Vancouver Canucks down Calgary Flames 3-1 in Abbotsford, delighting fans with power-play goals, big saves, and hometown reunions.
A Night to Remember in Abbotsford
The buzz at Abbotsford Centre started long before the puck hit the ice. On Sept. 24, Vancouver Canucks fans filled the arena with excitement, hoping for a glimpse of their hockey heroes—and the team didn’t disappoint.
From the moment players arrived, the energy was electric. Supporters lined up outside hours early, eager for autographs and selfies. NHL veterans like Tyler Myers, Thatcher Demko, and Nils Höglander took time to greet fans, while rising stars Max Sasson and Parker Alcos also stopped to share the moment.
Early Momentum and Quick Goals
When the game got underway at 7 p.m., Vancouver wasted no time taking charge. Just minutes in, Calgary’s Jeremie Poirier was sent off for roughing, giving the Canucks a power play. Höglander seized the chance, burying the puck with assists from Filip Chytil and Tom Willander.
The momentum only grew. Two minutes later, Abbotsford’s own Calder Cup champions combined forces. Victor Mancini lit up the scoreboard with help from Linus Karlsson and Arshdeep Bains, giving fans a flashback to last year’s playoff magic.
Special Teams Shine
The second period brought more opportunity. Calgary’s Joel Hanley was called for roughing, and Vancouver once again capitalized on the power play. Another quick strike stretched the lead to 3-0.
The Flames pushed back midway through the period, scoring on their own man advantage after the Canucks were penalized for too many men. Despite the response, Calgary never found a rhythm against Vancouver’s aggressive pace.
A Slight Setback for Höglander
While the Canucks held control, there was one concerning moment. Höglander left the game after the second period and was later spotted in a walking boot. No update on his condition was available following the match.
Closing It Out in Front of the Home Crowd
The final period saw no scoring, but the Abbotsford crowd didn’t mind. With 5,785 fans in attendance, the Canucks cruised to a 3-1 victory, outshooting Calgary 31–19. It was Vancouver’s first preseason win after dropping their opener to Seattle.
After the game, Demko praised the effort:
“You could tell the guys were competing really hard. These guys are trying to make the team, and it’s good to see.”
For Mancini, the night was extra special. Sharing the ice again with several Abbotsford playoff teammates made the victory even sweeter.
“It was really cool. I’ll remember that for a while,” he said.
What’s Next?
The Canucks will continue their preseason push, but one thing is clear: Abbotsford fans got a game full of grit, goals, and a glimpse of the team’s future.
Stay updated instantly — follow us on Instagram | Facebook | X
