Abbotsford Canucks seal the deal on home ice

ABBOTSFORD CANUCKS/ X

June 8, 2025 marked game 6 of the Abbotsford Canucks and Texas Stars series. The past 3 games were played down in Texas, where Abbotsford won 1 of the 3 games, forcing the series back to Abbotsford. 

This was an important game for both teams, as Abbotsford looked to win and secure their place in the finals, and Texas looked to win and push the series to game 7. 

The game started quickly with both teams driving towards the opposing zone in the hopes to open the scoring. 

Abbotsford’s Max Sasson took the first penalty of the night at 3:26 for slashing. Giving Texas the man advantage, however, Abbotsford killed the penalty successfully. 

Texas took their first penalty of the night at 10:30 for tripping. Putting Abbotsford on the power play, but they were unable to capitalize on the advantage.

Both teams continued to fight hard to open the scoring, playing strong on both offense and defence. 

Nate Smith took Abbotsford’s second penalty of the night for boarding with 6:18 remaining in the first. Putting Texas back on the power play, they were unable to capitalize on the man advantage. 

With just over a minute and a half left in the first It looked as though Abbotsford scored, however, refs waved off and a confused game continued, leading to a Texas goal. 

Texas took a 1-0 lead. Tensions and physicality rose as Abbotsford looked for the equalizer to end the first. 

The second period saw a lot of action in the Abbotsford zone early on. However, Abbotsford continued to battle hard for the equalizing goal. 

Abbotsford had a number of opportunities to tie the game, but couldn’t get the puck into the net. Texas scored with 6:55 left in the second, making the game 2-0 for Texas. 

Texas and Abbotsford took penalties with 3:16 remaining in the second. Arshdeep Bains took the Abbotsford penalty for roughing. Play would continue 4-on-4. 

Bains came out of the box and scored Abbotsford’s first goal on the night with 1:08 left in the period. Putting the game back within 1 to end the period. 

The third period started with Jujhar Khaira scoring the equalizer 1:52 into the third period. Putting the game 2-2.

Both teams battled hard to break the tie and take the lead. With physicality and tensions remaining high in the final period. 

Max Sasson scored Abbotsford’s third goal of the night with 8:06 left in the third. Giving Abbotsford their first lead of the night. 

Texas pulled their goalie for the extra attacker with just over a minute and a half remaining in the third. Bains capitalized on the empty net giving Abbotsford the 4-2 win over Texas.

This win would make the Abbotsford Canucks the Western Conference champions, a first for the franchise, securing the Robert W. Clarke trophy. 

Abbotsford will now play in the Calder Cup finals against the Charlotte Checkers, which begins June 13, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.