The Coquitlam Express have defeated the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 4-3 in BCHL action.
Coquitlam got set for their 2nd matchup at the Train Station this week, after taking Prince George down 4-3 on Wednesday. The action got started quick, as Jackson Lackas’ 2nd of the season got the Bulldogs on the board just 1:46 into the opening frame. It wouldn’t take long for an Express response. And it’d be Nolan Flynn off a tip in tying things up with his 9th goal on the season. It would be an understatement to say this game was intense, as the Express looked to clinch a spot in the 2026 BCHL Playoffs. But the Bulldogs wouldn’t make it easy on Coquitlam with the physicality and post whistle scrums. Alberni would take their second lead of the night off the 13th of the season from Wyatt Davis. A little later Coquitlam found themselves on the powerplay, and who else but George Stavrianeas to tie things up with his 18th goal on the year. As the game headed to the 1st intermission tied 2-2.
The intensity ramped up in the middle frame. With hits, scrums and plenty of words being exchanged between either side. Both teams saw powerplay chances but were unable to convert. The 2nd would only see 1 goal between the teams. As Mitch Kneidel let one fly from the blueline that’d find its way in to give the Express a 3-2 lead. Charles-Antoine Girard would turn aside all 7 Bulldog shots in the 2nd, as Coquitlam took the 1 goal lead into the final intermission.
Thing became a bit unraveled in the 3rd period. 8 misconducts were given out at the end of the game. On top of 10 penalties minutes in the 3rd as well. Both teams saw chances to put another goal on the board, but the goaltenders stood tall. Girard would even stop a penalty shot off Teague McAllister, as 2 periods without a goal against would be the recipe for success tonight, as the Express took home a 3-2 win. And have officially cliched their spot in the 2026 Rogers BCHL Playoffs.
The Express return to action tomorrow night Saturday, February 7th as they head out to the Chilliwack Coliseum to face the Chiefs.
