Abbotsford Canucks battled hard but a controversial goal would lead to a Laval Rockets win

JEN FIELD/GATG

January 20, 2026 the Abbotsford Canucks faced off against the Laval Rockets for their first matchup of the season. 

Abbotsford returned home after a 3 game road trip where they played 2 games against the San Diego Gulls, and 1 game against the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Abbotsford secured 1 regulation win against the Gulls, but fell in the final 2 road games. 

There were a number of line switchups throughout the roadtrip as defenseman Phip Waugh was released from his professional tryout contract, and Abbotsford alumni Christian Felton was re-signed on a professional tryout. With trades in the big club Cole Clayton from the San Jose organization was added to the defensive lineup. 

The action started quickly in the first period with Dino Kambeitz heading to the box for tripping at the 12 second mark, putting Laval on the power play. Abbotsford was successful on the penalty kill. 

Laval’s David Reinbacher headed to the box as the Abbotsford penalty expired for tripping at 2:20 in the first, giving Abbotsford the man advantage. Laval was successful on the penalty kill. 

Both teams played hard driving the puck into the opposing zone, Abbotsford’s blue liners made some incredible plays to keep the game scoreless. 

Kambeitz and Laval’s Tyler Thorpe headed to the box at 13:55 for unsportsmanlike conduct. Putting the game 4-on-4. 

Laval’s Laurent Dauphin opened the scoring at 14:45 in the first.

Abbotsford continued to battle hard to tie the game, but the period would end 1-0 for Laval. 

The second period started with the same energy as the first. Abbotsford looked to tie the game, while Laval looked to widen the gap. 

Laval’s Lucas Condotta went to the box for holding at 53 seconds into the second, putting Abbotsford on the power play. Laval was successful on the penalty kill. 

Laval’s William Trudeau went to the box at 3:52 for holding, putting Abbotsford back on the man advantage. Chase Wouters capitalized on the man advantage scoring at 5:18 in the second. The goal was assisted by Danila Klimovich and Ben Berard. 

Joe Arntsen and Laval’s Thorpe dropped gloves at 5:27, going to the box for 5 minutes for fighting. 

The tensions began to rise near the mid-point of the second, as both teams looked to break the 1-1 tie. 

Laval’s Dauphin drew a penalty shot after Victor Mancini tripped from behind, however, Nikita Tolopilo was able to hold him off, keeping the game 1-1. 

Laval’s Sean Farrell broke the tie at 10:52 in the second, after capitalizing on an Abbotsford miss play. 

Laval’s Filip Mešár went to the box at 13:27 for holding, giving Abbotsford the man advantage. Danila Klimovich took advantage of the extra man and tied the game at 14:05. The goal was assisted by Jimmy Schuldt and Wouters. 

The second period ended 2-2. 

The energy and tensions were high to start the third period as both teams looked to break the 2-2 tie. 

Laval’s Farrell broke the tie at 7:24, but the goal would go to review for goalie interference. However, the goal on the ice would stand despite fan’s anger towards the call, putting the game 3-2 for Laval. 

The energy remained high as Abbotsford looked to re-tie the game. 

Laval’s Alex Belzile went to the box for hooking at 13:38, putting Abbotsford on the power play. Jonathan Lekkerimäki capitalized on the man advantage, tying the game at 14:48. The goal was assisted by Ty Mueller and Lukas Reichel. 

Both teams battled hard to get the win in regulation, Laval’s Florian Xhekaj would get the winning goal with 13 seconds left in the third period. 

The game ended 4-3 for the Laval. 

The Abbotsford Canucks and Laval Rockets face off again tomorrow night at 7 pm, PST, at Rogers Forum.