By: Shaelee Dombrowski
Chilliwack, B.C. –The Chiefs’ first game of 2026 saw Chilliwack face the Langley Rivermen for the first time this regular season. It was the first of two meetings between the two teams this weekend, and also the first time Brad Rihela and Chris Price were back in the Chilliwack Coliseum since their time with the Chiefs, this time on the opposing bench.
Chilliwack got on the board first, just 3:39 into the first period. Jack Plandowski scored his team-leading 16th of the season with assists from Nico Grabas and Nicklas Numminen. With his assist on Plandowski’s goal, Numminen recorded his first BCHL point in his first BCHL game. Langley tied the game up with a goal from Zachary Benayon at 9:04. At 15:12, Langley’s Paul Wiczek scored the team’s second of the game to put them in the lead.
Easton Schlender scored his second of the season and the Chiefs’ second of the game 14:02 into the second period with assists from Sam Auld and Milan Mrsic. Just over a minute later, Langley took the lead back with a goal from Frédéric Deschênes at 15:16.
A power play goal from Christian Chouha 11:31 into the third period increased Langley’s lead to 4-2. Connor Dick got the Chiefs within one with his 11th goal of the season from Jack Plandowski and Maximilian Brunner. The Chiefs successfully killed a late-period penalty; however, were left with just under a minute to try and tie the game even strength. Down by a goal, with 0:55 to go in the third period, Chilliwack opted to pull goalie David Di Girolamo from the net and looked to score 6-on-5. As the seconds ticked by, Chilliwack had some great chances, their best being a shot by A.J. Schaaf that went off the post; however, weren’t able to capitalize. Langley ended up winning the game 4-3.
The Chilliwack Chiefs and Langley Rivermen are set for a rematch tomorrow in Langley. Chilliwack will look to come out on top and secure their first win of 2026. Chilliwack will be back at the Coliseum after the BCHL All-Star Weekend on Wednesday, January 21st, with a 7 pm puck drop as they take on the Nanaimo Clippers.
Photo Credit: Darren Francis
