The Abbotsford Canucks are just one win away from etching their name into AHL history — and they’re doing it the hard way.
With grit, sacrifice, and an all-in mentality, this team has embraced the postseason grind and turned it into their identity. From relentless shot-blocking to full-team buy-in on both ends of the ice, Abbotsford’s path to the brink of the Calder Cup has been built on unselfishness and trust.
“It’s second nature at this point,” said forward Arshdeep Bains. “We’ve committed to each other, and we’re all willing to sacrifice for the greater good.”
Goaltender Artūrs Šilovs, who has been a wall in net with a sparkling .933 save percentage and five shutouts, is the first to credit the team’s defensive commitment. “The guys are putting their bodies on the line every night,” he said. “They’ve made a huge difference in front of me.”
Led by captain Chase Wouters and guided by head coach Manny Malhotra, the Canucks are showcasing what it means to be all in. Whether it’s killing penalties, battling through the neutral zone, or throwing themselves in front of slapshots, they’ve made it clear: nothing matters more than the win.
“The blocked shots and getting in lanes — that’s who we are right now,” said Malhotra. “They’re willing to do whatever it takes, and that’s what championship hockey looks like.”
If the Canucks finish the job, it won’t just be a win — it’ll be a legacy-defining moment for a team that refused to back down and chose to make history instead.
