Abbotsford Canucks fall to the Henderson Silver Knights

SHAYLENE TIELMANN/GATG

March 14, 2026 marked the first of the two final matchup games between the Abbotsford Canucks and the Henderson Silver Knights. These two teams last faced-off at the end of February back in Henderson where they swept the series. Abbotsford looked for redemption on home ice. 

New faces made their debut on Abbotsford ice. Bennett Schimek signed his first AHL contract on Wednesday, after completing his NCAA career. Jayden Grubbe made his debut after a trade with the Edmonton Oilers, where they received Josh Bloom. 

The first period started quickly with Abbotsford driving the puck into Henderson's zone to set up a number of plays and getting shots on net. 

Both teams struggled early with turnovers and dropped passes which led to a number of breaks in play. 

Henderson’s Raphael Lavoie went to the box at 12:04 in the first for boarding, putting Abbotsford on the first power play of the game. Henderson was successful on the penalty kill. 

Both teams continued to battle hard to get the opening goal of the game. Much of the first period took place in the Henderson zone, but Abbotsford could not get the puck in the net, despite a number of chances. 

The first period ended 0-0. 

Abbotsford started the second period applying pressure on the Henderson defence, looking for the opening goal. However, Henderson’s Joe Fleming opened the scoring at 2:41 in the second. 

Abbotsford continued to battle for the puck, driving it into the opposing zone looking to get the puck past Henderson’s Carl Lindobom. 

A number of fanned passes and turn overs cost Abbotsford momentum when setting up plays, leading to the inability to capitalize and score. 

Jimmy Schuldt and Henderson’s Kai Uchacz went to the box at 14:45 in the second, leading to both serving 5 minutes for fighting. 

Arshdeep Bains tied the game at 16:15 in the second, the goal was assisted by Nils Åman and Joe Arntsen. 

Both teams battled hard in the dying minutes of the second, looking for the tie breaking goal. 

The second period ended 1-1. 

The third period started with tensions high, as both teams looked to break the tie early. 

Henderson’s Trevor Connelly would get the goal to put them ahead at 1:37 in the third. 

Tensions began to flare between the teams, leading to some shoving in front of the Abbotsford net. 

Åman went to the box at 9:47 for holding, giving Henderson the man advantage. Henderson’s Lavoie capitalized at 10:12 on the power play. Putting the game 3-1 for Henderson. 

Abbotsford pulled their goalie for the extra attacker with just over 3 minutes left in the game. Henderson’s Tanner Laczynski capitalized on the empty net at 17:13 in the third. 

Despite a hard fought battle Abbotsford fell 4-1 to Henderson. 

Bennett Schimek spoke with media about his first professional game stating; “It’s definitely an adjustment, you know, when you’re hopping into a new system, with new guys, and it’s just a different level than college hockey. But overall, I thought as the game went on, I started to feel more and more comfortable. And, I think if I just get a little more aggressive, [I’ll] have more success.”

The Abbotsford Canucks and the Henderson Silver Knights have their final face-off tomorrow afternoon at 4 pm, PST, at Rogers Forum.