 8pm. The Transcona Major Jr Hockey Club will also be honoring the 1990-91 and 91-92 Championship teams at that game.
December 8, 2019 – Express lose ground with a close loss in Ft Garry
The Express started well, controlling the play and taking a 2 goal advantage early in the first but let the Twins back in with some undisciplined penalties and soft turnovers.
Hillis scored his first of three on the night chipping in a pass from behind the net from Kotch for the early lead. Laden made it 2-0 shortly after on a great play spliting the defense on a set up from Funk and Delisle and undressing the Twins goaltender. The Twins evened the score by the end of 1.
The second period was not our best, though we put 16 shots on the Twins net and Hillis and Laden were able to score their second goals of the night we gave up a second PP goal and two more and were down by one heading into the 3rd.
The Express had opportunity in the 3rd period, peppering the Twins net with 15 more shots but only Hillis was able to get the puck past the goaltender late in the period for his third of the night but was not enough as we dropped the game 6-5.
Next home game is Friday Dec 13th at East End Arena against the St Vital Victorias. Game time is 8pm. We will be honoring the 1990-91 and 91-92 Championship Railer teams on the ice before this game.
December 6, 2019 – Express give up 4 PP goals to Twisters
Felt like Friday the 13th came early as both teams had a steady stream of players heading to the penalty box and didn't allow for the game to gather much flow.
The game started at a good pace, Twisters led the charge early taking the play to the Express but mid period we picked up our play and the game evened out. The difference in this Friday night affair was the Twisters were able to capitalize on 4 power plays and we weren't.
December 2, 2019 – Three in a row - Express on track!
Arnold brought a steady influence in the net and allowed the offence to get on track to defeat the Hawks 5-1 on Sunday night in Charleswood. A back and forth first period with both goaltenders playing big for their team kept the game scoreless after 1.
A few penalties and the Express found themselves on our heels a little. Although not technically a PP goal, but seconds after the Express penalty expired, the Hawks struck first. Hard work, a great seeing eye shot on an end to end rush by veteran Burke Heide and the game was tied late in the 2nd, allowing us to go into the intermission still tied after a tough 2nd period.
Goaltenders stood tall in the 3rd until mid period Rickard made a dash up the wall and found Skorpad going to the net, it took two tries but Noah was able to get his own rebound past the Hawks goalie to put us in front for the first time in this game. With just over 6 minutes to go we took an undisciplined penalty that left us shorthanded and provided Hawks with a chance to tie the score. With great PK play and Arnold steady in the net we were able to kill it off and gain momentum. Matsumoto was able to bang in a rebound shortly after the penalty kill to get the insurance marker. The Express weren't done as Skorpad got his second of the game one timing a nice feed from Boonstra on the PP. Then on a tremendous forecheck from Laden, pickpocketing the Hawks defenseman, freezing the goaltender and scored a highlight reel goal to round out the scoring. A convincing win for the Express, making it three in a row.
Next game is Friday, Dec 6 against the Pembina Valley Twisters at East End Arena, game time is 8pm.
December 1, 2019 – Solid effort nets another win
Friday night at East End Arena was a buzz when the Riels came to visit Transcona. Both teams were feeling each other out to start the game, the Riels getting ahead in shots 9-3 after a couple Express penalties. Then Delorme made one of his patented rushes into the offense and scored shorthanded to give us the lead after 1.
Early in the second period Riley Johnson, a relatively new addition to the Express who has been getting stronger with each game, put us ahead by a pair, finishing off a picture perfect 3 way passing play from Monty and Chudley. After giving up our only goal mid -period Mats one timed a nice feed from Skorpad for a PP tally that put us back up by two after 2.
The 3rd was quite a one-sided affair with the Express outshooting the Riels 19-7, with several glorious scoring chances but struggled to bury them until Monty got his 6th of the season into an empty net to wind up scoring late in the 3rd. Arnold was steady between the pipes, controlling rebounds and not giving an second chances.
Next game is Sunday in Charleswood while the next home game is Friday Dec 6th at East End when the Pembina Valley Twisters are in town to play our Express. Game time is 8pm.
November 25, 2019 – Fun afternoon at East End with 7/8 Regents as Express come back for the Win.
An early start on Grey Cup day proved to be what the Express needed to get back onto winning ways. The Regents 7/8 team came out in full force with our contingent of fans and family to enjoy an entertaining battle between the Raider and our Express. Goalie Justin Powers made his 7th start, letting a couple squeeze by him in the first but shut the door the rest of the way to earn the win.
Though slightly outshooting their opponents in all three periods we found outselves down a pair in the first. Through the second and into the third and OT the Express elevated thier game, Monty got us on the board with 3 minutes to go in the second on a good feed from Skorpad and picking the top shelf for his 5th of the season.
Early in the 3rd Laden was able to finsh a play with Heide and Funk to knot the game at 2. Teams traded some opportunities in the 3rd but the Express missed at least three glorius open net chances to finish the game.
In 3 on 3 OT our speed and puck control took over creating several scoring opportunities until Skorpad finally buried one with just over a minute left to earn the 2 points.
This was an important win for the Express who aim to get back on winning way to climb back up the standings. Also a great start to the day which ended with the dominant Grey Cup win for our BOMBERS!
Next home game is Friday, Nov 29 at East End Arena. Game time is 8pm.
October 20, 2019 - EXPRESS get back on the winning side
The team carved-out an early, two-goal lead, until the third period, when the team erupted for three goals.
First period
Express played with purpose, leading the play for a good part of the first period and were rewarded offensively with 2 goals. Kotchon showed some jump and buried a shot behind the Canucks goalie on a pass from affiliate player Sass. The line of Laden, Delisle and Funk took advantage of their hard work and scored their 1st of 2 goals on the night as Funk netted his first and his line mates getting the assists. End of 1 we head to the dressing room 2-0.
Second period
The 2nd period went end to end with both goalies making some plays to keep the pucks from getting to the back of the net.
Third period
The Canucks opened the 3rd period with an early goal but that is all we would allow. Shortly after Matsumoto scored his 4th on a great individual effort to regain the 2 goal advantage. Poirier had to sit a 2 minute penalty, but he surprized the Canucks when he stepped out of the box and drove the net for a clear shot which was stopped by the home goalie but Poirier buried his own rebound to net his first of the season and first in MMJHL. The Laden line finished the scoring with their 2nd of the game and first of the season for Laden.
Team play is improving each game and scoring from all lines is helping the team success.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 27 at 2:00pm at East End Arena, EXPRESS vs Jets.
SOG EXPRESS, 29 and Canucks 27
FINAL SCORE: EXPRESS 5, Canucks 1
Go EXPRESS Go
October 18 - EXPRESS just couldn't find the back of the net
The Express hammered the Raiders' goalie with over 40 shots in the game but just couldn't grasp that win. The team's power play was 1 for 7, with the penalty kill stopping all three of the Raiders' power plays. Both teams had disallowed goals due to the net being knocked off its posts.
First period
No Express scoring in the first period. The Raiders scored two goals.
Second period
The lone goal of the period came when Noah Skorpad potted his sixth of the season, a power-play tally, fed by defense man Burke Heide.
Third period
The Raiders opened up the scoring in the third, taking back a two-goal lead. The Express scored at the 18:35 mark when Mattie Boonstra (4) brought the visitors within one, on a pass from goalie Justin Powers. The team pulled their goalie for the extra attacker but it wasn't enough and the home team hung to secure the win.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2:45 pm at Civic Centre, EXPRESS vs Canucks.
SOG EXPRESS, 46 and Raiders 21
FINAL SCORE: EXPRESS 2, Raiders 3
Go EXPRESS Go
October 15, 2019 – Powers solid in pipes for Express win over Knights
Rookie goaltender Powers stopped 31 shots in his second start of the year to give the Express their opportunity to win over the River East Knights. A number of those shots were of quality nature as well.
Unfortunately, the team in front did not have its best game but was able to take advantage of special teams scoring 3 power play goals led by Skorpad with a goal and 2 helpers. Matsumoto collected and assisted to keep him atop the league scoring with 10 points in 5 games,
Next game is 7:30pm Friday Oct 18 at Seven Oaks IcePlex against the Raiders.
Next home game is 2pm Sunday Oct 27 at East End Arena against Stonewall Jets.
October 6, 2019 – League champs hand Express their first loss
The Pembina Valley Twisters, 2018-19 MMJHL Champs, came to East End Arena for a Sunday afternoon matinee game. Though we opened the scoring on a powerplay early in the first, Matsumoto finishing off a nice feed from Kotchon, we spent the majority of the first half the game chasing the Twisters veteran laden team. Emes was peppered with 19 shots in the first, several of which were tough saves. A couple that did get behind him were impossible for him to play, off skates and through traffic.
The Express caught up with the play midway through the second and Skorpad was able to pull us within one goal early in the 3rd, again on the power play, assisted by Matsumoto and Hillis.
The play went back and forth, Express getting more pucks to the net but unable to finish, an unlucky bounce led to the 4th PV goal and we weren't able to catch up after that.
This was a good game to learn from, seeing the best team in the league and gauging our play against them. Another week of practice and back at it on Friday Oct 11 to play the St Vital Vics, 8PM at East End Arena.
October 4, 2019 – Express need OT for 3rd win in a row.
The Railer Express made their way Friday night across town to take on the Fort Garry Twins. The Express where boasting a 2-0 record to start the 2019-2020 and first year netminder, Justin Powers was getting his first MMJHL start.
Express opened first period scoring with Captain Noah Skorpad banging home his third of the year with assists from Jason Kotchon and Nathan Hillis. After killing off 2 straight penalties, Mattie Boonstra fired his second of the early campaign and Kyle Lamont chipped in with the helper.
The Express fell into some penalty trouble in the second frame and the Twins answered back with three of their own in the middle frame. The Express replied with a great play by Boonstra to Lamont for his first of the regular season with Hyde Rickard also chipping in with an assist.
Teams were deadlocked 3-3 going into the third. The Twins opened scoring in the third with a goal five minutes into the frame. Teams exchanged power play opportunities but both failed to capitalize. The Express finally found the back of the net with six minutes to go when Burke Heide scored his first of the year, assisted by Devon Matsumoto.
Teams were tied 3-3 at the end of regulation and 3 on 3 in the overtime frame solved nothing. Noah Skorpad scored in the shootout and Powers stood tall in the net, stopping all three shooters to give the Railer Express a 4-3 win and a 3-0 record.
Next home game is this Sunday when the current League Champions, the Pembina Valley Twisters, are the visitors.
September 29 - EXPRESS score seven goals for a decisive win over the Riels
The Riels struck first, giving them their only lead of the matinee game, with the Express responding in spades, scoring four unanswered goals with seven markers being the final tally in a rout over the visiting Riels.
First period
The Riels scored first but Devon Matsumoto (2), beat their goalie just over two minutes later, with assists from Liam Eori and Evan Sumaling. Scoring his first of the season and the go-ahead marker, was second-year player, Nathan Hillis (1), fed by Jason Kotchon and Devon Matsumoto.
Captain Noah Skorpad (2) finised off the period with his second goal of the season, on a play from Jason Kotchon and Nathan Hillis. The team took a 3-1 lead into the break.
Second period
It didn't take long for the Express to find the back of the net in the second period when first-year player, Evan Sumaling (1) scored with help from Kyle Lamont and Devon Matsumoto. The first powerplay goal of the season happend when Jason Kotchon (1) scored at 13:48 of the middle frame, (assists from Noah Skorpad and Devon Matsumoto).
The Express were up by four goals at the end of the period.
Third period
The Express scored twice in the third, with Nathan Hillis (2) pulling the trigger on a passing play from Noah Skorpad and Jason Kotchon. The team's rookie Mattie Boonstra (1) found the back of the net scoring the team's seventh goal of the game (assists from James Poirier and Devon Matsumoto).
The Express penalty kill was 5-0 for the game with the powerplay 1 out of 4.
Notable
Devon Matsumoto had a five-point game. The Railer Express are 2-0-0 after two games.
Next game: Friday, Oct. 4 at 7:30 pm at Century Arena, EXPRESS vs Twins.
SOG EXPRESS, 40 and Riels 39
FINAL SCORE: EXPRESS 7, Riels 3
Go EXPRESS Go
September 27 - EXPRESS vs Hawks
Express rookie goalie Dylan Arnold's goaltending was key in the team's season opener victory.
First period
No scoring.
Second period
No scoring.
Third period
Captain Noah Skorpad (1) notched in his first goal of the season to get the team first on the scoreboard. Nathan Hillis was in on the goal with an assist.
The Hawks would score on a power play effort around five minutes later, tying the game up at 1 a piece.
Devon Matsumoto (1) got the game winner with just under three minutes to play, assisted by rookie Evan Sumaling and second-year player Kyle Lamont.
Notable
The team got a great goaltending performance from Arnold in the 2-1 win over the Hawks.
Next game: Sunday, Sept. 29 at 2 pm at East End Arena, EXPRESS vs Riels.
SOG EXPRESS, 27 and Hawks 35
FINAL SCORE: EXPRESS 2, Hawks 1
Go EXPRESS Go
