BCHL, BCHL playoffs

BCHL Today: Eagles knock off Chilliwack in game seven, former Chiefs defenceman Desharnais reassigned to ECHL, and more

Written by Brian Wiebe on

Surrey Eagles punch their ticket to the second round

The Surrey Eagles became the second lower seed in the BCHL playoffs to advance past the first round with a 3-2 game seven win over the Chilliwack Chiefs. The Eagles, who were seeded third in the Mainland Division, join the Interior Division fifth seed Vernon Vipers as the lower seed to win.

It’s only the second time in the last six seasons that Surrey has made it past the first round of the playoffs. The Eagles face the top seeded Coquitlam Express in the Mainland Division final. It’s the first time the two teams have met in the playoffs since 2011.

Former Chiefs defenceman Desharnais reassigned from AHL to ECHL

Defenceman Vincent Desharnais (one goal, four assists in 54 games with Chilliwack in 2014-15) has been reassigned from the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL to the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL.

Desharnais has no points in six games this season with Bakersfield, but 13 assists in 30 games with Wichita.

Former Express defenceman Hofford signed to ECHL amateur tryout

Defenceman Callum Hofford (two goals, 16 assists in 58 games with Coquitlam from 2012-14) has been signed to an amateur tryout by the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL.

Hofford wrapped up his four year NCAA Div. III college career with Salem State College this season with 27 goals and 45 assists in 109 games.

Three Stars of the Night

First Star: Surrey captain Hudson Schandor scored two goals.

Second Star: Eagles forward Gabe Schovanek posted a pair of assists.

Third Star: Surrey goaltender Thomas Scarfone made 38 saves.

Honourable Mentions: Chilliwack forward Clark Nelson and defenceman Jack Agnew each notched a goal.

Fred Page Cup Playoff Picture

INTERIOR DIVISION

#1 Penticton Vees vs. #8 West Kelowna Warriors

(Penticton wins best-of-7 series 4-1)

Game 1: Thursday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m. – Vees win 7-1
Game 2: Friday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m. – Vees win 4-1
Game 3: Sunday, Mar. 1, 3 p.m. – Vees win 9-2
Game 4: Tuesday, Mar. 3, 7 p.m. – Warriors win 2-1 OT
Game 5: Wednesday, Mar. 4, 7 p.m. – Vees win 5-4 OT

#2 Trail Smoke Eaters vs. #7 Prince George Spruce Kings

(Trail wins best-of-7 series 4-0)

Game 1: Friday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m. – Smoke Eaters win 2-1
Game 2: Saturday, Feb. 29, 7 p.m. – Smoke Eaters win 2-1 OT
Game 3: Monday, Mar. 2, 7 p.m. – Smoke Eaters win 4-0
Game 4: Tuesday, Mar. 3, 7 p.m. – Smoke Eaters win 3-1

#3 Salmon Arm Silverbacks vs. #6 Victoria Grizzlies

(Salmon Arm wins best-of-7 series 4-0)

Game 1: Friday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m. – Silverbacks win 2-1
Game 2: Saturday, Feb. 29, 7 p.m. – Silverbacks win 4-0
Game 3: Monday, Mar. 2, 7 p.m. – Silverbacks win 3-2
Game 4: Tuesday, Mar. 3, 7 p.m. – Silverbacks win 3-2

#4 Wenatchee Wild vs. #5 Vernon Vipers

(Vernon wins best-of-7 series 4-1)

Game 1: Saturday, Feb. 29, 7:05 p.m. – Vipers win 3-0
Game 2: Sunday, Mar. 1, 7:05 p.m. – Wild win 2-1
Game 3: Tuesday, Mar. 3, 7 p.m. – Vipers win 4-2
Game 4: Wednesday, Mar. 4, 7 p.m. – Vipers win 6-4
Game 5: Friday, Mar. 6, 7:05 p.m. – Vipers win 8-3

ISLAND DIVISION

#1 Nanaimo Clippers vs. #4 Alberni Valley Bulldogs

(Nanaimo wins best-of-7 series 4-0)

Game 1: Friday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m. – Clippers win 6-3
Game 2: Saturday, Feb. 29, 7 p.m. – Clippers win 6-3
Game 3: Tuesday, Mar. 3, 7 p.m. – Clippers win 3-2
Game 4: Thursday, Mar. 5, 7 p.m. – Clippers win 2-1

#2 Cowichan Valley Capitals vs. #3 Powell River Kings

(Cowichan Valley wins best-of-7 series 4-1)

Game 1: Friday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m. – Capitals win 6-3
Game 2: Saturday, Feb. 29, 7 p.m. – Capitals win 7-6 OT
Game 3: Tuesday, Mar. 3, 7 p.m. – Kings win 3-0
Game 4: Wednesday, Mar. 4, 7 p.m. – Capitals win 2-1
Game 5: Friday, Mar. 6, 7 p.m. – Capitals win 2-1 OT

MAINLAND DIVISION

#1 Coquitlam Express vs. #4 Langley Rivermen

(Coquitlam wins best-of-7 series 4-0)

Game 1: Friday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m. – Express win 5-1
Game 2: Sunday, Mar. 1, 7 p.m. – Express win 3-0
Game 3: Tuesday, Mar. 3, 7:15 p.m. – Express win 5-4 OT
Game 4: Wednesday, Mar. 4, 7:15 p.m. – Express win 5-4

#2 Chilliwack Chiefs vs. #3 Surrey Eagles

(Surrey wins best-of-7 series tied 4-3)

Game 1: Friday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m. – Chiefs win 6-3
Game 2: Saturday, Feb. 29, 7 p.m. – Chiefs win 2-0
Game 3: Monday, Mar. 2, 7:30 p.m. – Eagles win 3-2
Game 4: Tuesday, Mar. 3, 7 p.m. – Eagles win 5-2
Game 5: Thursday, Mar. 5, 7 p.m. – Chiefs win 3-0
Game 6: Saturday, Mar. 7, 7 p.m. – Eagles win 4-3
Game 7: Sunday, Mar. 8, 6 p.m. – Eagles win 3-2

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.