The Abbotsford Canucks end a tough November with a massive 5-2 win over Tucson, featuring breakout goals, momentum shifts, and hope for a fresh start.
A Night That Finally Felt Different
The Abbotsford Canucks stepped onto the ice on Saturday night with one mission: end November on a high. After winning just two of their previous 12 games, fans were hungry for change. And fortunately, the team delivered loudly, confidently, and decisively with a 5-2 win against the Tucson Roadrunners.
Right from the start, the energy felt intense. Yet, at 8:07 of the first period, Noel Nordh scored for Tucson and it looked like another cold night ahead. But almost immediately, momentum shifted. At 19:41, Joseph LaBate scored his sixth goal of the season on the power play, and suddenly, belief returned.
Momentum Flips in the Second Period
The Canucks kept pushing forward, and goaltender Jiri Patera stood tall with 10 crucial first-period saves. Then, halfway through the second period, Dino Kambeitz found the net for his first goal of the season, assisted by rookie Vilmer Alirksson, who earned his first AHL point.
As the crowd got louder, the Canucks grew stronger. They controlled the pace and outshot Tucson 11–8, proving that they weren’t just surviving—they were taking over.
Third Period: A Breakout Explosion
Now here’s where things got exciting fast. At 5:52 of the third period, Danila Klimovich broke his scoring drought with his first goal this season. Last year, he led the team with 25 goals and had already taken 36 shots this season without a single one going in. This time, the slump snapped wide open.
Even better, Nils Aman made it 4-1 with his first goal of the season. Then, Klimovich blasted a one-timer on the power play for his second of the night, turning celebration into domination. Tucson added a late goal, but the 5-2 final felt like a statement: the Abbotsford Canucks are still here.
Key Stats That Tell the Story
- Final Score: 5–2 Abbotsford
- Shots: 28–26 in favour of Abbotsford
- Klimovich & Aman: 4 shots each + 2-point nights
- Goalie Jiri Patera: 24 saves + second win
- Most goals scored in a single game this season: 5
Looking Ahead: Home Ice, Fresh Energy
Although the Canucks fell 4-1 in Tucson the night before, Saturday’s win changed the tone completely. Jonathan Lekkerimaki, who scored Friday, has now been called up to the Vancouver Canucks.
With a record of 4-13-1-2, the team sits 10th in the Pacific Division but momentum matters. And now, they finally have some.
Upcoming Games
The Canucks return home for a busy week:
- Dec. 2 vs Calgary Wranglers — first game under the Rogers Forum name
- Dec. 3 — rematch vs Wranglers
- Dec. 6 — Teddy Bear Toss Night vs Coachella Valley Firebirds
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