Abbotsford Canucks home opener was a celebration despite 5-2 loss

JEN FIELD/GATG

October 24, 2025 marked the Abbotsford Canucks home opener against the Ontario Reign. This night also marked the Calder Cup Championship banner raising ceremony prior to the game. 

The banner raising ceremony brought the energy from the home town crowd. There were a lot of cheers for the shoutouts to the past team members who are no longer on the team.

The returning players also got their time to shine, with captain Chase Wouters raising the cup one last time before the banner was raised into the rafters.  

One incredible addition to the night's roster was Jujhar Khaira, making his return to the Abbotsford lineup.

Coach Manny Malhotra stated “It's nice to have a familiar face in the lineup, knowing what to expect… Having missed training camp and missed some time so far, it’s going to take some time to get his rhythm and timing back but it’s definitely a welcome addition to our group right now.”

When asked about how it felt to be back Khaira commented “It's like I never left…it was cool how it all worked out just to be here on opening night…” 

Khaira also said “[there were] mixed emotions” when watching the banner being raised. He also said “it's tough being here and not having that same group but at the same time I walked through the door and everyone’s new and everyone seems great…it's something you think about…”

Though there may be a new team dynamic and some lessons to learn, the team is coming together well, with new members ready to make their first appearance with the team. 

Arnaud Durandeau being one such player who made his Abbotsford Canucks debut. When asked about his game play he said “I like to play fast, I like to make some plays in the defensive zone and try to use my speed and create havoc a little on the forecheck." 

Durandeau played a number of years in the AHL, before playing the 2024/2025 in the KHL. This game marked his official return to the AHL. 

Nikita Tolopilo got his third start in net this season.

Both teams battled hard from the beginning, but Ontario’s Andre Lee got on the board first at 2:36 in the first period.

This did not stop Abbotsford from battling hard and driving the puck into the Ontario zone. They had a few close calls early on but were unable to capitalize.  

The first penalty of the night went to Arni Ravinskis for cross-checking, putting Abbotsford a man down. However, they were successful on their first penalty kill of the night. 

Ontario’s Taylor Ward took their first penalty of the night with a 1:01 left in the first period for hooking. Giving Abbotsford their first man advantage. 

Ben Berard capitalized on the man advantage, securing the first Abbotsford goal of the night and his second of the season. He was assisted by Kirill Kudryavtsev and Vitali Kravtsov. 

This would put the game 1-1 to end the period.  

Victor Mancini took Abbotsford’s second penalty of the night at 5:06 for hooking. Giving Ontario their second power play of the night. Abbotsford was successful on the penalty kill going 2-for-2. 

Kudryavtsev took a hooking penalty at 8:34, giving Ontario their third man advantage. Abbotsford was able to keep their penalty kill 3-for-3. 

Abbotsford continued driving the puck towards the Ontario goal, fighting for the rebounds and setting up a number of shots on goal, but could not get the puck into the net.

Ontario’s Taylor Ward scored their second goal of the night 12:38 in the second period.  

Sawyer Mynio took Abbotsford’s fourth penalty of the night for cross-checking at 18:12. Ontario’s Glenn Gawdin took their second penalty of the night moments later at 18:25 for cross-checking.

The second period ended 2-1 for Ontario, both teams still having time to kill on their penalties. 

The third period would start 4-on-4 with seconds remaining on the penalty kills. Both teams were successful in their penalty kills. 

Ontario’s Ward would score his second goal of the night at 4:20 into the third period, putting the game 3-1. 

Chase Wouters took the fifth Abbotsford penalty of the night at 4:31 for hooking. Mackenzie MacEachern took Abbotsford’s sixth penalty for cross-checking at 5:51. This would give Ontario a 3 man advantage. 

Tolopilo made an incredible save to keep the game 3-1, but was slow to get up after the save. He would stay in net a while longer, earning loud cheers from the crowd. 

Abbotsford was successful in killing off Wouters penalty, going back to 4-on-5. However, Ontario’s Lee capitalized on the remaining time of MacEachren’s penalty, putting the game 4-1 for Ontario at 7:39 into the third. This was Lee’s second goal of the night. 

After the goal, Abbotsford made a goalie switch putting Jiří Patera into the net at 7:39 in the third. 

Though Abbotsford was driving the puck into the Ontario zone they were unable to capitalize on their plays. 

Ontario's Samuel Bolduc took their third penalty of the night for interference at 13:44. Giving Abbotsford the man advantage to try and secure a goal. 

MacEachren would be successful in this endeavour and score Abbotsford’s second power play of the night and his second of the season at 14:14. The goal was assisted by Wouters and Berard. 

Abbotsford pulled their Patera with just over 3 minutes left in the game for the extra man. Mancini made an incredible save on the empty net to keep the game 4-2. 

However, Ontario’s Joe Hicketts would score an empty net goal with 35.1 seconds left in the game. Making the final score 5-2 for Ontario. 

With heavy penalty minutes throughout the game Malhotra commented “It’s hard to make plays when you get six penalties, so obviously that is an area we have to clean up.”

The Abbotsford Canucks will have a chance to do just that on Sunday, October 26, at 3 pm, PST when they face off against the Ontario Reign again at the Abbotsford Centre.