The numbers
The BCHL playoffs are set to commence on April 3, 2026, with the Victoria Grizzlies opening their first-round series against the Cowichan Valley Capitals at the Cowichan Community Centre. The Capitals finished the regular season with an impressive record of 38 wins, while the Grizzlies concluded their campaign with 26 victories.
In the regular season, the Grizzlies managed to secure three wins out of seven matchups against the Capitals, indicating a competitive rivalry. The Capitals, who scored a total of 242 goals throughout the season, ranked second in the BCHL for offensive output, showcasing their scoring prowess.
Declan Waddick, who was named BCHL player of the month for March 2026, played a pivotal role for the Grizzlies. He scored 15 points in March, tying for the league lead, with seven goals and eight assists. Waddick’s performance has been a significant boost for the Grizzlies as they head into the playoffs.
David Michaud, a key player for the Grizzlies, expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete against the Capitals. “We feel really comfortable that we can play with these guys and push them,” he stated. Michaud emphasized the importance of smart physicality in the playoffs, saying, “Smart physicality is going to be what gets us the reward.”
Historically, the Grizzlies eliminated the Capitals in six games during the second round of the playoffs last year, adding an extra layer of intensity to this matchup. Michaud noted, “As much success as Cowichan had this year, we’re both 0-0 starting Friday night. You have to earn it,” highlighting the unpredictable nature of playoff hockey.
The 2026 Rogers BCHL Playoffs feature eight first-round series, making this a crucial time for teams to establish their dominance. The Grizzlies will aim to leverage their past success against the Capitals while the latter will look to capitalize on their strong regular-season performance.
As the series approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the teams will perform under pressure. With both teams having their strengths and weaknesses, the outcome remains uncertain. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the lineups or strategies.
The first game of the series promises to be an exciting clash as the Grizzlies and Capitals vie for an early advantage in the playoffs. With the stakes high, both teams will be looking to make a statement as they embark on their playoff journeys.
