Abbotsford Canucks continue making history

SHAYLENE TIELMANN/ GATG

May 29, 2025 marked a historic game for the Abbotsford Canucks as they kicked off round 4 of the Calder Cup playoffs against the Texas Stars, in a best of 7 series, at Abbotsford Centre.  

This was the first time these teams have met in franchise history. It was a game of learning each other's playing styles and the strength of the goalies. 

Both teams were equally matched and battled hard in the first. Physicality was also high between teams with strong hits from the start. 

Texas opened the scoring at 8:59 in the first. Abbotsford continued to battle hard, driving the puck into the opposing zone, looking for the equalizer. 

Abbotsford made a number of plays to get the puck in the net, however, the Texas goalie denied their attempts. 

Abbotsford’s Guillaume Brisebois scored with 1:04 left in the first tying the game. This was his second goal of the playoffs. 

The late goal would end the period 1-1, with no penalties on either side. 

The second period started with some big saves by Šilovs. The physicality and intensity of the game ramped up within the first 5 minutes of play in the second. 

Ty Mueller scored the second Abbotsford goal at 6:32 in the second, this would be his second of the playoffs. This would put the game 2-1 for Abbotsford giving them their first lead of the night.

Texas took the first penalty of the night at 7:20 for hooking, giving Abbotsford their first man advantage. Texas successfully killed the penalty. 

Texas scored the equalizing goal with 7:50 left in the second period. Abbotsford continued battling hard to gain back the lead. 

The second period ended 2-2 with one power play for Abbotsford. 

Third period started much like the others, both teams battled hard to try and open the scoring in the third, hoping to break the tie. 

Abbotsford continued driving the puck hard into the Texas zone, setting up multiple attempts on  goal, but with no success. 

Jonathan Lekkerimäki took Abbotsford’s first penalty of the night for high-sticking with 3:01 remaining. Giving Texas their first man advantage. 

Abbotsford successfully killed the penalty, keeping the game 2-2 with just under a minute left in play. 

The score remained 2-2 at the final buzzer, sending the game into sudden death overtime. Christian Wolanin scored the overtime goal at 5:51. Ending the game 3-2 for Abbotsford, giving them the series lead. 

Game 2 against Texas would again be on Abbotsford’s home ice. Šilovs started in net, and Aatu Räty rejoined the line up for the first time since game 3 of round 2. 

The game started strong with both teams battling hard, driving the puck into the opposing zone, hoping to open the scoring. 

Šilovs started the game with incredible back to back saves, while Abbotsford had some amazing shots on net within the first 5 minutes of play. 

Abbotsford’s Linus Karlsson took the game's first penalty at 7:20 for tripping. Giving Texas the first man advantage. Abbotsford successfully killed the penalty, keeping the game 0-0. 

Texas took their first penalty of the night with 5:37 left in the period for interference. Giving Abbotsford their first man advantage of the night. Texas successfully killed the penalty, keeping the game 0-0. 

With two penalties, and solid defensive and offensive play, the first period would end 0-0.

Abbotsford came close to opening the scoring less than a minute into the second period, however, Texas’ goalie was able to hold them off. 

Šilovs took the second Abbotsford penalty of the night at 3:48 in the second for tripping. Wolanin would serve the penalty for him. This would give Texas their second power play of the night. Abbotsford successfully killed their second penalty of the night. 

Sammy Blais took Abbotsford’s third penalty of the night for high-sticking at 7:23. Giving Texas their third power play of the night, Abbotsford again successfully kept Texas at bay. 

Tristen Nielsen served Abbotsford’s fourth penalty of the night for too many men on the ice at 11:20. Abbotsford kept it 4 for 4 on the penalty kill by the end of the second.

Both teams continued to battle hard looking to open the scoring by the end of the second. Tensions were high on both sides, and physicality was ramping up. However, the score would remain 0-0 going into the third. 

The third continued to be a battle, both teams driving the puck towards the net, looking for that first goal. Both teams had multiple chances to score, but could not get the puck into the net. 

Akito Hirose opened the scoring at 7:39 in the third. This was his first goal of the playoffs. 

Tensions remained high with both teams fighting for a goal, Abbotsford looking for their second of the night, while Texas hoped to get the equalizer and potentially send the game into overtime again.

Phillip Di Giuseppe took Abbotsford’s fifth penalty with 7:45 left in the third for unsportsmanlike conduct. Texas would also take a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct with 7:45. Putting the game to 4-on-4. Both teams successfully killed their penalties, keeping the game 1-0 for Abbotsford. 

Texas scored with 2:46 remaining, putting the game 1-1. However, the goal would go under review and would be waved off. Keeping the game 1-0 Abbotsford. 

Texas pulled their goalie for the extra attacker with just over a minute remaining. Abbotsford battled hard, and was able to hold them off until the end. 

At the final buzzer a fight would break out in front of the Abbotsford net leading to both teams taking penalties at the 20 minute mark.

Texas took 3 penalties for roughing and unsportsmanlike conduct. Abbotsford's Arshdeep Bains would take an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, while Šilovs and Jett Woo would take penalties for roughing. 

The final score would remain 1-0 for Abbotsford, this would give them a 2-0 lead in the series. This win would successfully break the Abbotsford game 2 losing streak. 

Game 3 in the best of 7 matchup between Abbotsford and Texas will take place on Monday June 2, 2025 down in Texas at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park.