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MVP Wiley leads Express award winners

March 27, 2006 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Owatonna Express News Release


Southern Minnesota Express Coach Pat Cullen believes his team's offensive balance and outstanding depth enabled the first-year franchise to win the NAHL Central Division championship with a record of 35-17-6. No fewer less than five Express players - Sean Murphy (33), Jason Wiley (31), Alex Coles (23), Ryan Guentzel (20), and Joel Gaulrapp (20) - reached the 20-goal plateau this season. Mike Montgomery, with 19 goals, and Jamie Ruff (18) were not far behind.

Nine players (all of the above plus Jeff Carlson and James Gaulrapp) finished the season with at least 30 points, a balanced offensive output no NAHL team could match.

Still, it isn't possible to win the division without the leadership of outstanding individuals, five of whom received special recognition at the inaugural Express team banquet March 26. The awards were decided by the players via secret ballot.

Goalie Nick Hopper (Culver City, Calif.) was named Outstanding Defensive Player, Murphy (Owatonna, Minn.) earned Outstanding Offensive Player honors, and forward Jesse Junkermeier (Minnetonka, Minn.) was voted the Most Improved Player. Carlson (Richfield, Minn.) collected the team's Plus/Minus Award with an impressive season total of +27.

The biggest award of the night, however, was reserved for 20-year-old winger Jason Wiley (Bloomington, Minn.) whose electrifying speed and incredible puckhandling earned him the honor as Southern Minnesota's Most Valuable Player. Wiley, who had 31 goals and 61 points in 50 games, will skate for Minnesota State University - Mankato next season.

"Jason has the ability to take a game on his back, to will us to win," Cullen said. "He does some amazing things on the ice. I think he's just scratching the surface of his ability."

Hopper joined the Express immediately following the NAHL Showcase, sparking a remarkable turnaround for the team. The 18-year-old toiled in the USHL last season but jumped at the opportunity to play in the NAHL. Hopper finished the season with a record of 31-8-4. He had three shutouts, a goals against average of 2.61, and a save percentage of .901.

Murphy burst onto the scene in his first season of junior hockey after graduating from Owatonna High School. The crafty center was among the league's leading scorers all season, finishing the year with 33 goals and 67 points. He is currently weighing his options among several NCAA Division I programs.

Junkermeier surprised even himself when he was included on the Express roster but the 18-year-old winger gained in confidence as the season went on. Junkermeier had 3 goals and 11 points in 51 games for the Express but his real contributions do not register on the stats sheet. His intensity, work ethic, and enthusiasm were contagious.

"The votes for every award were very, very close," Cullen said. "I think that's a credit to the depth on this hockey team. These guys have accomplished a lot this year but they have a lot more to do before the season is over."

The Express will face the Minnesota Blizzard in Round One of the playoffs. The series begins March 31 in Faribault, Minn.



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