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More Than a Crowd: Max Sasson reflects on the fan-fuelled playoff run

Arturs Silovs and Max Sasson
ABBOTSFORD CANUCKS/ X

Max Sasson joined the Abbotsford Canucks during the 2022-2023 season. Throughout his time with the team he has been a consistent contributor, scoring important goals, and supporting his line every time his skates hit the ice.  


Jaslyne sat down with Sasson ahead of game 5 to discuss the current playoff run, the home crowd and playing in front of a goalie like Artūrs Šilovs. 


Jaslyne:

Let’s talk fans and their energy during this run. 


Sasson:

They've been our spark this whole playoff run. And you know, we have so much fun seeing them at the games, and then, we always see them around town, you know, in this small little city. So we love having them, and we're really excited and proud that we're giving them something to cheer for.


The home crowd has been a constant source of energy for the team throughout this season, but it has amped up even more throughout the playoffs. From fan chants to player specific chants the arena has been electric. 


Jaslyne: 

Speaking of cheering and all the chants, how does that fire you guys up when you have individual chants?


Sasson:

Well, I know Arty really likes it. It probably makes him feel pretty good. And we get fired up from all the chants too. We always talk about them in the locker room after, because it seems like every game they come up with with something new. So, you know, it fires us up. And we love hearing them, and we can't wait to hear them tonight. 


Fan signs have been popping up around the arena during warm up and throughout the games, adding a spark of humour to the atmosphere. 


Jaslyne:

Do you guys notice any of the signs around during warm ups?


Sasson:

Yeah, always, yeah. There's some good ones. There's one girl that keeps on making a Lightning McQueen picture of me. So, yeah, I told her after the game, that’s pretty special. You know, whenever fans make signs and it means something to them, it means the world to us, too. 


Jaslyne:

Amazing. Have you seen the beard sign?


Sasson:

Yeah, those are great. We had to vote last game, when I came out I said Deej, but I guess Phil wasn't even on the sign [laughs].


Šilovs has played an important role in the Canucks defense and playoff run, Sasson talks about what it’s been like to play in front of him. 


Jaslyne:

Going back to the fans, did you guys see the huge, ‘Arty Party’, in three different sections of the arena?


Sasson:

Yes, that is awesome. He sure does have a lot of fans around here, and deservedly so. He's been our star the whole playoffs, and if we're going to close it out, we're going to need him tonight. 


Jaslyne:

Speaking of supporting him, how has your line and the other defense on a shift, been that for him?


Sasson:

Yeah, you know, we know how well he's seeing the puck right now, and how well he's moving and we really try to limit their great opportunities, and we know if Arty can see the puck, it'll probably be saved. So you know, it's a lot easier and a lot more comfortable playing in front of a goalie who's playing like this. 


This playoff run has not been boring, with overtime wins, and potential knockout games, the Canucks have proven their resilience time and time again. 


Jaslyne:

From the start of the playoffs to now, what's been one of the most memorable moments for you?


Sasson:

I think scoring the tie breaker in game 6 [against Texas] to make it 3-2, late in the third, that was pretty special. And then in all the overtimes. I think the goal that Danila Klimovich scored in Texas, that was a really cool moment, because he hadn't been in the lineup, and he comes in, and he wins us the game. So just all those little moments, and even Lekki's last game, all the guys, everyone's contributed. And it's just been so fun, you know, it seems like every different night is someone else's night to shine, and I can't wait to see who has it tonight.


Jaslyne:

Last question, walking in, What music are you listening to, to get locked in?


Sasson:

I like Drake. So, usually rap music. I really like Drake, and he has some new songs that just released, so I've been listening to them. 


Jaslyne:

Thanks and good luck! 


Sasson got the assist on the tying goal for Abbotsford, but it would be Charlotte that won game 5 in overtime. Pushing the series to game 6 back at Bojangles Coliseum. The series is 3-2 for Abbotsford going into game 6, which will take place on June 23, 2025 in Charlotte.

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