Image: Chilliwack Chiefs / Chilliwack Chiefs Michael La Starza was named the BCHL's second star of the week for scoring five points in four games, including four goals and registering an assist. La Starza and the Chiefs are gearing up to face Alberni Valley on the road Friday in Port Alberni in Game 1 of the Coastal Conference finals of the BCHL playoffs.
Chilliwack Chiefs face Alberni Valley

Chilliwack Chiefs face Alberni Valley in Coastal Conference finals Friday

Apr 27, 2023 | 7:12 AM

CHILLIWACK — Buoyed by their resounding shutout win over the Nanaimo Clippers last Sunday, the Chilliwack Chiefs will hit the road and hop on the ferry for a Friday night showdown against Alberni Valley to open the BCHL Coastal Conference finals.

The puck drops for Game 1 Friday at 7 p.m., followed by Game 2 Saturday night at 7 p.m.

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are playing in the Coastal Conference championship for the first time in a decade. Their home ice, the Alberni Valley Multiplex, is known as “the Dawg Pound.”

The Chiefs return home for Game 3 Tuesday at 6 p.m., during which Trevor Linden and his Trevor Linden Fitness team will join the Chiefs. Linden will also sign autographs, drop the puck, and give away a year membership to a lucky fan.

Earlier this week, Michael La Starza was named the BCHL’s 2nd star of the week for scoring four goals and tallying an assist in four games, earning five points. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound forward, who hails from Montreal, was added to the Chiefs roster back in January. The 2004-born forward arrived to the Chiefs from the U.S. Hockey League’s Sioux Falls Stampede in exchange for future considerations. La Starza had 77 points in 130 USHL games split between Sioux Falls and Waterloo.

“Opportunities to add a player of Michael’s caliber don’t come around often. He is going to immediately help our team offensively. We look forward to helping Michael round out his game to continue to prepare for college. This is a really good day for our hockey club,” said Brian Maloney, Chilliwack Chiefs head coach and GM, back in January.

Purchase tickets for Tuesday’s home game online at https://www.showpass.com/202223-chilliwack-chiefs-playoffs/.