Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / PML / Chilliwack Chiefs goaltender Lucas Szyszka positions himself during first period action against the Nanaimo Clippers Sunday night at the Chilliwack Coliseum, with teammate AJ Lacroix (#13) nearby. Szyszka turned away 28 shots and the Chiefs relied on five different players for scoring en route to a 5-0 shutout to advance in the BCHL playoffs. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Chilliwack Chiefs win playoff series

Chilliwack Chiefs shut out Nanaimo, advance in BCHL playoffs

Apr 23, 2023 | 8:21 PM

CHILLIWACK — There’s no place like home ice.

Chilliwack took care of business Sunday night at the Chilliwack Coliseum with scoring from five different players, while goaltender Lucas Szyszka turned away 28 shots, as the Chiefs dominated Nanaimo in a 5-0 shutout to win their BCHL playoff series.

The Clippers had been riding momentum from two straight wins in the playoff series going into Sunday’s night showdown, but the Chiefs established their own rhythm and a 1-0 lead at the 14:19 mark of the first period with a goal from AJ Lacroix, assisted by Brady Milburn and captain Abram Wiebe, on a power play.

Michael La Starza made it 2-0 in the second period, assisted by Tim Delay and Brian Morse. Mateo Mrsic notched his third playoff goal on a breakaway goal to make it 3-0 with 7:22 to go in the second period.

The Clippers committed seven penalties in the third period, and the Chiefs capitalized on a two-man power play advantage when Brady Milburn scored with nearly six minutes elapsed, assisted by Wiebe and Lacroix, giving Chilliwack a 4-0 lead. Dylan Kinch added an unassisted goal as the Chiefs took a 5-0 lead and never looked back.

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With the victory, the Chiefs advance to the Coastal Division Final against the winner of the Surrey Eagles – Alberni Valley Bulldogs series. Those two teams are tied at 3 wins apiece with the seventh and deciding game scheduled for Surrey Tuesday night.