Lehdistötiedotteet

It was a season of up and downs for the Canadian Express in league III.7. They finished 5th place with 87 points while only giving up an impressive 56 goals during the 38 game season.

Much of the success keeping the puck out of the net can be credited to Finnish goaltender Kalevi Pihlajamäki who finished 7th in save% (.940), 10th in goals against average (1.51) and finished 2nd with a very impressive 17 shutouts all just in 32 games. During the playoffs, Pihlajamäki performed the best he could, practically stealing the 2 wins it took to beat Johannais in the first round.

Leading the way on the back end was Czech born d-man Daniel Šlechta who had 13-38-51 (goals-assists-points) in 38 games.

"Daniel has really rounded his game this season. He has been really fun to watch, his puck movement was by far his best improvement." said Express coach Ádám Czeizler.

Hard to ignore was the 274 goals the team scored. Leading was all-star centre Borut Jesih. Jesih had 58-43-101 in 38 games, finishing 12th in scoring.

"Jesih has been great since moving over here to North America. For such a young man he has handled it like a veteran. We are very happy with the progress he's made in his defensive game and that is why we have already named him an alternate captain for next season." Said coach Czeizler.

The fact that Jesih has already been named an assistant captain means that something could be happening with veterans Harry Dryer or Alvin Jordan, depending on who has there "A" stripped.

"We have changes to be made this off-season, one of my major goals is to acquire some young talent that can turn into some legitimate players on this team." Said Express GM Clutch Canadian. "We have some older players who could be on there way out. I'm not giving names but I've already informed some guys that there time here is done."

Players who look like there on the way out are, 3rd line centre Harry Dryer who has been constantly talked about in rumors, German defenseman Rainer Buhs who was acquired late season to help reinforce the back end, centreman John Witherspoon looks like the main candidate to go after having a career worst season, being demoted to the 4th line.

It looks as if Clutch Canadian will be under some pressure to try and ice a championship winning team that Express fans have thought they've had for a while now. This off-season will be an eventful one. Stay tuned for the upcoming roller coaster!

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