Coquitlam Express

The Coquitlam Express Junior 'A' Hockey Club began their history as proud members of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) in 2001 under an ownership group of hockey enthusiasts and led by Vancouver Canuck Alumni Darcy Rota. The BCHL prides itself on the opportunities it presents to its players to earn scholarships to further their education at highly reputable US Colleges while continuing their dream of playing hockey in the National Hockey League (NHL). During the Express’ first four years in Coquitlam the team produced many players who moved on to NCAA Scholarships and later the NHL including David Jones (Colorado Avalanche), and Brandon Yip (Colorado Avalanche). In the most recent 2010-11 season the Express have currently assisted four of its players in receiving scholarships to US Colleges. These recent 4 join the clubs history of more than 30 scholarships awarded to players. In 2006-07 the Express were highly regarded as a top team in the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), with the likes of Kyle Turris and Tyler McNeely on their roster. In 2007, Express player, Kyle Turris, was drafted 1st round, 3rd overall to the Phoenix Coyotes becoming the Express’ most recent graduate to the NHL. To this date, Kyle Turris is the highest drafted Canadian Junior A Hockey player in history. Other Express alumni to enter into the NHL ranks include Milan Lucic (Boston Bruins) and Andrew Ladd (Atlanta Thrashers).