The Abbotsford Canucks concluded the team's first-ever training camp at the Abbotsford Centre with an intra-squad scrimmage on Saturday (Oct. 5).
The free event allowed fans a sneak peek at the 2024-25 season, the chance to hear new head coach Manny Malhotra answer fan questions and the opportunity to meet several players.
Less than 10 minutes until the start of this morning鈥檚 intra-squad scrimmage. Decent amount of fans already at
鈥� Ben Lypka (@BenLypka)
The on-ice portion saw the team split into two squads and play a pair of 20-minute halves. Team Green defeated Team White 4-1 in the contest.
Green goal scorers were: Christian Wolanin, Lee Lapid, Mark Cheremeta and Phi Di Giuseppe. Max Sasson scored the lone goal for Team White.
Wolly on the breakaway 鈥硷笍
鈥� Abbotsford Canucks (@abbycanucks)
The A-Sasson-ator is so back 馃毃
鈥� Abbotsford Canucks (@abbycanucks)
A shootout occurred following the 40 minutes of action, with Team White's Tristen Nielsen scoring the only goal out of six players participating. Goalies Nikita Tolopilo, Ty Young and Jonathan Lemieux split duties.
Nielsen scores
鈥� Ben Lypka (@BenLypka)
Rookie Jonathan Lekkerimaki left the Team White bench early in the second half and did not return. The team has not provided any further updates on the 2022 first round. He was playing on a line with Tristen Nielsen and Max Sasson, but was then replaced by Danila Klimovich for much of the second half of the scrimmage.
Henrik Sedin was behind the bench for Team Green, while Abbotsford assistant coach Harry Mahesh helped with Team White.
The team hosted a special Q and A with Malhotra, as well as several player meet and greet opportunities after the on-ice activity was completed. Players signing autographs included: captain Chase Wouters, Klimovich, Tolopilo, Sasson, Sammy Blais, Guillaume Brisebois, Cole McWard, Jett Woo, Nathan Smith and others.
Malhotra on the podium
鈥� Ben Lypka (@BenLypka)
Saturday marked the end of Abbotsford's training camp, which began on Wednesday (Oct. 2). This marked the first time that the club held training camp in Abbotsford. They had previously held camp in Port Coquitlam and Chilliwack.
The Canucks open the AHL regular season against the Wranglers in Calgary on Friday (Oct. 11). The two teams then meet again on Sunday (Oct. 13) afternoon. Abbotsford continues on the road the following week with games against the Colorado Eagles on Oct. 18 and 19.
The club's home opener sees them welcome the San Diego Gulls on Friday, Oct. 25. The Gulls and Canucks clash again at the AC on Oct. 26.
