May 4, 2025 - 102 Games Today

Express win fourth straight

February 2, 2007 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Owatonna Express News Release

OWATONNA, MN -- The Southern Minnesota Express won their fourth game in a row Friday night, knocking off North Iowa 2-0 to move two points closer to first place in the NAHL Central Division. Scott Kozlak's first-period powerplay goal held up as the game-winner. Kozlak (Duluth, Minn.) was set up by CJ Willms (North St. Paul, Minn.), who stole the puck from two North Iowa players to feed Kozlak in the slot. His quick wrist shot bounced off the crossbar and into the net at the 8:01 mark.

Rookie Matt Lipinski (Faribault, Minn.) added an insurance goal, his 7th of the season, midway through the third period to seal the deal. Simon Paulgaard (Oslo, Norway) stopped 23 shots to earn his 7th shutout of the season in front of a raucous crowd of 1,009 at the Four Seasons Centre.

The win raised Southern Minnesota's record to 25-19-2 while North Iowa dropped to 18-22-3. At 52 points, the Express pulled to within four points of first-place Fargo-Moorhead. The Jets were playing a late game Friday night in Alaska. The Express and Outlaws meet again Saturday night in Mason City, their 10th encounter of the season.

NOTES - Backup goalie Phil Tereyla (Colorado Springs, Col.) left the Express Thursday. He was replaced Friday night by Hill-Murray grad Tom O'Brien (Maplewood, Minn.)..NAHL roster moves must be completed by February 6 before being frozen for the remainder of the season...The Express currently have 23 of 25 roster spots filled...Libor Gazdik (Czech Republic) remains out with an ankle injury. He is expected to return next weekend.

• Discuss this story on the North American Hockey League message board...

North American Hockey League Stories from February 2, 2007

Express win fourth straight - Owatonna Express
Phantoms topple TC - Traverse City North Stars
Phantoms topple Traverse City - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
U.S. Nat'l Under-18 Team Falls to Wayne State in Overtime, 6-5 - U.S. National Team
Bobcats set for busy weekend - Bismarck Bobcats

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Owatonna Express Stories