April 5th, 2026 – Jordan Dobrew
The Chilliwack Chiefs have defeated the Coquitlam Express 4-3 in BCHL Playoff action.
It was game 2 of this round 1 matchup between the Express and Chiefs, as the Express looked to take a 2-0 series lead before shifting back to Coquitlam. It’d once again be the Chiefs with a quick start to the game. As Maxmillian Bruner tapped home a 2-on-1 feed to make it 1-0 Chiefs just 2:34 into the game. After some back and forth, Mitch Kneidel fired home his 1st of the playoffs from the point, tying the game up 1-1. Both teams remained strong through the first 20 minutes, sending the game tied heading into the 2nd period.
Coquitlam got the games first powerplay off a high-sticking call early in the 2nd, but the Chiefs penalty kill kept the game tied. Arjun Bawa then snuck one past Ryan Parker to put the Chiefs up 2-1 off his 1st of the playoffs. Later in the period the game saw some 4-on-4 action, but the Express ended up taking a penalty to make it 4-on-3 for the Chiefs. A big task for their first penalty kill, but the Express killed it off. Making it a 2-1 game after 2 periods.
It’d be another early powerplay for the Express and a golden opportunity a that, as it’d be a 4 minute man advantage for the Express. There’d be some looks for the Express. But a penalty shot was awarded to the Chiefs. And Nico Grabas cashed in making it 3-1 Chiefs. But the Express came right back down as Michael Munroe potted one off a backhand shot just 37 seconds later to cut the deficit right back down to 1. The Express spent the rest of the of the period digging for the tying goal once again. And it’d be some more late game heroics as Justin Ivanusec potted a pass from Nate Crema, and just like that it was tied 3-3. And for a second straight night the game was heading to overtime.
And to say overtime, or overtimes was a treat would be an understatement. Four overtimes were needed to decide this contest. And to say there wasn’t drama on the way to the finish line wouldn’t do the overtimes justice. A penalty shot for Coquitlam that was denied. Physicality ramping up. Chances off the post. An overtime goal called back. This essential second game inside the game had it all. But it’d be the Chiefs who came out on top thanks to the 2nd of the playoffs from Drew DellaSalla as the Chiefs tie the series up after an overtime thriller.
The series now shifts back to Coquitlam on Monday, April 6th for game 3. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM PST from Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex.
