Abbotsford Canucks take 3-1 series lead over the Charlotte Checkers in game 4

SHAYLENE TIELMANN/ GATG

The Abbotsford Canucks and the Charlotte Checkers faced off in game 4 of the Calder Cup playoffs, Thursday, June 19, 2025 at the Abbotsford Centre. 

Abbotsford came into the game off a 6-1 victory and the 2-1 series lead. Charlotte entered the game looking to tie the series. 

The game started off strong for Abbotsford with Jonathan Lekkerimäki scoring at 1:15 in the first. 

Jujhar Khaira took Abbotsford’s first penalty of the night for interference at 2:03 giving Charlotte the man advantage. Abbotsford successfully killed the penalty, keeping the game 1-0. 

Jett Woo took a roughing penalty at 4:09. Charlotte's Oliver Okuliar also took a penalty for roughing. The games would continue 4-on-4. 

Charlotte’s Michael Benning took a double minor at 5:03 for high-sticking. Putting the game 4-on-3 for Abbotsford. 

Tensions and physicality remained high between both teams, during the Abbotsford power play. 

The first set of penalties were successfully killed making the game 5-on-4 for Abbotsford. Charlotte was able to fend off Abbotsford keeping the game 1-0. 

Nate Smith took a holding penalty at 9:33, putting Charlotte back on the power play. Abbotsford remained 3-for-3 on the penalty kill. 

Chase Wouters took a high-sticking at 16:42, putting Charlotte back on the man advantage. Abbotsford remained 4-for-4 on the penalty kill in the first. 

The first period ended 1-0 for Abbotsford. 

Charlotte’s Jesse Puljujärvi took a tripping at 3:05 in the second, putting Abbotsford on the early power play. Charlotte successfully held off Abbotsford, keeping the game 1-0. 

Both teams battled hard driving the puck into the opposing zone. Abbotsford looked to widen the score, while Charlotte looked for the equalizer. 

Arshdeep Bains scored Abbotsford’s second goal of the night at 11:30, his sixth of the playoffs. Making the game 2-1 for Abbotsford. 

Tensions and physicality continued to ramp up in the bottom of the second period. Artūrs Šilovs made some incredible saves to keep the game 2-0 for Abbotsford going into the third. 

The third started off strong for both teams with strong game play and driving the puck to the opposing zone. 

Lekkerimäki scored the third Abbotsford goal and his second of the night at 3:47 in the third. 

Abbotsford pulled Šilovs early in the third for the extra attacker to widen the score. 

Charlotte’s Benning took a penalty at 5:40 for cross-checking, giving Abbotsford the man advantage. 

Tristen Nielsen took a tripping penalty at 7:23. Putting the game 4-on-4 for 17 seconds. 

Charlotte successfully killed their penalty before going onto the man advantage. Charlotte’s Kyle Criscuolo capitalized on the power play scoring at 8:34. 

A fight broke out behind the Abbotsford goal at 10:11, landing Bains and Charlotte’s John Leonard in the penalty box for roughing. Putting the game 4-on-4. 

Both teams killed their penalties with no goals against, keeping the score 3-1 for Abbotsford. 

Nielsen and Charlotte's MacKenzie Entwistle took 10 minute misconducts for unsportsmanlike conduct at 16:43. 

Charlotte pulled their goalie at 16:37 for the extra attacker. Charlotte was able to capitalize with the extra man. Jack Devine scored at 19:34, making the final score 3-2 for Abbotsford. 

Abbotsford will head into game 5 with a 3-1 series lead. Game 5 will be held Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Abbotsford Centre.