The Abbotsford Canucks have won the Calder Cup championship.
On Monday night at Bojangles Coliseum, the Canucks were initially trailing the host Charlotte Checkers by two goals in Game 6. However, Abbotsford mounted a comeback, scoring three consecutive goals. Linus Karlsson netted the game-winning goal at 17:19 of the second period, securing a 3-2 victory.
This championship represents the first Calder Cup title in the history of the parent organization, the Vancouver Canucks.
Rookie head coach Manny Malhotra highlighted the team`s internal belief, adherence to their system, and the strong culture they built as the primary reasons for becoming Calder Cup champions.
Sammy Blais and Danila Klimovich also scored for Abbotsford. Despite being outshot 30-20, goaltender Arturs Silovs delivered another outstanding performance. Silovs was awarded the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as the playoff MVP, having recorded 16 wins and five shutouts during the postseason.
Arshdeep Bains, who entered Game 6 leading the playoffs with 17 assists, added two more helpers for the Canucks.
Bains described the achievement as “so special,” emphasizing the team`s consistent resilience throughout the year. He praised their ability to fight back in every game, particularly after falling behind early in the final game, and expressed immense pride in the group.
The Charlotte Checkers, who serve as the American Hockey League affiliate for the Florida Panthers, were defeated by Abbotsford in six games in the best-of-seven championship series. The Checkers had previously won the Memorial Cup in the 2018-19 season.
Abbotsford`s victory prevented the Florida Panthers organization from achieving a rare simultaneous win of both the Stanley Cup and the Calder Cup. This “double” championship has occurred only three times in history, with the most recent instance being in 1995 by the New Jersey Devils and their AHL affiliate, the Albany River Rats.
Tristan Blackwood