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Coquitlam Express
Coquitlam Express
Coquitlam Express
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Coquitlam Express hockey at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex

Key Information

The Coquitlam Express are a Junior ice hockey team based in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Coastal Conference of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). They play their home games at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex.

Although the team had played in the neighbouring city of Burnaby for the previous five years, on 14 January 2010 it was announced that the BCHL Board of Governors unanimously approved the relocation of the franchise back to Coquitlam for the 2010–11 season.[1][2][3]

History

[edit]

The Coquitlam Express began play as a new franchise in the BCHL for the 2001–02 hockey season, and played in the city for four seasons at the Coquitlam Sports Centre. Due to unsatisfactory conditions at the Sports Centre, specifically a reduction of parking due to the construction of a new aquatic complex next door, the team relocated to Burnaby for the 2005–06 season.

Burnaby originally had a junior "A" team by the name of the Burnaby Bulldogs, which played in that city for four seasons (1998–2001). That team relocated to the city of Port Alberni, on Vancouver Island for the start of the 2002–03 season and was renamed the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.

The 2005–06 season saw the Express win the league championship (Fred Page Cup) and the Mowat Cup by defeating the Langley Hornets in four games, the Chilliwack Chiefs in 5 games, the Victoria Salsa in 5 games, and the Penticton Vees in six games. The team then defeated the Fort McMurray Oil Barons in six games for the Doyle Cup and entered the National Championship as Pacific Region winners.

The Express won the Royal Bank Cup 2006 (National Championship) by defeating the Yorkton Terries by a score of 8–2. In the Semi-Final against the Fort William Northstars, they scored the tying goal with 12 seconds left in the third period then went on to win 3–2 in overtime. During the round-robin they had a record of 3–1, which seeded them 2nd in the Tournament, behind the hometown hosts Streetsville Derbys.

In 2006–07 the Express were highly touted as a top team in the Canadian Junior Hockey League,[by whom?] with players like Kyle Turris and Tyler McNeely. In the first round of the BCHL playoffs, the team beat the Langley Chiefs in seven games before losing to the eventual BCHL league champions Nanaimo Clippers in seven games during the second round.

The 2007 off-season saw a coaching change from Rick Lanz, a scout for the Colorado Avalanche, to Dave McLellan. The team was not very well-supported since the move from Coquitlam and struggled in attendance for the third straight year.

By 17 October 2009, the Burnaby Express were averaging just 548 fans per game, which was the second lowest attendance of the 17 teams in the BCHL at the time. This was half the attendance the team averaged in their final season in Coquitlam (1,091 fans per game).[4][5] With the team in last place in the Coastal Conference, on 16 January 2010 the Express announced the firing of coach Dave McLellan. General manager Darcy Rota took over during the interim, with Bill Zaharia and Tyler Kuntz named as assistants for the remainder of the 2009–10 season.[6] On 13 April 2010, the Express named Jon Calvano as their next head coach.[7]

The 2010–11 season marked the Express' return to Coquitlam. They played their first game back at the newly renovated and renamed Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex on 24 September 2010, where they defeated the Surrey Eagles 4–2. Coquitlam made the playoffs for the first time in three seasons, losing in the first round to the Eagles in four games. The following year, they would again be eliminated in the first round, this time to the Powell River Kings in six games. Following the 2011–12 season, the Express named Jon Calvano as general manager on top of his existing coaching duties.

The 2012–13 season saw a great start for the Express until the team lost players to multiple injuries within a short period, including New Jersey Devils draftee Alexander Kerfoot. The team struggled for most of the latter half of the season and failed to reach the postseason for the third time in five years. Calvano was fired at the end of the season.[8]

Barry Wolff became the team's next head coach on 22 April 2013[9] and in the following season led the Express to their second Fred Page Cup championship, and their first and only appearance in the Western Canada Cup, where they finished fourth following a 5–3 loss in the semifinal to the AJHL's Spruce Grove Saints. Wolff was named the 2014 coach of the year by the Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame and the team earned team of the year honours.[10]

The team achieved mixed success for the next couple of seasons, finishing fourth in the mainland division and eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in two consecutive seasons. The 2016–17 season again had the Express sustain many player injuries, resulting in a franchise worst 11–44–2–1 (25 points) record and finishing last in nearly every statistic. The following season continued the trend and after recording only three wins and eight points in the first half of the season, Wolff was fired and replaced with former OJHL's Toronto Patriots head coach Jason Fortier.[11] The team turned around under Fortier until the 2019–20 season where the Express posted a franchise-best 47–9–1–1 (96 points) and won the Ron Boileau Memorial Trophy for the first time as regular season champions. Their performance over the regular season was enough to earn Fortier Coach of the Year honors for the 2019–20 season. Unfortunately, after winning their first round matchup with the Langley Rivermen, Hockey Canada cancelled the remainder of the Junior A season nationally due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, ending their run for a third league title.[12]

Fortier would leave the team in the off-season, with Dan Cioffi, coach of the BCMML's Valley West Giants, named as his replacement.[13] He, however, would resign after the league's extended pre-season was paused by the Provincial Health Officer. [14] Adam Nugent-Hopkins, older brother of Edmonton Oiler Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, took his place for the rest of the season alongside new GM Tali Campbell.[15] He would coach the team to a 6-11-3 record in a 20 game pod season played against the Surrey Eagles and Powell River Kings.

Brandon Shaw, previously assistant coach of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, would be named head coach for the team's first full season since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.[16] After a rough start, he would rally the team to a 22-26-6 record to bring the team back up to 7th in the Coastal Conference. The Express would be eliminated by the Chiefs in the first round but not without taking the series to a full seven games. Shaw would move up to become an assistant coach with the OHL's Niagara Icedogs, leaving the team to find their fourth head coach in three seasons. Not only was it announced that Vees assistant coach Patrick Sexton would become the new bench boss for the 2022-23 season,[17] but on 17 August 2022 it was announced that a newly-retired Kyle Turris would be returning to the Express as a special advisor to GM Campbell and as a player development coach.[18] Sexton would remain as head coach through to the end of the 2023-24 regular season, where he was replaced with Jeff Wagner for the duration of the team's playoff run following a poor record in the second half of the season.[19] The team would bounce back but would lose in the first round to Alberni Valley in a closely fought seven-game series.

During a game against the Langley Rivermen on 2 November 2022, the Express set a new all-time attendance record of 2209 fans at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex.[20][21]

Season-by-season record

[edit]

Coquitlam Express, 2001-2005

[edit]

Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, OTL = Overtime Losses, PTS = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals against

Season GP W L T OTL PTS GF GA Finish Playoffs
2001–02 60 20 32 — 8 230 305 48 4th, Mainland Lost Conf. Quarterfinals, 1–4 (Chiefs)
2002–03 60 24 29 1 6 228 270 55 4th, Mainland Lost Conf. Quarterfinals, 3–4 (Chiefs)
2003–04 60 32 26 1 1 254 212 66 3rd, Mainland Lost Conf. Quarterfinals, 3–4 (Chiefs)
2004–05 60 25 31 1 3 211 258 54 3rd, Mainland Lost Conf. Quarterfinals, 3–4 (Chiefs)

Burnaby Express, 2005-2010

[edit]

Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, OTL = Overtime Losses, PTS = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals against

Season GP W L T OTL PTS GF GA Finish Playoffs
2005–06 60 34 20 1 5 231 202 74 2nd, Mainland Fred Page Cup Champions
Doyle Cup Champions
Royal Bank Cup Champions
2006–07 60 34 25 0 1 260 198 69 4th, Coastal Lost Conf. Semifinals, 3–4 (Clippers)
2007–08 60 33 24 0 3 218 219 69 4th, Coastal Lost Conf. Quarterfinals, 2–3 (Grizzlies)
2008–09 60 18 35 1 6 170 245 43 4th, Mainland did not qualify
2009–10 60 18 36 0 6 175 256 42 8th, Coastal did not qualify

Coquitlam Express, 2010-present

[edit]

Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, OTL = Overtime Losses, PTS = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals against

Season GP W L T OTL PTS GF GA Finish Playoffs
2010–11 60 22 28 1 9 218 253 54 7th, Coastal Lost Conf. Quarterfinals, 0–4 (Eagles)
2011–12 60 36 19 3 2 245 204 77 4th, Coastal Lost Conf. Semifinals, 2–4 (Kings)
2012–13 56 24 31 1 0 161 210 49 5th, Mainland did not qualify
2013–14 58 27 26 2 3 226 226 59 3rd, Mainland Fred Page Cup Champions
4th in Western Canada Cup
2014–15 58 25 28 1 4 218 238 55 4th, Mainland Lost Div. Semifinals, 1–4 (Chiefs)
2015–16 58 22 29 1 6 185 247 51 4th, Mainland
14th, BCHL		 Lost Div. Semifinals, 0–4 (Chiefs)
2016–17 58 11 44 2 1 121 305 25 6th, Mainland
17th, BCHL		 did not qualify
2017–18 58 15 38 4 1 138 210 34 5th of 5, Mainland
16th of 17, BCHL		 Lost Div. Quarterfinals, 0–4 (Vees)[a]
2018–19 58 28 24 — 6 209 198 62 3rd of 5, Mainland
9th of 17, BCHL		 Lost First Round, 1–4 (Spruce Kings)
2019–20 58 47 9 0 2 227 127 96 1st of 5, Mainland
1st of 17, BCHL		 Won First Round, 4–0 (Rivermen)
Season cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2020–21 20 6 11 0 3 64 93 15 3rd of 3, Coquitlam
14th of 16, BCHL		 Not contested
2021–22 54 22 26 — 6 177 221 50 7th of 9, Coastal
14th of 18, BCHL		 Lost First Round, 3–4 (Chiefs)
2022–23 54 28 19 — 7 191 186 63 4th of 9, Coastal
6th of 18, BCHL		 Lost first round, 1-4 (Chiefs)
2023–24 54 21 29 — 4 146 196 46 6th of 9, Coastal
12th of 17, BCHL		 Lost first round, 3-4 (Bulldogs)
2024–25 54 28 19 5 2 183 192 63 5th of 10, Coastal
10th of 21, BCHL		 Lost Div Quarterfinals 2-4 (Grizzlies)
  1. ^ cross-over to Interior Division playoff as wildcard

Notable alumni

[edit]
Original Coquitlam Express logo

Awards and trophies

[edit]

Royal Bank Cup

  • 2006

Doyle Cup

  • 2006

Mowat Cup

  • 2006
  • 2014

Fred Page Cup

  • 2006
  • 2014

Cliff McNabb Memorial Trophy
Coastal Conference Champions

  • 2006

Mainland Division Champions

  • 2014

Ron Boileau Memorial Trophy
Regular Season Champions

  • 2020

Bob Fenton Trophy
Most Sportsmanlike (Coastal)

Bruce Allison Memorial Trophy
Rookie Of The Year (Coastal)

Brett Hull Trophy
Top Scorer

Vern Dye Memorial Trophy
Most Valuable Player (Coastal)

Michael Garteig Trophy
Top Goaltender

Wally Forslund Trophy
Top Goaltending Duo

Joe Tennant Memorial Trophy
Coach of the Year

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Coquitlam Express

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Coquitlam Express are a Junior "A" team based in , , , competing in the Coastal Conference of the (BCHL). They play their home games at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex in . The team, known for developing players who advance to NCAA programs and professional leagues, emphasizes community involvement and youth hockey development in the region. The franchise traces its origins to 2001, when it was established as the in the BCHL before relocating to and operating as the Burnaby Express from 2005 to 2010. It returned to in 2010, reclaiming its original name and resuming play at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex. Over the years, the team has maintained a competitive presence in the league, with season records reflecting steady participation in regular-season play and playoffs since its inception. In November 2025, the Express announced they would become the first BCHL team to host official tryouts in in June 2026, expanding their recruitment efforts internationally. The Express have achieved notable success, including winning the Fred Page Cup—awarded to the BCHL playoff champion—in the 2005–06 and 2013–14 seasons during their time as the Express and upon return to , respectively. In 2005–06, they advanced further by capturing the Cup as Junior "A" champions and the RBC Cup as national Junior "A" champions. The team also led the BCHL in the 2019–20 season with a 47–9–2 record before the campaign was cancelled due to the . As of the 2025–26 season, the Express continue to field a competitive roster while fostering partnerships with local minor hockey associations.

Team overview

Franchise details

The Coquitlam Express joined the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) as a Junior A team in 2001. The team currently competes in the Coastal Conference's Coastal East Division. The Express have utilized primary colors of black, gold, and white since a logo redesign in 2015, evolving from an initial red-based design to incorporate black outlines with gold accents on a stylized locomotive emblem representing the team's name. In May 2025, the franchise unveiled a special 25th anniversary logo, designed by Lucas Gates and Neurovaliant, featuring updated gold and black elements to commemorate the milestone. The team introduced a yellow fox-like mascot in 2022 to engage fans at home games, though it has not been officially named as of late 2025. Tali Campbell holds the positions of President of Hockey Operations and , overseeing team recruitment and administration. Jeff Wagner serves as and Assistant General Manager, directing on-ice strategies and player development. The franchise marked its 25th anniversary in the 2025–26 season with celebratory events announced on April 25, 2025, including alumni nights, commemorative jersey games, and community initiatives throughout the year.

Home arena and facilities

The Coquitlam Express play their home games at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex, located at 644 Poirier Street in , . This city-owned, 190,000-square-foot multi-purpose facility serves as the primary venue for the team, featuring a main arena (Arena 1) with a seating capacity of 2,200 spectators. The arena's ice surface measures the standard NHL dimensions of 200 by 85 feet, supporting professional-level play, while additional amenities include community rooms for team meetings and events, as well as a fitness centre and aquatic facilities integrated into the complex. The venue underwent significant expansion and renovation in , enhancing seating, seismic safety, and overall to better accommodate hockey operations and community use. Its central location provides easy access via local transit, with the nearest (Southbound Poirier St @ Winslow Ave) just a one-minute walk away, facilitating attendance for fans from surrounding areas. During the franchise's relocation to nearby from 2005 to 2010, home games were hosted at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre, a 2,000-seat arena in that city. Attendance at Poirier has shown growth in recent years, with the team recording a franchise-high of 2,436 fans for a home game against the Eagles on October 30, 2024. In the 2024–25 season, the Express averaged 864 fans per home game across 26 contests, totaling 22,454 attendees, reflecting steady fan engagement at the venue.

History

Founding and initial years (2001–2005)

The Express were founded as an expansion franchise in the (BCHL) for the 2001–02 season, bringing junior A hockey to the city of for the first time. The team played its home games at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex, a multi-purpose facility that served as the hub for local sports and community events. Under the leadership of inaugural head coach Sean Crowther, who guided the team through all four initial seasons, the Express emphasized player development and competitive play within the league's Mainland Division. In their debut campaign, the Express opened in September 2001 and posted a record of 20 wins, 32 losses, and 8 ties, accumulating 48 points to finish fifth in the Mainland Division. They advanced to the playoffs but were defeated in the first round by the Chilliwack Chiefs in a best-of-seven series, 4 games to 1. Standout rookie forward Brett Hemingway led the offense with 45 goals and 84 points, earning him the BCHL's Bruce Allison Memorial Trophy as the league's top rookie. The team's early recruits, including Hemingway from Surrey, British Columbia, highlighted a focus on local talent to foster community ties and build a foundation for junior development. In 2002–03, the Express recorded 24–29–1–6 for 55 points, finishing fifth in the Mainland Division and losing in the first round to the Chilliwack Chiefs 4–3. Subsequent seasons saw gradual improvement, with the Express finishing fourth in 2003–04 (32-26-1-1, 66 points) and third in 2004–05 (25-31-1-3, 54 points), both times exiting in the division semifinals against rivals like the Eagles and Chilliwack Chiefs. Forward emerged as a key contributor in the final year, recording 21 goals and 69 points while playing a pivotal role in the team's offensive growth. These efforts helped establish local rivalries within the Mainland Division, particularly with the nearby Chiefs, intensifying regional interest. The organization prioritized junior player pathways, with several athletes advancing to higher levels, contributing to the BCHL's reputation for NCAA placements. During this period, the Express integrated into the community by supporting local initiatives and engaging fans through affordable access at the Poirier arena, gradually building a dedicated following despite modest attendance. The four seasons were characterized as successful, laying the groundwork for the team's ascent in BCHL standings and emphasizing grassroots development over immediate dominance.

Relocation to Burnaby (2005–2010)

In 2005, the Coquitlam Express relocated to due to a major renovation project at their home arena, the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex, which rendered the facility unavailable for the upcoming season. The move was approved by the (BCHL), and the franchise established a new base at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre, a multi-purpose arena with a seating capacity of 2,000. This shift marked the beginning of a five-year period in , during which the team adapted to a denser urban environment in the area while maintaining its junior A competitive focus. Upon arrival in Burnaby, the organization rebranded as the Express to reflect its new hometown identity, introducing updated logos and marketing efforts aimed at local engagement. The change fostered intensified local rivalries within the BCHL's Mainland Division, particularly against nearby teams like the Eagles and Langley Hornets, which heightened competition and drew interest from surrounding communities. Fan base dynamics evolved as well, with efforts to build support in Burnaby and adjacent suburbs, though the team encountered ongoing challenges in consistently filling the arena, often operating at about half capacity during home games. The 2005–06 season represented a pivotal turnaround for the franchise, as the Express finished second in the Mainland Division with a strong regular-season performance, culminating in a victory over the Penticton Vees to claim the Fred Page Cup as league champions. Building on this momentum, the team advanced to the national stage and defeated the Terriers 8–2 in the final to win the Royal Bank Cup, securing the first national title for a BCHL squad since the Vernon Vipers' victory in 1999. This championship era produced notable alumni, including forward , who was drafted third overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in 2007 and went on to a 12-year NHL career. Subsequent seasons brought mid-period challenges, including fluctuating on-ice results and persistent attendance difficulties that strained operations in . For instance, the 2007–08 campaign saw the Express finish fourth in the Mainland Division with a 33–24–0–3 record (69 points), a decline from their prior championship form, as they exited the in the semifinals. By 2010, with renovations complete at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex, the BCHL Board of Governors approved the franchise's return to , allowing the team to reclaim its original name and roots amid renewed community enthusiasm for local junior hockey.

Return to Coquitlam and modern era (2010–present)

In January 2010, the (BCHL) Board of Governors approved the relocation of the franchise back to after a five-year stint in , allowing the team to resume play at the newly renovated Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex. The move marked a return to the team's roots, with operations rebranded as the Coquitlam Express for the 2010–11 season and the first home game hosted at the upgraded 1,100-seat arena on September 24, 2010. This relocation fostered renewed local enthusiasm, stabilizing the franchise's presence in the Tri-Cities area and enabling stronger ties to the community it originally served from 2001 to 2005. The post-relocation era saw several milestones, beginning with the 2013–14 season when the Express won the Fred Page Cup, sweeping the Vernon Vipers 4–0 in the finals to secure the BCHL championship—their second in franchise history and first since 2005–06. The team peaked again in 2019–20, posting a franchise-best 47–9–1–1 record for 96 points and claiming the Ron Boileau Memorial Trophy as the league's top regular-season team before the season was halted early due to the . The ensuing 2020–21 campaign was upended by health restrictions, limiting play to a 20-game pod format at Poirier where the Express hosted the division but managed only a 6–11–3 mark (15 points), with league-wide playoffs cancelled amid ongoing disruptions. More recently, the 2024–25 season ended with a 28–19–7 record (63 points), placing fifth in the Coastal Conference before a 4–2 divisional quarterfinal loss to the Victoria Grizzlies. The 2025–26 campaign opened on September 20 at Poirier against the Victoria Grizzlies, launching a schedule adjusted for the league's expanded format. By mid-November 2025, the Express held a strong early position with 11 wins in 14 games (22 points), leading the Coastal Conference. In April 2025, the club announced its 25th anniversary celebrations, featuring alumni events, commemorative jerseys, and fan-voted "Quarter-Century Team" honors throughout the season. The period has also coincided with broader BCHL evolution, including the 2024 integration of five teams ( Bulldogs, , Oilers, Crusaders, and Saints), expanding the league to 22 members across two conferences and four divisions to enhance geographic balance and competition. Off the ice, the Express has deepened community ties through targeted initiatives, such as the 2023 "Helmets for Charity" program where players don stickers promoting local nonprofits like Charity: Water and the Canadian Mental Health Association, alongside the 2024 launch of a for fan meet-and-greets, youth hockey partnerships, and fundraising drives.

Seasons and performance

Regular season records

The Coquitlam Express franchise has competed in the (BCHL) since the 2001–02 season, initially in the Mainland Division before shifting alignments multiple times, including stints in the Coastal Conference during its Burnaby Express era (2005–2010) and later periods. Regular season performance has varied, with the team playing between 16 and 60 games per season depending on league scheduling, including shortened campaigns in 2020–21 due to the . The following table summarizes the franchise's regular season records across all eras, with win-loss-overtime loss-shootout loss (W-L-OTL-SOL) format where applicable; points are awarded as 2 for a win, 1 for OTL or SOL.
SeasonGPRecordPtsFinish
2001–026020–32–8–0485th Mainland Division
2002–036024–29–1–6555th Mainland Division
2003–046032–26–1–1663rd Mainland Division
2004–056025–31–1–3543rd Mainland Division
2005–06*6034–20–1–5742nd Mainland Division
2006–07*6034–25–0–1694th Coastal Conference
2007–08*6033–24–0–3694th Coastal Conference
2008–09*6018–35–1–6434th Coastal Conference
2009–10*6018–36–0–6428th Coastal Conference
2010–116022–28–1–9547th Coastal Conference
2011–126036–19–3–2774th Coastal Conference
2012–135624–31–0–1495th Mainland Division
2013–145827–25–3–3603rd Mainland Division
2014–155825–28–4–1554th Mainland Division
2015–165822–29–6–1514th Mainland Division
2016–175811–44–1–2256th Mainland Division
2017–185815–38–1–5355th Mainland Division
2018–195828–24–3–3623rd Mainland Division
2019–205847–9–2–0961st Mainland Division
2020–21206–11–3–0153rd Coquitlam Pod
2021–225422–26–6–0507th Coastal Conference
2022–235428–19–7–0634th Coastal Conference
2023–245421–29–4–0466th Coastal Conference
2024–255428–19–7–0635th Coastal Conference
2025–26†1613–3–0–0261st Coastal East Division
*Denotes seasons played as the Burnaby Express. †Partial season as of November 17, 2025. Division and conference alignments evolved with BCHL restructuring: the franchise began in the Mainland Division (2001–06), transitioned to the Coastal Conference during the Burnaby relocation (2006–11), returned to the Mainland Division (2012–19), adopted a pod system in 2020–21, and rejoined the Coastal Conference from 2021 onward, with sub-divisions like Coastal East introduced in 2025–26. The franchise's strongest regular season came in 2019–20 with 96 points and a first-place Mainland Division finish, driven by a league-leading 47 wins, while the weakest was 2016–17 with only 25 points and a last-place divisional standing, marked by 44 losses. Overall trends show improved home performance in recent Coastal Conference seasons, with a +45 goal differential in 2024–25 compared to -28 on the road, contributing to consistent mid-pack finishes that secured multiple playoff berths.

Playoff history

The Coquitlam Express have qualified for the (BCHL) playoffs in 19 of their 24 seasons since joining the league in 2001, achieving two Fred Page Cup championships as BCHL title winners in 2005–06 and 2013–14. The team's postseason success has been marked by early struggles against regional rivals, followed by national triumphs and more recent consistent first-round appearances amid format changes and pandemic disruptions.
SeasonPlayoff Result
2001–02Lost first round to Chilliwack Chiefs 1–4
2002–03Lost first round to Chilliwack Chiefs 3–4
2003–04Lost first round to Chilliwack Chiefs 3–4
2004–05Lost first round to Chilliwack Chiefs 3–4
2005–06Won Fred Page Cup (BCHL championship), Doyle Cup (BC regional), RBC Cup (national championship)
2006–07Lost second round to Nanaimo Clippers 3–4
2007–08Lost first round to Victoria Grizzlies 2–3
2010–11Lost first round to Surrey Eagles 0–4
2011–12Lost first round to Powell River Kings 2–4
2013–14Won Fred Page Cup over Vernon Vipers 4–0 in finals (after defeating Prince George Spruce Kings 4–2 in conference semifinals and Langley Rivermen 4–2 in Mainland Division final)
2014–15Lost first round to Chilliwack Chiefs 1–4
2015–16Lost first round to Chilliwack Chiefs 0–4
2017–18Lost first round to Penticton Vees 0–4
2018–19Lost first round to Prince George Spruce Kings 1–4
2019–20Won first round over Langley Rivermen 4–0; remainder cancelled due to COVID-19
2021–22Lost first round to Chilliwack Chiefs 3–4 (Game 7: 0–6 loss)
2022–23Lost first round to Chilliwack Chiefs 1–4
2023–24Lost first round to Alberni Valley Bulldogs 3–4
2024–25Lost first round to Victoria Grizzlies 2–4 (series tied 2–2 after 1–0 OT shutout win in Game 4)
In the franchise's founding years from 2001 to 2004, the Express reached the playoffs annually but were ousted in the first round each time by the Chilliwack Chiefs, often in close seven-game series that highlighted the intensity of the Mainland Division matchups. The 2005–06 season marked a breakthrough under head coach Rick Lanz, with the team—temporarily relocated to —defeating the Langley Chiefs in the opening round before embarking on a dominant run through the BCHL to claim the ; they then won the Doyle Cup against champions and the RBC national title with an 8–2 final victory over the Terriers. The following year, 2006–07, saw a second-round exit to the Clippers in a hard-fought seven-game series, while the 2007–08 campaign ended in a first-round upset loss to the Victoria Grizzlies. Upon returning to Coquitlam in 2010, the Express experienced mixed results, missing the playoffs in 2008–09, 2009–10, 2012–13, and 2016–17 amid coaching changes and rebuilding efforts. A resurgence came in 2013–14 under Barry Wolff, where the third-seeded Mainland Division team upset the Prince George Spruce Kings 4–2 in the conference semifinals, then rallied to beat top-seeded Langley Rivermen 4–2 in the Mainland final before sweeping the Vernon Vipers 4–0 in the Fred Page Cup finals for their second league title. Post-championship, the team endured several first-round defeats, including sweeps by the Chilliwack Chiefs in 2014–15 and 2015–16, and a 0–4 loss to the Penticton Vees in 2017–18. The modern era from 2018 onward has featured consistent qualification, though limited advancement, influenced by BCHL playoff format evolutions such as divisional seeding and conference alignments post-2017. In 2018–19, a first-round loss to the Prince George Spruce Kings 1–4 preceded the 2019–20 season's strong start, where the Express swept the Langley Rivermen 4–0 before the playoffs were halted by the , denying them a bid. The 2020–21 postseason was fully cancelled due to ongoing restrictions. Recent campaigns under coaches like Jason Fortier, Brandon Shaw, Patrick Sexton, and Jeff Wagner have seen first-round exits: a 3–4 series loss to the Chilliwack Chiefs in 2021–22, capped by a 6–0 Game 7 defeat; 1–4 to the same opponent in 2022–23; and 3–4 to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in 2023–24 after a coaching change mid-season. The 2024–25 playoffs followed suit with a 2–4 first-round defeat to the Victoria Grizzlies, despite a pivotal 1–0 in Game 4 that evened the series at 2–2. As of November 17, 2025, the 2025–26 season is underway with no postseason yet.

Players and personnel

Notable alumni

The Coquitlam Express franchise, formerly known as the Express prior to its 2010 relocation, has developed numerous players who advanced to professional hockey, with eight alumni appearing in National Hockey League (NHL) games. These individuals highlight the program's role in preparing talent for higher levels, often through strong offensive or defensive contributions during their junior tenure. Among the most prominent is , who suited up for the Express in the 2002–03 season, amassing 15 goals and 40 assists for 55 points in 58 games. Drafted 4th overall by the in 2004, Ladd enjoyed a 16-year NHL career spanning 1,167 games, highlighted by a championship with the in 2010 and captaincies with the and . also stands out, posting 72 points (36 goals, 36 assists) in 57 games during 2005–06 and a league-leading 121 points (66 goals, 55 assists) in 53 games the following year, for totals of 193 points in 110 regular-season games. Selected 3rd overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in 2007—the highest draft pick in Express history—Turris played 827 NHL games across teams including the , accumulating 425 points before retiring in 2022. Milan Lucic contributed 23 points (9 goals, 14 assists) in 50 games during the 2004–05 season, earning a 2nd-round selection by the Boston Bruins in 2006. Lucic's 1,012 NHL games included a Stanley Cup win with Boston in 2011 and stints with multiple teams, totaling 589 points before signing a professional tryout with the AHL's Springfield Thunderbirds in 2025. Other NHL alumni include Alexander Kerfoot, who recorded 88 points (33 goals, 55 assists) in 67 games across 2011–13 before captaining Harvard University and signing with the Colorado Avalanche in 2017; as of the 2025–26 season, he remains active with the Utah Mammoth, one of 19 BCHL alumni on NHL opening night rosters. Brad Hunt tallied 89 points (20 goals, 69 assists) as a defenseman over 122 games from 2006–08, later playing 271 NHL games with five teams after undrafted entry via the minors. Brandon Yip (2004–06: 109 points in 109 games) and David Jones (2002–04: 114 points in 106 games) each logged over 400 NHL games, while Mark Dekanich (2005–07: 2.58 GAA in 96 games) appeared in two NHL contests for Nashville. Patrick Wiercioch (2007–09: 58 points in 104 games) played 143 NHL games primarily with Ottawa. Beyond the NHL, Express alumni frequently commit to NCAA Division I programs, such as Mathew Barzal, who briefly played six games (2 assists) in 2012–13 before transferring to the WHL and being drafted 16th overall by the New York Islanders in 2015; Barzal has since emerged as a key Islanders forward with 413 points in 480 games. Andrew Ladd and Kyle Turris were also named to the BCHL's all-time top 50 players list in 2011, underscoring the franchise's historical impact. Many others, like Wyatt Russell (goaltender, 2004–05), have succeeded in minor professional leagues such as the ECHL before pursuing other careers.

Current roster and staff

As of November 17, 2025, the Coquitlam Express roster consists of approximately 25 players, including 14 forwards, 9 defensemen, and 3 goaltenders, reflecting a mix of returning veterans, new additions, and recent call-ups from local junior programs, primarily from British Columbia's midget AAA and U.S. junior leagues. The opening night roster was announced on September 18, 2025, ahead of the home opener against the Victoria Grizzlies on September 20, highlighting 12 BC-born players and emphasizing player development through main camp signings and off-season acquisitions. Key returners from the 2024–25 season include forwards Nate Crema and Carson McGinley, as well as defensemen Cooper Wilson, Mitch Kneidel, and Loughery, who provide leadership and experience on the blue line. Recent call-ups include forward Colby Monette and defensemen Nathan Hillmann and Brady Desharnais, who debuted in games on November 14 and 15, 2025.

Forwards

The forward group features a blend of speed, skill, and physicality, with standout returners like Crema (5'9", 172 lbs, North Vancouver, BC) anchoring the second line and McGinley (5'9", 172 lbs, Phoenix, AZ) contributing scoring depth. New additions include Nolan Dupont (6'1", 198 lbs, Calgary, AB), signed in the off-season for his playmaking ability, and acquired players such as Christian Maro (6'0", 188 lbs, Stamford, CT) and Justin Ivanusec (6'1", 188 lbs, , BC), who bring offensive versatility. Other forwards: Cole Bishop (6'2", 220 lbs, Franklin, TN), Georgios Stavrianeas (5'11", 190 lbs, Brossard, QC), Nolan Flynn (6'1", 186 lbs, Natick, MA), Luke Pfoh (5'10", 174 lbs, , BC), Carson Lesiuk (6'3", 209 lbs, Duncan, BC; acquired November 2025 from Powell River Kings), Shaenen Long (5'10", 185 lbs, , BC), Cole Bieksa (5'11", 175 lbs, , BC), Cole Balkovec (6'2", 175 lbs, Cloverdale, BC), and recent call-up Colby Monette (5'9", 173 lbs, Langley, BC).

Defensemen

The defense corps is led by captain Cooper Wilson (6'4", 211 lbs, North Vancouver, BC), a returning veteran named team captain on June 30, 2025, for his steady presence and puck-moving skills. Returning defenseman Kneidel (6'1", 204 lbs, Columbus, OH) pairs with Loughery (6'4", 193 lbs, Pitt Meadows, BC), an alternate captain, to form a robust top pairing. Newcomers like Will Distad (6'0", 196 lbs, White Bear Lake, MN) and James Odyniec (6'1", 194 lbs, Wilton, CT), both signed post-camp, add mobility and shot-blocking prowess, while Tyler Russell (6'1", 176 lbs, Redondo Beach, CA) and Todd Kilpela (5'9", 160 lbs, Hancock, MI) provide depth. Recent call-ups include Nathan Hillmann (6'3", 200 lbs, Langley, BC) and Brady Desharnais (6'0", 194 lbs, Coquitlam, BC).

Goaltenders

Goaltending is handled by Ryan Parker (6'1", 197 lbs, , BC), acquired from the prior to the season for his proven junior experience, (5'11", 188 lbs, Delta, BC), a promising 18-year-old returner focused on consistency, and Maddox Osaka (6'0", 165 lbs, Langley, BC), acquired from the Surrey Eagles on November 11, 2025, in exchange for future considerations, bolstering depth. The roster reflects activity as of November 17, 2025, including trades of forwards Rasmus Dahlqvist (to Vernon Vipers on November 9) and Erik Wittwer (to Powell River Kings on November 8), both for future considerations, with no major injuries disrupting the lineup. Demographically, the team is predominantly Canadian (16 players), with nine U.S. imports enhancing international flavor, and ages range from 17 to 20 years old, aligning with BCHL junior eligibility. On the staff side, Tali Campbell, in her role since 2020 and recently extended through 2028, oversees player procurement with a focus on long-term development and innovative recruitment from local and U.S. talent pools. Jeff Wagner, appointed permanently in May 2024 after serving as interim earlier that year, emphasizes skill development and team culture, drawing from his prior experience as an Express assistant. The coaching staff includes Associate Coach Lee Stone, Assistant Coach Brett Sonne (returning for 2025–26), and new Assistant Coach Brady Lynn, hired in July 2025 for his playing background and tactical insights. Alternate captains Loughery, Crema, and Pfoh support on-ice leadership.

Achievements and awards

Team championships and trophies

The Coquitlam Express, originally founded as the Coquitlam Express before a temporary relocation to Burnaby, achieved its most significant national success in 2006 by winning the Royal Bank Cup, the Canadian Junior Hockey League's national Junior A championship (now known as the Centennial Cup). Representing the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), the team defeated the Yorkton Terriers of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League 8–2 in the final game held in Brampton, Ontario, on May 14, 2006, securing the title with an overall tournament record of 4–1. This victory marked the franchise's only national championship to date and highlighted its dominance in the Western region. On the regional level, the Express captured the Doyle Cup in 2006, emblematic of the Pacific region's Junior A championship, by defeating the Oil Barons of the 4–2 in the best-of-seven series, with the clinching 6–0 victory occurring at home on April 28, 2006. This triumph qualified them for the national tournament. Additionally, as BCHL playoff champions, the team earned the Fred Page Cup in the 2005–06 season by overcoming the Vees 4–2 in the finals, a milestone that propelled their postseason run. The franchise repeated as Fred Page Cup winners in the 2013–14 season, sweeping the Vernon Vipers 4–0 in the finals to claim their second BCHL title. These victories also awarded the Mowat Cup, symbolizing the British Columbia Junior A , in both 2006 and 2014. The Express have made multiple appearances in Fred Page Cup finals, including in 2005 and 2012, though without additional wins. In regular-season accolades, the Express secured the Ron Boileau Memorial Trophy as the BCHL's top team in the 2019–20 season, finishing with a franchise-record 47–9–2 mark for 96 points before the season was cancelled due to the . They also claimed the Mainland Division title that year, finishing 33 points ahead of the second-place Chilliwack Chiefs. In 2013–14, the team finished third in the Mainland Division with a 27–25–3–3 record, earning 60 points while advancing to the finals. In the 2024–25 season, the Express finished with a 28–19–7 record for 63 points, placing fifth in the Coastal Conference before losing in the first round of the to the Victoria Grizzlies 2–4. No further championships have been won since 2014, with the 2025–26 season ongoing as of November 2025.

Individual player honors

The Coquitlam Express players have earned numerous individual honors in the (BCHL), recognizing outstanding performance, leadership, and sportsmanship during their tenure with the team. These awards, voted on by league coaches, highlight players who excel in key areas such as scoring, goaltending, and contributions. The Vern Dye Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the BCHL's based on overall impact and statistical dominance, was awarded to forward Corey Mackin in the 2014–15 season. Mackin, who led the league with 93 points (41 goals, 52 assists) in 56 games, became the first Express player to claim this honor since the team's relocation. The Bruce Allison Memorial Trophy, given to the top for exceptional play in their debut season, has been won by several Express recipients in the Coastal Conference or league-wide. Notable winners include forward Destry Straight in 2011 for his 52 points in 58 games, forward Alex Petan in the 2011–12 Coastal Conference, and forward Brett Supinski in 2015 after posting 45 points as a newcomer. In the 2019–20 season, the Express secured four BCHL awards collectively, with goaltender Clay Stevenson earning the Top Goaltender honor for his league-leading .936 save percentage, 1.77 goals-against average, and four shutouts in 35 appearances, marking one of the most dominant individual seasons in team history. The Bob Fenton Trophy, recognizing the most sportsmanlike player for combining on-ice excellence with exemplary conduct, has been claimed by Express forwards multiple times. won the Coastal Conference version in 2012 after a 70-point season, Brock Bradford took it in 2004 for his leadership and penalty-minimal play, and Colton Kerfoot received the league-wide award in 2016 following a 58-point campaign with zero misconduct penalties. The team also presents internal annual honors to celebrate player achievements. Forward Joshua Wildauer was named in 2018–19 after leading the squad with 51 points (25 goals, 26 assists) in 57 games. Goaltender Clay Stevenson earned the same distinction in 2019–20 for his pivotal role in the team's record-setting regular season. Rookies like Greg Lapointe (2019–20) and Connor Gregga (co-winner, 2018–19) have been recognized as Rookie of the Year for their immediate impacts. Introduced in 2022 for the 2022–23 season, the Kyle Turris Community Award honors one player per team for off-ice contributions and community involvement, named after former Express star Kyle Turris. The Express nominated players annually, with forward James Shannon selected as the 2024–25 recipient for his dedication to local charities and youth mentoring programs in Coquitlam.

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