STORM DERAIL WINDSOR EXPRESS IN 3RD GAME OF SEMI-FINALS

SUMMERSIDE, PEI - The Windsor Express dropped game three of their National Basketball League of Canada semifinal series against the Summerside Storm, 112-84, at the WFCU Centre, March 28.


The win gives the Storm a 2-1 lead in the series and puts the Express on the brink of elimination. Game three will be in Windsor on Saturday, March 30. Tip-off is 7pm EST/ 8pm AST.

The Express were outscored in every quarter of the pivotal match-up and were out-rebounded as well. In the first half, Summerside shot 51 per cent from the field compared to Windsor's 27.

Antoine Tisby led the charge for the Storm with 23 points, nine rebounds, two blocks and two steals.

Darren Duncan led the Express in most statistical categories, scoring 14 points, dishing out 11 assists, swiping six steals and grabbing four rebounds while taking two charges on defense.

Greg Surmacz had a game-high 12 rebounds to go along with 10 points. Chris Commons had 13 points and hit his first three-pointer of the series.Stefan Bonneau scored 10 points before he left the game in the fourth quarter with an injury. Kevin Loiselle left the game earlier with an injury in the second half and played only 15 minutes.

Eddie Smith had a balanced effort for the Express, hauling down 9 rebounds to go along with his 7 points and 5 assists. Daniel Rose provided some interior offense and defense, scoring nine points, grabbing three rebounds and blocking three shots.

If the Express force game five, it will take place back in Summerside, P.E.I. on April 2nd at Credit Union Place with a 7pm AST tip-off.

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8th Annual WESPY Awards Noiminees

presented by C.A.W. Local 444 and Subway Restaurants
Tuesday April 9, 2013, 6pm – Caboto Club of Windsor
www.thewespys.ca

Keynote Speaker: Mr. Ken Dryden

WESPY MAJOR AWARDS

Female Knobby Knudsen Volunteer of the Year - Angela Calamita
Male Knobby Knudsen Volunteer of the Year – Dennis Palamides
Female Legacy Award – Linda Bourdeau
Male Legacy Award – Bob Turner

Mickey Renaud Captain’s Award (Leadership)
Jeff Rivait – Windsor Clippers
Kelly Rizea – St. Clair College
Matt Beaudoin – LaSalle Vipers

Coach of the Year
Steve Vagnini – Windsor Stars Soccer
Chantal Vallee – Windsor Lancers
Dave Cooper – St. Clair College


Team of the Year
Windsor Lancers Women’s Basketball
St. Clair College Men’s Baseball
Windsor Lancers Men’s Track & Field


Executive of the Year
Dartis Willis – Windsor Express
Dean Lapierre – Windsor Minor Hockey
Tom LaPorte – Riverside Minor Baseball

Female Athlete of the Year
Melissa Bishop – Windsor Alumni
Miah-Marie Langlois – Windsor Lancers
Alyssa Getty – Kingsville Golf & CC


Male Athlete of the Year
Tyler Pope-Ferguson – Pointe West GC/Essex 73’s
Jordan Brescacin – Windsor Lancers
Brandon McBride – W.F. Herman SS/Windsor Legion



MALE WESPY AWARD FINALISTS

Swimming
Andrew Binder – Windsor Essex Swim Team
Aaron Rode – Windsor Essex Swim Team
Cody Lavoie – Windsor Essex Swim Team


Golf
Bryce Evon – Roseland Golf Club
Tyler Pope-Ferguson – Pointe West Golf Club
Jordan Hutchings – Kingsville Golf & CC

Athletes with Disabilities
Mike LaRochelle – Windsor Bulldogs
David Grenier – Essex Ice Bullets
Tim Ekert – Windsor Bulldogs

Boxing
Josh Cameron – Border City Boxing Club
Samir Adnan El-Mais – Border City Boxing club
Justin Hocko – Rough Boxing

Hockey
Kerby Rychel – Windsor Spitfires
Matt Beaudoin – LaSalle Vipers
Alex Seguin – Leamington Flyers

Volleyball
Gabe Burlacu – St. Joseph’s Catholic High School
Will Alexander – Windsor Lancers
Manik Jandoria – Holy Names Catholic High School

Track & Field
Andrew DeGroot – St. Clair College
Matt Walters – Windsor Lancers
Brandon McBride – W.F. Herman SS/Windsor Legion

Basketball
Lien Phillip – Windsor Lancers
Josh Collins – Windsor Lancers
Mychal Mulder – Catholic Central High School

Soccer
Mike Watson – Windsor Lancers
Brian Santos – St. Clair College
Anthony Santilli – Windsor Stars

Football
Frank Renaud – Essex Ravens
Jaydon Gauthier – W.F. Herman SS
Jordan Brescacin – Windsor Lancers

Horseman
Bob McIntosh
Ron Adams
Bill Kirkpatrick

Baseball
Rob Cooper – St. Clair College
Brett Siddall – Windsor Selects
Kevin Mailloux – Windsor Stars

Wrestling
Hasan Hawilo – Windsor Wrestling Club
Kyle Hill – Essex Wrestling Club
Andrew McKenzie – Windsor Wrestling Club

FEMALE WESPY AWARD FINALISTS

Swimming
Hannah Oswald – Windsor Essex Swim Team
Emily Marginean – Windsor Essex Swim Team
Kylie Masse – Windsor Essex Swim Team

Golf
Alyssa Getty – Kingsville Golf & CC
Heather MacKenzie – St. Clair College
Erica Rivard – Beachgrove Golf & CC

Soccer
Sara Kox – St. Clair College
Bella Habuda – Tecumseh Warriors/Belle River DHS
Giulia Barile – St. Anne Catholic High School

Volleyball
Kim Moroun – Belle River DHS
Roshanna Matthews – St. Joseph’s Catholic High School
Katie Breault – General Amherst Secondary School

Basketball
Jessica Clemencon – Windsor Lancers
Jaylin VandeBovenkamp – General Amherst Secondary School
Miah-Marie Langlois – Windsor Lancers


Wrestling
Josee Tremblay – L’Essor Wrestling club
Emily Kessler – Essex Wrestling Club
Lydia Congdon – Essex Wrestling Club

Athletes with Disabilities
Jenna Skieneh – Windsor Aquatic Club
Virginia McLachlan – Windsor Alumni
Ashley Goure – Essex Ice Bullets

Hockey
Candace Rapchak – Windsor Lancers
Erinn Noseworthy – Southwest Wildcats
Alyssa Baldin – Windsor Lancers


Track & Field
Victoria Smith – Windsor Legion
Melissa Bishop – Windsor Alumni
Olivia Little – Vincent Massey SS/Windsor Legion


Boxing
Cheyenne Wiley – Windsor Amateur Boxing Club
Jocelyn Guenette – Windsor Amateur Boxing Club
Mary Spencer – Windsor Amateur Boxing Club

Fastball
Allie Telfer – Windsor Wild/St. Clair College
Alexa Georgiou – Windsor Wildcats/St. Clair College
Kelsey Schincariol – Windsor Lancers


Figure Skating
Molly Ghanam – Riverside Skating Club
Brianna Clarkson – Riverside Skating Club
Kassandra Korcsog – South Windsor Skating Club

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WINDSOR EXPRESS LOSE GAME TWO OF SEMI FINALS

SUMMERSIDE, PEI - The Windsor Express dropped game two of their National Basketball League of Canada playoff semifinal series against the Summerside Storm, 114-98, March 26 at Credit Union Place in P.E.I.


Another slow start to the game saw the Express down 12 points at halftime despite a strong effort from DeAndre Thomas, who had 10 points and 8 rebounds through the first two quarters.

Windsor fought back in the third quarter and only trailed by a point heading into the final stanza. A transition basket by Brandon Robinson put the Storm up 104-97 with two minutes remaining.

The Express were led offensively by University of Windsor graduate, Greg Surmacz, who drained four three-pointers in a 21-point effort to go along with his five rebounds and three assists.

Former Oakland University Grizzly, Mike Helms scored 19 points while Darren Duncan followed up his triple-double performance in game one with a double-double in game two, scoring 10 points, dishing out 10 assists while hauling down five rebounds.

Kevin Loiselle led the game in rebounds with 12 while chipping in with 10 points.

Chris Commons scored 10 points for the second straight game but has yet to hit a three-point shot during this series.

Deandre Thomas finished the game 4 points and 11 rebounds.

The series now shifts back to the WFCU Centre in Windsor where games three and four will be played on Thursday, March 28 and Saturday, March 30. Both games tip at 7pm EST.

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EXPRESS DEFEATS POWER AND SEALS 7TH STRAIGHT W

WINDSOR, ON - The Windsor Express finished their regular season with a 98-88 win over the Oshawa Power, March 16 at the WFCU Centre.


The Express had already clinched third place and a bye into the National Basketball League of Canada semifinals the night before with a 104-95 victory over the Saint John Mill Rats but there was no lack of effort from both sides. Windsor extended their season-high winning-streak to seven games while the Power's streak of futility continued with their tenth consecutive loss to end the season.

The Express spread their offense around evenly among their active roster players. Mike Helms led all scorers with 18 points, making four three-pointers in the process. Kevin Loiselle had a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing 12 rebounds while four other players reached double-digits for the victors.

The player of the game, however, was Anthony Johnson. The Express forward flirted with a triple-double on this evening, scoring 12 points, grabbing nine rebounds and dishing out nine assists.

Richardo Dunkley scored his first points as a member of the Express - a three-pointer. Dunkley is a Ryerson University grad and one of three Canadians on the Express roster.

The Express will have a week to rest before playing game one of the NBL Canada semifinals at Credit Union Place in Summerside, Prince Edward Island on Sunday, March 24. Tip-off is 2pm AST. Game two will take place on Tuesday, March 26 at 7pm AST before the series heads back to Windsor for game three on Thursday, March 28 at the WFCU Centre for a 7pm EST tip-off. Game four, if necessary, will take place in Windsor on Saturday, March 30 at 7pm EST. Finally, if a fifth game is required, it will take place back in Summerside on Tuesday, April 2 at 7pm AST.

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WINDSOR EXPRESS MAKE PLAYOFFS IN FIRST YEAR!

CONGRATULATIONS TO DARTIS WILLIS, THE TEAM AND THE ENTIRE WINDSOR EXPRESS ORGANIZATION!

WINDSOR, ON - The Windsor Express clinched third place in the National Basketball League of Canada standings and a bye to the semifinals against the Summerside Storm with their 104-95 victory over the Saint John Mill Rats at the WFCU Centre, tonight.


Darren Duncan and Mike Helms shared the team-lead in points with 18.

Kevin Loiselle chipped in 17 points and 10 rebounds.

Chris Commons scored 14 points and Greg Surmacz had a double-double, scoring 12 points and hauling down 12 rebounds.

In a game that saw many lead changes in the second half, it was the play of Stefan Bonneau in the fourth quarter that led to Windsor's nine-point victory. Bonneau came off of the bench and scored seven straight points for the Express to put them ahead in the final minutes and finished with 15 points in only 19 minutes of playing time.

An alley-oop slam dunk started by Duncan and finished by Loiselle put the final touches on the victory in front of an excited crowd at the WFCU.

Mill Rats forward Kenny Jones was dominant during the first three quarters of the game, accumulating 20 points midway through the third but was quieted by the Express defense the rest of the game. Jones finished the night with 24 points. Kevin Francis shook off a rusty shooting display in the first quarter to finish with 17 points.

The win gives the Express a berth in the semifinals against the Summerside Storm, beginning with games one and two on Prince Edward Island, March 24 at 26 at Credit Union Place. As of yet, dates and times for games three and four in Windsor have yet to be announced.

Both the Express and the Storm still have one regular season game remaining on March 16 at home. The Storm play the Halifax Rainmen while the Express take on the Oshawa Power. Both games tip-off at 7pm EST and can be seen live at www.nblcanada.ca

As always, during the regular season children under 13 are free with each paying adult.

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WINDSOR EXPRESS PLAYERS HAVE HEART TO HEART WITH FANS

(WINDSOR, ON) - The Windsor Express held a press conference today at the Holiday Inn Express in which they allowed fans and media to ask candid questions and get honest answers.

Chris Mendes, the team's general manager, started off dedicating their championship efforts to Victor Morris (who formerly wore jersey #5). He acknowledged Vic as still being a part of their team and thanked all the players that were ever a part of the Express as their efforts helped get them to this point.

Bob Bellacicco said that Chris Commons #22 had been known as the silent killer. He asked what changed in the last game to make him more aggressive? Chris said the scoring that he does is for his team and his brothers. "I don't think about myself when I'm scoring. I score for the Windsor Express; to put the team in a better position." If the game requires that he comes out and be more aggressive, that's what he strives to do. After being asked about going to the playoffs, Commons remarked that they have been in the playoffs for the last 3 weeks. Watch the video as Chris speaks about playing on the Express vs other professional teams.

Brotherhood and the Express

Greg Surmacz #33 told a Blackburn reporter, "Mid-Season something just clicked. Finally having the right pieces in place obviously helped as well and just guys getting healthy at the right time and coming together. We all sat down and said our common goal for the season was to make it to the playoffs."

Eddy Smith #23 was asked if he hated London. With a huge smile on his face, he responded, "I Love London. The fans and their signs helped me to better my game last week." He said every player brings something different to the game and he always brings his lighthearted smile.

As a rookie, Kevin Loiselle #10 spoke about his defensive game. "I came in and wasn't doing well at the beginning and I just started focusing on playing defense and grabbing rebounds when I saw that the team needed it. Unfortunately Greg went down and I had to step in some big shoes. I knew I was ready to step up to the plate. I came in and showed it. I'm just happy to be here and be a big part of the team. It has been a great experience. I make a lot of mistakes but, I'm just trying to hustle."

Eric Parker #40 was on the starting roster for the Express, left and has now returned. He said his experience has been one of overcoming adversity and paralleled that to the experience of the team itself. He had to fight for a position on the roster against guys that were completely healthy. "My hard work and our hard work has allowed us to get to this point and have a chance to win the championship."

Royal Church, friend and supporter of the Windsor Express announced that Dartis Willis, Owner and CEO, is now one of three finalists for WESPY's Executive of the Year Award.

Come watch the Windsor Express fight to keep their seat as 3rd in the Playoffs. Friday against St.John Millrats and Saturday against the Oshawa Power. Tip-off is 7PM.

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WINDSOR EXPRESS STRIKE DOWN LIGHTNING

WINDSOR, ON - The Windsor Express won an exciting overtime thriller, 108-107, over the London Lightning at the WFCU Centre, March 8.

 

Kevin Loiselle split a pair of free throws with two seconds to go in overtime to seal the victory. It was a missed free-throw by London's Jermaine Blackburn with the game tied and one second left in regulation (after a questionable foul call) that gave the Express second life. 

Eddie Smith led all scorers with 27 points, creating fouls and extending a lot of scoring opportunities into three-point plays. 

Chris Commons had 26 points and was a catalyst in the Express comeback late in the fourth quarter, hitting a pair of three-point shots and clutch free throws down the stretch before fouling out in overtime. 

The player of the game, however, was Stefan Bonneau. The reserve point guard scored 22 points, had eight assists and six defensive rebounds while controlling the pace of the game in the final minutes. His two made free throws put the Express up by one with 3 seconds left remaining before Blackburn's heart-stopping missed free throw sent the game to overtime.

University of Windsor graduate Greg Surmacz played well in front of the hometown fans, leading the Express with fourteen rebounds while chipping in with nine points and five assists in over 43 minutes of playing time.

Four Lightning players scored in double-digit figures in the loss, led by Marvin Phillips' 25 points.

The win was Windsor's fifth in a row and tenth in twelve games. They now hold a 20-18 record and sit in third place overall in the National Basketball League of Canada standings. 

The final two games in the regular home season are March 15 and 16 at 7PM when the Express host the St. John Millrats and Oshawa Power. 

As always, children under 13 are free with each paying adult.

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WINDSOR EXPRESS TURN THE POWER OFF!

(OSHAWA, ON) The Windsor Express blew out the Oshawa Power, 101-65, at the General Motors Centre, March 6.

 

With this win, the Express improve to 19-18 and sit in third place in the National Basketball League of Canada standings with three games left in the regular season.

 

Stefan Bonneau led the Express with 20 points, hitting five three-pointers in the process. 

 

Kevin Loiselle had a double-double by virtue of his game-high 12 rebounds and 12 points. 

 

Four other Express players scored double digits in the win and DeAndre Thomas had a balanced effort, scoring seven points, grabbing five rebounds and leading all players with six assists.

 

Windsor's next game is Friday, March 8 at the WFCU Centre against the London Lightning. Tip-off is 7pm

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EXPRESS FIGHTS THE POWER AND WINS

WINDSOR, ON - The Windsor Express defeated the Oshawa Power, 88-85, on a last-second three-point shot made by Darren Duncan in front of the hometown fans at the WFCU Centre, March 2.

 

Duncan, who finished the game with 20 points, 12 assists and four rebounds made the game-winner after the Power had tied the score with only 18 seconds left. The Express held a double-digit lead for most of the game but a well-placed timeout call by Bill Jones set the stage for the last-second theatrics that ensued.

Chris Commons led all Express scorers with 21 points in the victory while newly signed forward DeAndre Thomas contributed five points, seven rebounds and four assists in his first game with Windsor while playing a significant role on the defensive side of the ball.

Recently released forward, Lester Prosper was signed on March 1 by Oshawa and played minimal minutes in his first game with the Power. Mark Gomillia led his team in scoring with 21 points while guard Nick Okorie chipped in 20 points to go along with nine assists.

The Express now hold the fifth and final playoff spot in the National Basketball League of Canada with an 18-18 record, right behind the Power and Halifax Rainmen who both own 18-17 records. 

The Express will head to the General Motors Centre in Oshawa for a rematch on Wednesday, March 6 before heading back home for their final three games of the regular season. 

The Express hosts the London Lightning on Friday, March 8 at 7PM.

As always, children under 13 are free with each paying adult.

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Windsor Boxer “Sweet” Sammy El-Mais Takes Gold

The Border City Boxing Club’s “Sweet” Sammy El-Mais travelled recently to Salina, Puerto Rico with the rest of the Canadian Boxing Team for a one-week training camp.  Following the camp, El-Mais travelled to Santiago, Dominican Republic to compete at the 15-country Independence Cup.  El-Mais, the four-time reigning Canadian Heavyweight Champion was hoping to improve upon his Bronze-Medal performance at the 2012 Olympic qualifiers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

El-Mais narrowly missed an Olympic berth, dropping a three-point decision to Yamil Peralta who advanced to London last summer and is currently ranked in the World’s top ten.  El-Mais was determined not to let another international competition slip away from him.

On February 17, the Canadian team descended upon Santiago, for the Independence Cup.  In a preliminary bout, El-Mais faced Chilean Champion, Miguel Beliz and defeated him by a score of 23-13.

Advancing to the medal rounds, El-Mais met hometown favourite, Manuel de Jesus Marinez.  The Dominican Republic Champion had no answer to El-Mais’ superior hand-speed and wound up with the Silver Medal, dropping an 11-17 decision to El-Mais.

On February 22, in the Final, El-Mais faced the Brazilian Champion, Juan Nogueira.  The crafty southpaw took an early lead against El-Mais; however, El-Mais’ Olympic-Qualifier experience proved the difference, as the Canadian pulled out a 12-11 decision to claim the Gold Medal.

For more information, please contact Border City Boxing Club Head Coach, Josh Canty at (519) 982-0624 James.canty@gecdsb.on.ca

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WINDSOR EXPRESS DEMOLISHES ST. JOHN MILLRATS

WINDSOR, ON - The Windsor Express defeated the Saint John Mill Rats, 104-74 on First Responders Appreciation Night at the WFCU Centre, March 1.

 

Mike Helms scored a game-high 25 points and four other Express players reached double-digits in a game that was 58-35 at halftime due to a 28-10 outburst by Windsor in the second quarter. 

Darren Duncan had 13 assists to lead all players in that category. 

The story of the game was the Mill Rats inability to score during long stretches. 

Jerice Crouch and Kenny Jones scored 19 and 17 points for the Mill Rats, respectively.

Currently sitting at 17-18, the outcome of this game and the games that follow will be crucial to Windsor earning a playoff spot.

This win sets up a game with the Oshawa Power at the WFCU Centre, tomorrow, March 2nd at 7PM which could possibly get the Express back to .500. 

As always, children under 13 are free with each paying adult.

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