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16 players with BCHL experience competing in 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Brian Wiebe

The 2024 National Hockey League playoffs are underway and 16 players with British Columbia Hockey League experience began the quest for the Stanley Cup in the first round. Our list includes players who served as affiliates in the BCHL like Mathew Barzal and Jordie Benn.

The Colorado Avalanche led the way with four players with BCHL experience on its roster as of the beginning of the quest for the Stanley Cup, while the Nashville Predators have three, and the Edmonton Oilers and New York Islanders each have two. Nine of the 16 teams participating in the chase for Lord Stanley’s Cup feature a player with BCHL experience on their rosters.

The Penticton Vees have produced the most playoff performers with five alumni on the list. The Surrey Eagles and Coquitlam Express have two former players in the NHL playoffs, while Nanaimo, Salmon Arm, Chilliwack, Penticton, West Kelowna, Langley, and Cowichan Valley each have one. The defunct Merritt Centennials also have two alumni taking part in the NHL post-season.

BCHL alumni on NHL playoff rosters

Boston Bruins (1)
Danton Heinen (Merritt/Surrey)

Carolina Hurricanes (1)
Bradly Nadeau (Penticton Vees)

Colorado Avalanche (4)
Brandon Duhaime (Merritt Centennials)
Brad Hunt (Coquitlam Express)
Josh Manson (Salmon Arm Silverbacks)
Devon Toews (Surrey Eagles)

Dallas Stars (1)
Jamie Benn (Victoria Grizzlies)

Edmonton Oilers (2)
Vincent Desharnais (Chilliwack Chiefs)
Troy Stecher (Penticton Vees)

Nashville Predators (3)
Colton Sissons (West Kelowna Warriors)
Tyson Barrie (Victoria Grizzlies)
Dante Fabbro (Langley/Penticton)

New York Islanders (2)
Mathew Barzal (Coquitlam Express)
Mike Reilly (Penticton Vees)

Toronto Maple Leafs (1)
Cade Webber (Penticton Vees)

Winnipeg Jets (1)
Laurent Brossoit (Cowichan Valley Capitals)

Brian Wiebe

Brian's been involved in the BCHL in a variety of capacities for 17 years. From 2002 to 2012, he served in several roles around the Merritt Centennials organization, including as team president, board member, beat writer, colour commentator, webmaster, media and communications coordinator and marketing assistant. He's been writing about the BCHL since 2008 and served as colour commentator on the TSN 1040 broadcasts in 2012-13. BCHLNetwork is one of Brian's many passion projects that he balances around his full-time job as an instructor in the Radio Arts and Entertainment Program at BCIT in Burnaby.