NOTE GAME TIME & LOCATION CHANGE - Due to rink maintenance in Charleswood our Sept 22 away game against the Hawks will be played at the St James Civic Centre with 8:30pm start.
Railers decisively win season opener
The Railers defeated the Stonewall Jets 5-2 on Sunday afternoon to start-out the hockey season.
After 20 hard-fought minutes the two teams were scoreless. In the opening frame the Jets spent a good part of it in the penalty box. The Railers were unable to capitalize on the power play. Shots were 9 to 7 for the Jets after one.
The first goal of the season came with 3 minutes left in the 2nd period when Ryan Kotchon won a faceoff, passed right back to Nik Kowalski, who capitalized on the man advantage and found the back of the Jets’ net. With just under 2 seconds left in the period, Noah Skorpad made it 2-0, scoring on a breakaway, backhand deke with assists from Express rookie Kelby Picard and Captain Nicolas Gravel. SOG after 2 were Railers 21, Jets 17.
The Jets got on the board early in the third period, but the Railers answered right back with Nicolas Gravel notching a regular-strength goal, assisted by Will Grouette. The Railers were back up by two goals. Mid-way through the 3rd, the Jets scored, cutting the Railers’ lead to 1. Noah Skorpad added his second of the game late in the 3rd period, scoring a shorthanded goal to once again give the Railers a 2-goal lead. Kelby Picard and Nicolas Gravel were in on the goal, both with their 2nd assists of the game. With just under 2 minutes left, Will Grouette scored an empty netter, guaranteeing an Express win. SOG - Railers 29, Jets 32
Connor Shaw made 30 of 32 saves for the victory.
Next game is Friday, Sept 22 vs the Charleswood Hawks. Full-steam ahead!
Gagnon takes on Head Coaching role for 2017-18
The Railer Express are pleased to announce the new Coaching staff for 2017-2018. Derek Gagnon, after spending the previous season as an assistant coach, has now been given the privilege to succeed Bruce Schmidt as the head coach for the Transcona Railer Express. Previously, Derek had coached with the St. James Canucks for two seasons, while also coaching minor hockey before that. He finished his playing career for the Selkirk Steelers of the MJHL. Joining Derek on the bench will be Colan Jackson and Dylan Heide. Steve Jacques also join the Express as Director of Player Development/Ass’t Coach.
Railer Express Annual Golf Tournament
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A great day on the course on Friday, June 2 for the Express golf tournament. Thank you to all the participants, sponsors and volunteers to make the day such a success and especially Dave Brown for organizing the event.
Congratulations to Captain, Nico Gravel
At the MMJHL Awards banquet on May 4th, 2017 Nico was recognized for the tremendous efforts he makes both on and off the ice. He was awarded the MMJHL's Top Defenseman Award for 2016-17, the 3rd time in a row this award was presented to a Transcona player with Isaac Bellan taking the honors for the past two seasons. Nico was also selected to be a first team Allstar.Nico scored the hat trick when he was called up to recieve the Norm Slobozian Award for Academic Excellence which carries a $1000 scholarship. Congrats Nico.
The 2016-17 season came to an end Sunday, March 5. Thank you to the families, business partners and the community of Transcona for their support through this season.
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On March 26 the Railer Express players and parents celebrated many successes and ackomplishments at our year end luncheon.
Congratulations to this year's award recipients:
Most Valuable Player - Nico Gravel
Most Improved Player - Braiden Pokrant
Top Scorer - Ryan Kotchon
Coach's Award - Jordan Weir
Unsung Hero Award - Cody Plett
Rookie of the Year - Ryan Sinclair
Sportsmanship & Ability - Noah Skorpad
Community Award - Conner Shaw, Braiden Pokarant, Nik Kowalski
The Transcona Major Jr Hockey Program is very proud to support the education of our players. Along with two key alumni supporters in Curtis Boughton (uniPoint Software) Max Feierstein (Mirage Consulting) as well as an anonymous supporter we were able to hand out $7000 in scholarship awards to eight different players at our luncheon.
Congratulations to this year's recipients:
Dave Orton Award - Conner Shaw
Dave Orton Award - Jordan Weir
Mirage Consulting Award - Chase Fincaryk
uniPoint Award - Nico Gravel
Anonymous Hockey Award - Nik Kowalski
Director's Awards - Scott Morrison, Zach Hutchison, Troy Dorset
Feb 17 - Express can't finish and drop game to Twins
We can't say this loss was due to lack of trying or opportunity, just plain inability to finish. We had over 50 
shots, outchanced and outplayed the Twins but could not solve their goaltender until mid third period when Skorpad finished off some hard work by Fincaryk to get our only goal of the game. This loss truly hurts our chances for the playoffs and each game continues to be like a playoff game for us.
Our defense was good, making first passes and keeping the play outside but some bad bounces and the Twins got ahead and stayed in front for the win.
A tough game ahead on Sunday against the league leading Jets that will require a solid team effort. Go Express!
5th Annual Sportsman Dinner - Jan 26th a huge success!
Thursday night with Transcona's own Rod Black and Philly was a night to remember! Philly reminiscing of his glory days in Transcona minor hockey and Rod replacing our board with some infamous characters and impersonations. The 240 in attendance were treated for sure. We were very proud of our team especially our leadership group from the Railer Express who showed the character and professionalism that we foster in the Transcona Major Junior Program, as they addressed the audience.
The board of directors and players wish to thank the parents, sponsors, alumni and guests to came out to support this great evening, including our MLA Blair Yakimowski and city councillor Russ Wyatt.
Special thanks to our DINNER SPONSOR - 
Brent Thomas and Casera CU as well as Qualico Communities who sponsored the wine and MP for Elmwood Transcona Daniel Blaikie for being our program sponsor.
The Railer Express are also grateful for the many groups who sponsored tables for the evening, including Russ Wyatt, East End CC, Borland Construction, Canad Inns, Vickar Auto Group, Perfect Landscaping, AirWise Heating and AC and Dave Brown.
The evening was extremely entertaining and of course Rod left us with some tremendously inspirational thoughts. He talked about what sets great players apart from just players:
Know what you want
Hard work - push yourself to be uncomfortable to get better
Give Back - he shared a touching story of young Chase Whittaker's crusade and the importance ot helping others
Again the Transcona Major Junior Hockey Club thanks everyone who attended, who supported and who believes in the direction of our program. Hope we are providing a program for our entire community to be proud of.
Feb 12 - Express explode for 10 over Knights
The Knights came in with a depleted lineup and we took full advantage. Sinclair got the hat along with a helper for 4 points in the game while Kotch, Nico, Fincaryk and Noah also hit 4 points each in the one sided affair. Shaw was solid in the shut out, seeing the puck well and controlling rebounds.
Thats the first in this set of games, next up is the Twins on Friday in Ft Garry.
The 50/50 draw went for $72.50 to Cindy Fender, and the Silver Jeans door prize were claimed by Leo.
Shooters tried thier luck in Vickar Auto Group's 'Shoot to Win' but the new truck remains on the lot for another week.
Feb 10 - Express come up short agains the Canucks
A decent first period tied at 1 turned early in the 2nd when the Canucks scored shorthanded. The momentum swung and didn't return as we turned the puck over too easily in our end and gave up too many chances.
Jan 30 - Express win big in Southdale
The Express found thier scoring touch especially Nick Kowalski who scored a team high 5 goals in the game to lead the Express to an important win over the Riels in a battle to stay in playoff hunt.
Conner made a couple big saves in the first shift of the game then Nick started the scoring early with his first, 3 minutes into the game. This was followed by a pair of PP goals from Skorpad and Sinclair to get the great jump on the Riels. Dorset, with one of his patented boomers from the point made it 4 - 0 by the end of the first.
Teams traded goals in the second, lots of goals, as the defensive part of the game went out the window. Nick had great jump in his stride and scored a pair of PP goals for our 3rd and 4th of the game , both as he bust past the Riels defense to find the top corner then went on to score 2 more even strength, less than 30 seconds apart late in the period. Defensively we started to take too many chances, we forgot to support each other and were thinking more about offense than protecting our own end, but still finished the period up 8-4.
The teams traded chances in the the 3rd but only managed a single goal each with Sinclair netting his second into an empty net.
Great feeling to start finding the back of the net, lets continue this offensive play which included hard work, lots of support for each other and high tempo play.Next up is the Twisters on Feb 7th. Go Express!
Jan 27th - Inspired by Rod Black the Express defeat Raiders
After a very entertaining and inpiring dinner the night before with Rod Black, the Express came to play. Guided by Rod's message - Hard Work and playing has to be uncomfortable for success, they did just that.
A quick pace to open the game was stymied a bit when the Raiders scored on our first penalty but we came out inspired in the 2nd period. Though small in stature young Hutchison played big, battling for draws, winning 1 on 1 battles for possession and forechecking with a vengence causing many a turnover. Waylon was also flying using his size and strength to gain control of pucks and his speed to bust the outside for some scoring opportunities. Shaw as steady in the net as usual and helped our defense setting up the puck and even making some first pass plays .
Ryan Sinclair took the message from Rod about hardwork to heart and spent some extra time on the ice after the dinner, it paid off as he opened the scoring for the Express in the second tipping in loose puck under the Raiders netminder for our 1st goal in 4 games.
Both teams traded chances and late in the 3rd on a PP Hobson pulled a puck long the blueline then fired a wrist shot through traffic that found the net and give the Express the win. A solid team effort, keep it up gents. Back on the ice Monday at Southdale taking on the Reils in an important match up for playoff standings.
Jan 15, 20 and 22nd - drop three in a row
After a few good games to start the new year the wheels have fallen off the train! We seem to have forgotten this game is 60 minutes long and have only been playing in spurts. It also takes 100% effort each shift, we haven't been winning the 1 on 1 battles nor supporting each other. The number of giveaways expecially in our own end has cost us dramatically.
These are all areas that can be fixed with committment to details.
Time to relax, work hard, work together and get back on the right track.
Jan 14 - Weir leads Express to Shootout win over Vics
Jordan Weir started the game with a drive to the net and was able to knock his rebound in to open the scoring and Skorpad finished off some nice passing with Petkau and Kotch to take an early 2 goa lead. We gave up a PP goal but Weir scored his 13th to regain the 2 goal advantage at the end of the 1st period. The game could have been out of reach with 22 shots fired on the Vics net, several glorius scoring chances plus a couple posts but game still within 2.
The Vics were able to net a couple in the 2nd including another PP marker to tie the game but Skorpad scored his second of the game and 10th of the year to put ahead 4-3 after 2.
Another 19 shots in the third but unable to score then with 25 seconds to go in the 3rd and their goaltender on the bench we had a lapse to let the Vics tie the score. OT solved nothing then Weir scored his 3rd goal of the game in the shootout and Shaw stopped all three shooters to seal the victory and push the Express into 7th place.
Next Express game is Sunday Jan 15th in the Showcase against the Twisters. Go Express!
Jan 8 - Express defeat league leading Canucks 4-2
It was a must win Sunday afternoon against the league leading Canucks. Things didn't start off as planned as the Express found themselves short handed three times in the first and down one after giving up a power play goal. The team stayed focused at the task at hand and responded with five minutes to go in the first with Jordan Weir firing a wrist shot from the bottom of the circle for his eleventh of the season. There was no scoring in the second as both teams exchanged chances and goaltender Connor Shaw stopped all eighteen shots he faced in the period.
Express came out hard in the third and Scott Morrison fired a high hard wrist shot over the shoulder of the Canucks goaltender with his fifth of the season to give the Express the lead. St. James would tie it up with a seeing eye shot from the wing that with thirteen minutes left in the third. Nico Gravel would get the eventual game winner from a perfectly executed two on one with Weir with less than four minutes left in the third. Noah Skorpad would close the game out with his eighth into an empty net.
With a total team effort the Express where able to knock off one of the top teams in the league, and hopefully the momentum from the win will care into the upcoming Showcase Weekend when they face St. Vital on Saturday and Pembina Valley at the MTS Ice Plex.
Jan 6th - Hutch nets his first but a few bad breaks and the Vics were ahead by a pair and the goaltenders shut the door the rest of the way.
Jan 4th - Express dust off the holiday rust with a 5-2 victory over the Knights
Dec 16 - Express battle with Raiders but come up short in OT loss
It was good to see Nic Holben back in the net after more than a month from his last start facing 35 shots. With a slow start and many unforced turnovers in the first periodHolben was forced to be sharp. Will Grouette was able to tip a point shot from Cole Jones to keep the Railer Express within a goal heading to the first break, down 2-1.
The second started much like the first and after giving up a power play goal the Express were now down by two heading into the third.
It took two periods to get going and a tusstle with newcomer Chase Fincaryk dropping the gloves 36 seconds into the third. This seemed to be the lift for the rest of the team to get going as Gravel ripped a slap shot into the top corner about a minute later to pull the game within one. After an offensive faceoff win by Noah Skorpad and a great pass by Dorsett findiing Lucas Henry, in his first game as a Railer Express, left alone in front of the Raiders net making no mistake and buried the puck in the back of the net to tie the game.
It was unfortunate that the two points wern't had after the great team effort in the third, but it was a huge one point gained in the standings. Hopefully this momentum will carry into Sunday's game when the hawks visit East End with a 2pm start.
Dec 11 - Shootout victory over the Twins
Chase Fincaryk in his first game made an impact scoring a pair of goals including the Shooutout winner.
We struggled to get any flow to our game in the first period with a fair amount of after the whistle activity, then spent most of the 2nd period shorthanded with 18 minutes in penalties along with 3 ejections. Our PK was quick on the puck and kept the Twins at bay for all these penalties but still finished 2 down after the second. Skorpad had a couple glorious opportunities on breakaways but failed to find the twine and Grouette hit the crossbar to stay scoreless after 2.
After killing the majority of the 2nd period shorthanded we got fired up in the 3rd. Skorpad was finally able to solve the Twins goaltender on a set up from Nico and Weir on the only PP we had in the game. The Twins got one more off a draw in the 3rd to go ahead 3-1, then late in the 3rd Fender got his first on a shot from the point to close within one. With a minute and a half to go in the game Fincaryk battled in from of the net to tie the game. Overtime settled nothing until Fincaryk scored the only goal in the shootout while Shaw shut the door on all three Twins shooters.
A good character win for the Express who battled alot of adversity in this game. Next game is Friday in Seven Oaks.
Dec 4 - Express fail to gain ground dropping 4-2 decision to Canucks
The game plan was to stop the fast starting, quick attack of the Canucks and it work for the first period. With some key stops by Connor Shaw and a nice deflection by Bobby Evans from a point shot by Kiley Fender, the Express where able to hold a one goal lead after the first period.
Some sloppy play on the PK lead to a power play for the Canucks and they took advantage by scoring with a seeing eye shot from the point.
With the net empty, the Canuck’s scored an empty netter, but the Express replied off of the ensuing center ice faceoff with a goal from the stick of Nik Kowalski. Still with the net empty, the Canucks scored another empty net goal to seal the Express’s fate.
Railer Express next action is against the Fort Gary Twins December 11th at home with the puck dropping at 2:00 pm. Should be a good one, as both teams are tied for the last playoff spot.
Dec 2 - Rivarly heating up as Express win 5-3 over River East
The close proximity of these two teams has always instilled a natural rivalry,so a recent trade between the two clubs sending Tkach and Smith to the Knights while Express recieved Henry and the rights to Fincaryk, has only added to that excitement.
Though last nights game may not of had the best display of skills it defiintely had the air of intensity with many big hits and even a few scraps. River East opened the scoring on a miscue in our end letting them have a could whacks to get the puck behind Shaw but then Sinclair on the PP tied it and Skorpad finished off a rush and nice feed by Gravel to put us ahead 2-1 after the first.
The Knights tied it early in the 2nd but Dorsett scored on a knucklepuck to restore our lead after 2. It was an evening where bounces did not go our way, we peppered the Knights with 22 shots in the 2nd period but that doesn't even count the crossbar and open nets missed where the Express has opportunity to put the game away, but couldn't.
Morrison was finally able to convert after a couple earlier misses to get the insurance and eventual game winner early in the 3rd and Petkau rounded out the scoring.
We are finding ways to win which had been a challenge in past years and even early this year. We started the season 2 and 8 and have now gone 8 and 3 in last 11 games.
Next up is St James as we head to the Civic Centre Sunday evening. Keep up the effort boys!
Nov 29 - Express explode for 7 unanswered goals to defeat Jets
A spirited affair at East End Arena last night saw the Express fall behind by 2 in the first, only to score 7 in a row enroute to a convincing 7-2 win over the reigning MMJHL champion Stonewall Jets.
Plett started us off as he outworked the Jets defense to chip in the first, and Sinclair evened the score with seconds left in the first to truly get the confidence flowing. Two PP goals in the 2nd, one on a point shot by Gravel and the 2nd on a great tip under the crossbar by Grouette followed by an even strength goal by Petkau sent us into a solid lead after two periods.
In the third Kotch added to the lead as Gravel hit him for a breakaway as he stepped out of the penalty box for our 6th and Sinclair tapped in his 2nd late in the game to round out the scoring.
A physical match throughout, the Express traded big hits with the Jets, Jones and Pokey along with newly aquired Olijnek, had the jets keeping their heads up in our end finishing checks and moving Jets preventing them from getting to Shaw for second chances. Affiliate player Matt Broesky had an impact in his first game chipping in a couple assists.
The Express hope to continue this play on Friday Dec 2 when they host the River East Knights at East End Arena.
Nov 24 - Horid 2nd period and Express fall to Twisters
Express were coming into this game with some confidence and an opportunity to start climbing in standings but didn't play a whole 60 minutes and paid the price. A good start to the game with a fast paced 1st period and opportunities for both teams. The Express opened the scoring on Sinclair's shot that squeeezed through the Twisters goaltender's pads. Some tenacious checking in the first by Plett, Morrison, Hutch helped keep the Twisters on their heels and create opportunites but we tried a few too many passes and individual plays and didn't get enough pucks too the net.
With the game tied at 1 to start the 2nd the wheels fell off early when the Twsiters scored to go ahead and then some mental breakdowns allowed them two shorthanded goals to take control of the period and go ahead 6-1 in just over half of the 2nd period. We settled down and were able to get a couple back with newcomer Skorpad getting his first as a member of the Express on a feed from Kotch and Kowalski in a scramble to close the gap to a pair.
We came out in the 3rd with some desparation and a little more energy and compete, Kotchon was able to score the only goal of the 3rd but it wasn't enough. The 10 - 12 minutes lapse early in the 2nd was too much to overcome.
A couple days off for Grey Cup and Express aiming to get back into win column when they host Stonewall on Tuesday at East End Arena.
Nov 20 - Express need overtime to beat St Vital
In a seesaw battle where teams exchanged numberous scoring opportunities and the lead changing often, the Express prevailed in OT. Kowalski opened the scoring early but just over a minute later the Vics tied it up on a point shot that found its way through to the back of our net. Kowalski finished off a nice three way passing play from Sinclair to Weir on the PP to put the Express back up by one in the first. The Vics kept coming and scored later in the 1st to tie the game then on a race for a puck into our zone we misjudged the speed of the the Vics forward who surprised us when he knocked a puck in from a near impossible angle. From then on Shaw shut the door, making many outstanding saves, expecially when we broke down coverage in our end.
Down 3-2 starting the second we got a PP early and Kotch made the Vics pay when he roofed a shot on a feed from Petkau to knot the game again. Petkau had several glorious scoring chances in the 2nd period and on a shot that hit the back crossbar and came out so fast the referee didn't see but fortunately the linesman saw the puck hit the back post to put the Express back up after the 2nd. In the 3rd period the checking got very tight, the physicality of the game picked up and the only goal was scored by the Vics to once again tie the game.
Heading into OT the Vics looked a little tired as we outshot them 5-2 and with 10 seconds left on the clock Kotch was able to slide a puck to a driving Grouette who knocked the puck past the Vics tender to give the Express the 2 points.
Kotch finished the game with a goal and 3 helpers while Kowalski netted a pair of goals and Grouette, Gravel and Petkau all had 2 point games. Shaw was stellar in close in the second and third periods too.
Express take on the Twisters on Friday as they travel to Morris.
Nov 14 - Express bounce back with victory over the Riels
We needed to get our legs going and diplay a better effort than last game and we did. The Riels are a team that doesn't quit and they showed that again tonight but some grinding play and shut down goaltending by Shaw helped us carve out a victory over the Riels.
Smith opened the scoring in the first, and Wier deflected a nice feed from Kowalski to put us ahead in the second. After a couple PK's we let the Riels tie the score but Petkau was able to knock in a Gravel point shot for the game winner.
This was a tough game, players battled for possession and space on the ice, Plett, Evans and Smith created havoc in the Riels zone while others like Sinclair were blocking shots and doing what it takes to win the game. Lots of hard work for these two points. Next up is the Vics on Sunday the 20th at East End Arena.
HIGHLIGHTS: MMJHL Transcona vs St. Boniface
http://globalnews.ca/video/3067156/highlights-mmjhl-transcona-vs-st-boniface
Nov 13 - Raiders take 2 points with little resistance!
After a fairly back and forth 1st period with score tied at 1 the Railer Express disappeared. An early goal by the Raiders in the 2nd and we stepped aside and let the Raiders have their way. One to put behind us. Next game tomorrow against the Riels.
Nov 10 - Hawks stop the Express win streak at 3
The Hawks came into East End with their usual workmanlike game which made for a tough opponent and exciting game. Though outshot by a fair amount in the first two periods the Express were able to keep most shots from the outside and didn't allow the Hawks second chances. Shaw was focused, controlled pucks and gave us the best chance to win. The only puck to get past him was a puck slapped blindly by a Hawk player in a scrum that snuck through his legs.
The Express picked up the pace in the thrid period outshooting the Hawks 15 - 4 but couldn't find the back of the net.
Rookie defenseman Fender has been playing with more confidence each game using good body position separating players from the puck and jumping into the offense more and more.
Express aiming to get back on the winning side on Sunday when they host the Raiders, 2pm at East End.
Nov 6 - Express win 3rd in a row in battle with defending MMJHL champ Jets
An early penalty put the Express on the defensive and the Jets capitalized quickly. Jets had momentum for the first half of the 1st period but Holben saw the puck well and made a number of acrobatic toe saves as Stonewall tried to jam pucks.
Early in the 2nd period and a tough break as a puck bounced off one of our defense into the net putting us down a couple. Great charactier as the Express started to press Stonewall and Reid Whyte was able to f ind the corner to get us on the board. Nick Kowalski in just his second game made a great heads up play burying a backhand in the top shelf to tie the game late in the 2nd period.
The winning goal came of the stick of Kotch on the PP early in the 3rd then both teams traded chances but both goaltenders shut the door giving the Express their 5th win in last 6 games.
The team is developing better and better habits as they work together and play entire games from the net out. Nick was steady in the net, controlled rebounds and shutting the door when we needed, defense are keeping play outside and winning many of the puck battles while our offiense is finishing checks and supporting each other in the offensive zone.
Next test is the Hawks on Thursday 8pm at East End Arena. Go Express!
Nov 4 - Shaw Had The Twins Seeing Double
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Goaltender Connor Shaw was outstanding Friday night against the Twins facing 47 shots. There were a few defensive breakdowns which resulted in breakaways and Shaw stood tall stopping everything the Twins threw at him. Captain Nico Gravel opened up the scoring 1:43 in as a direct result of some great net work by Waylon Petkau and Ryan Kotchon. Will Grouette put the Railer Express up three minutes later on a breakaway and the team never looked back. Rounding out the scoring was Petkau and Kotchon chipping in with singles and Gravel scoring his second of the night in an empty net. The win tonight makes it 4 in the last 5 games. The Railer Express looks to keeps things rolling Sunday afternoon for their first home game after 7 straight game on the road. Action begins at 2:00 pm at the East End Arena.
Oct 30 - Express win 3rd in last 4 defeating Knights 6-1
It didn't take Matt Gardner long to get back on the score sheet. After being out for a few weeks with a lower body injury, Gardner took only a minute and a half to find the back of the net. Some good stick work and a slick pass by newcomer Nik Kowalski, found Gardner in front of the Royal Knights goaltender and Gardner made no mistake. After completely dominating the game in every aspect except the scoreboard, the Railer Express finally opened it up in the third period scoring four goals. Rounding out the scoring was Waylon Petkau with his 5th and 6th of the season, Cody Plett notched a pair and Ryan Sinclair tipped home a point shot from Kiley Fender. Connor Shaw was strong in net turning aside 21 shots. The team has found winning ways in the last four games, winning 3. A big game this Friday against the Twins as the Railer Express have them in their sites to move up in the standings.
Oct 23 - Good weekend with 2nd win in a row - 7 to4 victory over the Twisters
A quick start with Scott Morrison firing a bullet to the top shelf only a minute into tthe game got the Express rolling again. Weir finished off a nice tic tac toe passing play to bury his 7th of the year on the PP with seconds left in the first period to put us up 2-1. A good workmanlike effort from Plett, Smith, Evans and Jones finishing checks, creating turnovers and creating energy for the Express, along with a stellar effort in the pipes by Shaw kept the Express rolling through the game.
Two PP goals, a pair from both Kotch and Grouette along with a whole team effort led a 5 goal explosion in the 2nd.
The Twisters came out flying with their backs to the wall in the 3rd, along with a couple penalties to the Express to give them some life but not enough as we took the Twsiters 7-4 in their home rink for the 2nd win in a row. Lets carry this same game into Fridays matchup with the Canucks.
Oct 20 - Railer Express get on track with decisive 6-1 victory over the Vics
Team leading scorer Jordan Weir opened up the game by scoring in the first three minutes of the game. His goal lifted the energy of the entire team. Nik Holben was strong in net turning aside 27 shots in recording his first win of the season. Kotch, back from being out of the lineup for a week was a force chipping in two goals with one being a shorthanded marker.
First year player Cole Smith notched his first of the season along with an assist and a few thunderous hits. Waylon rounded out the scoring with his third of the season while Grouette got his second. A good win to start the weekend and effort needed to be successful by the Express going forward, Next up the Twisters on Sunday.
Oct 16 - One that got away, Express drop 2-1 decision to Riels
Sunday afternoon was an entertaining game at East End. Teams traded scoring opportunities with Shaw from the Express and Riels goaltender on top of their games. The Express welcomed back Grouette but were still without several key players. Though we applied lots of pressure in the final minutes we could find the back of the net for the equalizer and the Riels scored into the open net to seal the win.
Sinclair and Hutch battled hard and Will added some much needed grit to the line up. Once we get the finish to our game we will start winning a few more. Hope to get that started on Thursday when we visit the Vic's.
Oct 14 - Tough loss to Raiders
A game that started with a good pace and chances at both ends changed quickly midway through the 1st period when the Raiders got a pp and scored. Momentum swung to the home club and the Express lost their game spending the rest of the game on their heels.
We missed Kotch, Grouette, Jones and Reid Whyte who usually bring a phyical presence to our club and could have made a difference. Look forward to getting a full line up.
Oct 7 - Shootout victory over the Twins
Railer Express picked up their first two points of the season Gardy and Weir notched a pair in regulation and newcomer Mason Hobson played a strong game against his former team. Nothing was settled in OT so a shootout was needed to determine a winner. With Conner Shaw stopping all three Twin's shooters in the shootout, all that was needed was Kotch's wristshot finding the back of the net to seal the two points for the Railer Express.
Great first win for Shaw in net facing close to fifty shots.
Lets continue this momentum heading to meet the Raiders on Friday in Garden City.
Players have also started to give back to our community and have been helping at the Transcona Minor Hockey preseason camps, an exercise with benefit to both young and Jr Hockey players.
Fishing Trip to Elbow Lake - Auction Prize from Railer Express Dinner
Don Gale and Jerry Sodomlak took Cliff Evans, the successful auction winner of the July trip to Elbow lake, and friends Glen & Drew McIvor and Shane Kjerinsted to the northerm Manitoba wilderness lodge for a great weekend of fishing.
With guides extrordinaire, Fudd, Todd and Micheal we managed to catch over 1200 fish in the three days. Glen scored the biggest pike at 39" and his son Drew found a 29" walleye. Lots of food, lots of laughs and lots of fish!
Express 2nd Annual Golf Tourney
The current weather may not have been to everyone’s liking but the Railer Express 2nd annual Golf Tournament on Friday June 3rd at Transcona Golf Club was a great success for 113 golfers. Food, drink, golf were all on the menu as well a good time.. A huge thanl you to the hole sponsors, individual golfers and teams..
Look forward to doing this all over again during the first week of June 2017.
On behalf of the board we appreciate everyone’s continued support.
Dave Brown
Director Alumni/Assistant GM
wiseguys1616@gmail.com
Railer Express remember
Brad Little 1970 - 2013
A great friend, a volunteer, coach &
a Railer for many years.
Fondly remembered - Sadly missed!
Lyle 'Bull' Stardom 1958 - 2013
A great friend, a true Transconian and Railer forever!
If you have questions you may forward them through our email at transconarailerexpress@hotmail.ca.
