CHARLOTTE — The Abbotsford Canucks have clinched the Calder Cup title.
Despite falling behind by two goals early against the host Charlotte Checkers on Monday night at Bojangles Coliseum, the Canucks staged a powerful comeback, scoring three unanswered goals. Linus Karlsson netted the decisive goal at 17:19 of the second period, securing a 3-2 victory for Abbotsford in Game 6 and the championship series.
This historic win represents the first Calder Cup championship for the Abbotsford franchise, which serves as the American Hockey League affiliate for the Vancouver Canucks.
“They all believe in one another. They believe in our system, they believe in the culture they`ve built. That`s the main reason we`re Calder Cup champions,” stated rookie head coach Manny Malhotra to Canucks Insider.
Goals were also scored by Sammy Blais and Danila Klimovich for the Canucks. While outshot 30-20, Abbotsford received another outstanding performance from goaltender Arturs Silovs. Silovs was rightfully awarded the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as the playoff MVP, having recorded an impressive 16 wins in the postseason, including five shutouts.
Arshdeep Bains, who was the playoff assists leader with 17 entering Game 6, added two more helpers in the final game for Abbotsford.
“That was so special,” Bains reflected. “Consistent with our team identity all year, we`re a resilient group. We were down 2-0 early. We just fight back every single game. I couldn`t be prouder of this group.”
John Leonard and Jack Devine were the first-period scorers for the Charlotte Checkers, who ultimately lost the best-of-seven American Hockey League championship series 4-2. The original text notes the Checkers won the Memorial Cup in the 2018-19 season.
By winning, the Abbotsford Canucks denied their parent club`s NHL affiliate, the Florida Panthers (who are affiliated with Charlotte), a rare opportunity to simultaneously win both the Stanley Cup and the Calder Cup. This specific “double championship” in the same year has only occurred three times in history, most recently in 1995 with the New Jersey Devils and their affiliate, the Albany River Rats.
