Halloween 2023 for the Abbotsford Canucks was the equivalent of walking several miles uphill and then receiving a box of raisins.
The Canucks were shelled in a historical way on Halloween (Tuesday) night, losing 8-3 to the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
The eight goals are tied for the most Abbotsford has ever allowed and the most the Firebirds have scored in one game. Coachella also set a new team record for most shots, as they outshot Abbotsford 45-26.
Silovs beat over the blocker early
鈥� Ben Lypka (@BenLypka)
Firebirds forward Logan Morrison opened the scoring at 3:05 of the first period, with Abbotsford鈥檚 Sheldon Dries tying the game back up just over two minutes later. The Firebirds then added two goals in 27 seconds late in the period to go up 3-1 after 20 minutes.
Abbotsford was also outshot 15-6 in the opening frame. Canucks head coach Jeremy Colliton decided to yank starting goalie Arturs Silovs after that first period. Silovs allowed three goals on 15 shots.
Firebirds quickly get one back, 4-2 now (AHL scoreboard is incorrect)
鈥� Ben Lypka (@BenLypka)
Unfortunately for Colliton, Nikita Tolopilo fared worse and went on to allow five goals on 21 shots in the second period. Coachella scored on two power plays and added three even strength goals. Abbotsford鈥檚 Max Sasson made it a 3-2 game early in the second, but then the wheels completely fell off. Dries also added a goal in the second.
Touchdown Firebirds!
鈥� Ben Lypka (@BenLypka)
The third period saw the Firebirds turn down the volume offensively and Abbotsford did outshoot them 11-9.
Abbotsford defenders Quinn Schmiemann and Filip Johansson were both a team worst -3. Dries led all Canucks with four shots on goal. Forward Arshdeep Bains kept his scoring streak alive with two assists, while Christian Wolanin also added a helper.
Final.
鈥� Abbotsford Canucks (@abbycanucks)
The Canucks return home for games on Friday (Nov. 3) and Saturday (Nov. 4) against the Henderson Silver Knights. Both games face off at 7 p.m. Saturday鈥檚 game is being promoted as Diwali Night inside the Abbotsford Centre.
The Halloween nightmare came after a 5-3 loss to the Ontario Reign on Sunday (Oct. 29) and a 5-2 win over the San Diego Gulls on Friday (Oct. 27).
Dries, Jett Woo and Nils Aman all tallied on Sunday, while Wolanin, Cole McWard, Bains, Schmiemann and Aatu Raty all lit the lamp on Friday.
For more on the team, visit
