Abbotsford Canucks and Laval Rockets: Battle of the goalies

JEN FIELD/GATG

January 21, 2026 marked the second game between the Abbotsford Canucks and the Laval Rockets. Abbotsford looked to split the series, while Laval looked for a sweep. 

It was also Hockey is for Everyone night at Rogers Forum. The night highlighted that people no matter their race, age, gender, sexual orientation, or abilities are welcome in the world of hockey. 

The night started with the Canadian national anthem being signed in ASL and sung by a member of the special olympics team. 

The energy and tension from last night's matchup fed into the start of the game. Physicality was heavy and tensions were high throughout the first period. 

Abbotsford had a close call to open the scoring in the first but couldn’t capitalize on the rebound. Both teams battled hard for the opening goal. 

Vilmer Alriksson went to the box at 18:49 for hooking, putting Laval on the man advantage. Laval’s Joshua Roy capitalized with the extra man at 19:31. 

The period ended 1-0 for Laval. 

The second period started with gusto, both teams battled hard for the puck. Abbotsford looked to tie the game, while Laval looked to widen the score. Abbotsford had a number of chances early on but could not put the puck in the net. 

Laval’s Florian Xhekaj went to the box at 5:20 for hooking, giving Abbotsford the man advantage. Ty Mueller capitalized on the power play at 6:45 tying the game 1-1. The goal was assisted by Chase Wouters and Danila Klimovich. 

Laval’s Marc Del Gaizo went to the box at 9:50 for tripping, putting Abbotsford on the power play. At 9:55 in the second Laval’s Adam Engström went to the box for delay of game. Putting the game 5-on-3 for Abbotsford. 

Laval was successful on the double penalty kill and the game remained 1-1. 

Both teams continued to battle hard for the tie breaking goal, and the physicality began to ramp up. 

Abbotsford had a number of close calls throughout the period to gain the lead, but were unsuccessful. 

Despite both teams best efforts the period ended 1-1. 

The third period started heavy with physicality. Laval’s Engström went to the box 51 seconds into the period for tripping, putting Abbotsford on the power play. Laval was successful on the penalty kill. 

Jujhar Khaira went to the box at 3:26 for tripping, putting Laval on the power play. Abbotsford was successful on the penalty kill. 

Both teams battled hard for the tie breaking goal, driving the puck to the opposing zone. However, neither team could capitalize on the plays. Both Nikita Tolopilo and Laval’s Kaapo Kӓhkönen were walls in the net.

With the tensions high Khaira and Laval’s Lucas Condotta dropped gloves at 6:20, both going to the box for 5 minutes for fighting. 

Cole Clayton and Laval’s Will Dineen dropped gloves at 12:23 both heading to the box for 5 minutes for fighting. 

The tensions were high as both teams battled hard for the potential game winning goal in the third period. 

Laval’s William Trudeau went to the box for holding at 13:06, putting Abbotsford on the man advantage. Laval was successful on the penalty kill. 

Despite both teams best efforts the third period ended 1-1 sending the game to overtime. 

Jonathan Lekkerimäki sealed the game with the winning goal at 36 seconds into overtime. The goal was assisted by Victor Mancini and Wouters. 

The final score was 2-1 for Abbotsford. Officially splitting the series against Laval. 

When asked about what worked for him in these 2 games Tolopilo stated, “[I] follow[ed] my game plan…[kept] doing my thing. [Didn’t] think too much about the result.” 

When about the upcoming games this weekend he stated, “It’s nice to win so that’s the takeaway. So hopefully we’re gonna get another two this weekend.”

The Abbotsford Canucks are back in action at Rogers Forum on Saturday January 24, at 7 pm, PST, at against the San Diego Gulls.