Coquitlam Express
The Coquitlam Express are a Junior "A" ice hockey team based in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada, competing in the Coastal Conference of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL).[1][2] They play their home games at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex in Coquitlam.[3] The team, known for developing players who advance to NCAA programs and professional leagues, emphasizes community involvement and youth hockey development in the Lower Mainland region.[3] The franchise traces its origins to 2001, when it was established as the Coquitlam Express in the BCHL before relocating to Burnaby and operating as the Burnaby Express from 2005 to 2010.[4] It returned to Coquitlam in 2010, reclaiming its original name and resuming play at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex.[5] 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.[4] In November 2025, the Express announced they would become the first BCHL team to host official tryouts in Europe in June 2026, expanding their recruitment efforts internationally.[6] 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 Burnaby Express and upon return to Coquitlam, respectively.[4] In 2005–06, they advanced further by capturing the Doyle Cup as British Columbia Junior "A" champions and the RBC Cup as national Junior "A" champions.[4] 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 COVID-19 pandemic.[4] As of the 2025–26 season, the Express continue to field a competitive roster while fostering partnerships with local minor hockey associations.[7]Team overview
Franchise details
The Coquitlam Express joined the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) as a Junior A team in 2001.[8][9] The team currently competes in the Coastal Conference's Coastal East Division.[10] 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.[11] 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.[12] 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.[13][14] Tali Campbell holds the positions of President of Hockey Operations and General Manager, overseeing team recruitment and administration.[15] Jeff Wagner serves as Head Coach and Assistant General Manager, directing on-ice strategies and player development.[16] 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.[17]Home arena and facilities
The Coquitlam Express play their home games at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex, located at 644 Poirier Street in Coquitlam, British Columbia.[18] 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.[19][20] 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.[19] The venue underwent significant expansion and renovation in 2010, enhancing seating, seismic safety, and overall infrastructure to better accommodate hockey operations and community use.[21][22] Its central location provides easy access via local transit, with the nearest bus stop (Southbound Poirier St @ Winslow Ave) just a one-minute walk away, facilitating attendance for fans from surrounding areas.[23] During the franchise's relocation to nearby Burnaby from 2005 to 2010, home games were hosted at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre, a 2,000-seat arena in that city.[24] 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 Surrey Eagles on October 30, 2024.[25] 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.[25]History
Founding and initial years (2001–2005)
The Coquitlam Express were founded as an expansion franchise in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) for the 2001–02 season, bringing junior A hockey to the city of Coquitlam 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.[26][27][4] 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.[4][28][29][30] 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 Surrey Eagles and Chilliwack Chiefs. Forward Brandon Yip 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.[4][31][32][33] During this period, the Express integrated into the Coquitlam 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.[34][9]Relocation to Burnaby (2005–2010)
In 2005, the Coquitlam Express relocated to Burnaby due to a major renovation project at their home arena, the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex, which rendered the facility unavailable for the upcoming season.[35] The move was approved by the British Columbia Hockey League (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.[36][37] This shift marked the beginning of a five-year period in Burnaby, during which the team adapted to a denser urban environment in the Greater Vancouver area while maintaining its junior A competitive focus. Upon arrival in Burnaby, the organization rebranded as the Burnaby Express to reflect its new hometown identity, introducing updated logos and marketing efforts aimed at local engagement.[38] The change fostered intensified local rivalries within the BCHL's Mainland Division, particularly against nearby teams like the Surrey Eagles and Langley Hornets, which heightened competition and drew interest from surrounding communities.[39] 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.[40] The 2005–06 season represented a pivotal turnaround for the franchise, as the Burnaby 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.[41] Building on this momentum, the team advanced to the national stage and defeated the Yorkton 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.[42][43] This championship era produced notable alumni, including forward Kyle Turris, 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 Burnaby. 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 playoffs in the semifinals.[44] By 2010, with renovations complete at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex, the BCHL Board of Governors approved the franchise's return to Coquitlam, allowing the team to reclaim its original name and roots amid renewed community enthusiasm for local junior hockey.[45][11]Return to Coquitlam and modern era (2010–present)
In January 2010, the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) Board of Governors approved the relocation of the franchise back to Coquitlam after a five-year stint in Burnaby, allowing the team to resume play at the newly renovated Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex.[45] 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.[26] 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.[38] 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.[46] 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 COVID-19 pandemic.[47] 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 Lower Mainland division but managed only a 6–11–3 mark (15 points), with league-wide playoffs cancelled amid ongoing disruptions.[4] 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.[4] The 2025–26 campaign opened on September 20 at Poirier against the Victoria Grizzlies, launching a schedule adjusted for the league's expanded format.[48] By mid-November 2025, the Express held a strong early position with 11 wins in 14 games (22 points), leading the Coastal Conference.[49] 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.[17] The period has also coincided with broader BCHL evolution, including the 2024 integration of five Alberta Junior Hockey League teams (Blackfalds Bulldogs, Brooks Bandits, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders, and Spruce Grove Saints), expanding the league to 22 members across two conferences and four divisions to enhance geographic balance and competition.[50] 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 Booster Club for fan meet-and-greets, youth hockey partnerships, and fundraising drives.[51][52][53]Seasons and performance
Regular season records
The Coquitlam Express franchise has competed in the British Columbia Hockey League (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.[4] 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 COVID-19 pandemic. 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.[4]| Season | GP | Record | Pts | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001–02 | 60 | 20–32–8–0 | 48 | 5th Mainland Division |
| 2002–03 | 60 | 24–29–1–6 | 55 | 5th Mainland Division |
| 2003–04 | 60 | 32–26–1–1 | 66 | 3rd Mainland Division |
| 2004–05 | 60 | 25–31–1–3 | 54 | 3rd Mainland Division |
| 2005–06* | 60 | 34–20–1–5 | 74 | 2nd Mainland Division |
| 2006–07* | 60 | 34–25–0–1 | 69 | 4th Coastal Conference |
| 2007–08* | 60 | 33–24–0–3 | 69 | 4th Coastal Conference |
| 2008–09* | 60 | 18–35–1–6 | 43 | 4th Coastal Conference |
| 2009–10* | 60 | 18–36–0–6 | 42 | 8th Coastal Conference |
| 2010–11 | 60 | 22–28–1–9 | 54 | 7th Coastal Conference |
| 2011–12 | 60 | 36–19–3–2 | 77 | 4th Coastal Conference |
| 2012–13 | 56 | 24–31–0–1 | 49 | 5th Mainland Division |
| 2013–14 | 58 | 27–25–3–3 | 60 | 3rd Mainland Division |
| 2014–15 | 58 | 25–28–4–1 | 55 | 4th Mainland Division |
| 2015–16 | 58 | 22–29–6–1 | 51 | 4th Mainland Division |
| 2016–17 | 58 | 11–44–1–2 | 25 | 6th Mainland Division |
| 2017–18 | 58 | 15–38–1–5 | 35 | 5th Mainland Division |
| 2018–19 | 58 | 28–24–3–3 | 62 | 3rd Mainland Division |
| 2019–20 | 58 | 47–9–2–0 | 96 | 1st Mainland Division |
| 2020–21 | 20 | 6–11–3–0 | 15 | 3rd Coquitlam Pod |
| 2021–22 | 54 | 22–26–6–0 | 50 | 7th Coastal Conference |
| 2022–23 | 54 | 28–19–7–0 | 63 | 4th Coastal Conference |
| 2023–24 | 54 | 21–29–4–0 | 46 | 6th Coastal Conference |
| 2024–25 | 54 | 28–19–7–0 | 63 | 5th Coastal Conference |
| 2025–26† | 16 | 13–3–0–0 | 26 | 1st Coastal East Division |
Playoff history
The Coquitlam Express have qualified for the British Columbia Hockey League (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.[4]| Season | Playoff Result |
|---|---|
| 2001–02 | Lost first round to Chilliwack Chiefs 1–4 |
| 2002–03 | Lost first round to Chilliwack Chiefs 3–4 |
| 2003–04 | Lost first round to Chilliwack Chiefs 3–4 |
| 2004–05 | Lost first round to Chilliwack Chiefs 3–4 |
| 2005–06 | Won Fred Page Cup (BCHL championship), Doyle Cup (BC regional), RBC Cup (national championship) |
| 2006–07 | Lost second round to Nanaimo Clippers 3–4 |
| 2007–08 | Lost first round to Victoria Grizzlies 2–3 |
| 2010–11 | Lost first round to Surrey Eagles 0–4 |
| 2011–12 | Lost first round to Powell River Kings 2–4 |
| 2013–14 | Won 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) |
| 2014–15 | Lost first round to Chilliwack Chiefs 1–4 |
| 2015–16 | Lost first round to Chilliwack Chiefs 0–4 |
| 2017–18 | Lost first round to Penticton Vees 0–4 |
| 2018–19 | Lost first round to Prince George Spruce Kings 1–4 |
| 2019–20 | Won first round over Langley Rivermen 4–0; remainder cancelled due to COVID-19 |
| 2021–22 | Lost first round to Chilliwack Chiefs 3–4 (Game 7: 0–6 loss) |
| 2022–23 | Lost first round to Chilliwack Chiefs 1–4 |
| 2023–24 | Lost first round to Alberni Valley Bulldogs 3–4 |
| 2024–25 | Lost first round to Victoria Grizzlies 2–4 (series tied 2–2 after 1–0 OT shutout win in Game 4) |