Abbotsford Canucks start strong in the second half of the season, with a win over the Ontario Reign

SHAYLENE TIELMANN/GATG

February 14, 2026 marked the first game of the second half of the season. It was also the first of two games between the Abbotsford Canucks and the Ontario Reign. Both teams returned to the ice after a brief break for the AHL All-Star games. 

Ben Berard represented Abbotsford at the games, scoring a highlight reel goal in the shootout challenge. He also had a couple goals during the Pacific division games, which would ultimately be the All-Star winning team.  

Nils Åman returned to the ice after a brief injury sidelined him. Chase Stillman also returned to the ice after being injured at the end of October. 

The energy of the game started hot, with both teams battling hard for the puck looking for an early goal. 

Nikita Tolopilo was tested a number of times early in the first period, but made some incredible saves to keep the game 0-0. 

Abbotsford struggled with turnovers and connecting passes in the neutral zone, which led to plays slowing down. 

Jimmy Schuldt went to the box at 11:22 for holding, putting Ontario on the power play. Abbotsford was successful on the penalty kill. 

Despite best efforts from both teams, the period ended 0-0. 

The second period started with the battle for the opening goal continuing. 

Chase Stillman went to the box at 5:38 in the second for hooking, giving Ontario the man advantage. Ontario’s Cole Guttman opened the scoring at 6:37 on the power play, putting the game 1-0. 

Danila Klimovich went to the box at 6:41 for tripping. This caused chants from the crowd to echo through the arena to vocalize their displeasure. Abbotsford was successful on the penalty kill. 

Ontario’s Otto Salin went to the box at 10:37 for a holding the stick penalty, putting Abbotsford on the power play. Ontario was successful on the penalty kill. 

Abbotsford continued to battle hard for the tying goal, while Ontario looked to widen the gap. 

Ontario’s Joe Hicketts went to the box at 18:28 for holding, giving Abbotsford the man advantage to end the period. 

The second period ended 1-0 for Ontario.  

The third period would start with 28 seconds left on the Abbotsford power play. However, Ontario remained successful on the penalty kill. 

Nils Åman tied the game at 1:33 in the third. The goal was assisted by Nikolai Knyzhov and Jett Woo. 

Both teams fought hard for the tie breaking goal, driving the puck into the opposing zones and creating a number of opportunities. 

Nick Poisson scored the tie-breaking goal at 11:00 in the third. The goal was assisted by Knyzhov and Cooper Walker. 

The energy in the building picked up in the last half of the third period as Abbotsford looked to widen the gap and keep the lead, while Ontario looked to tie the game back up. 

Ontario pulled their goalie with over a minute left in the game for the extra attacker. However, they could not capitalize. 

Abbotsford would get the 2-1 win over Ontario. 

Manny Malhotra talked to the media about what to expect for Monday’s match up; “We always have an understanding of who they are. We recognize they’re probably going to be a little ticked off after that result, and then come a little bit harder next game…We are always looking to improve our game and build off the positives. Obviously, there’s a lot of things in that game that we need to clean up and eliminate…[b]ut, we’re just looking to improve on the effort and the execution of our game plan.”

Nick Poisson talked with media about what he looks to achieve in the second half of the season, stating; “I think just getting better every day and being a bit more confident with the puck…just holding on to pucks more and just really skating with the puck and trying to make a bit more plays.”

The Abbotsford Canucks and the Ontario Reign face-off again Monday, February 16, at 1 pm, PST, at Rogers Forum for their Family Day game.