By Troy Tyrell | WBN News Vancouver | June 19, 2025
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The Abbotsford Canucks are now just one win away from hoisting the Calder Cup. In a tightly contested Game 4 on Thursday night, they edged out the Charlotte Checkers 3–2 in front of a roaring crowd at Abbotsford Centre, taking a 3–1 lead in the series.

While their NHL counterparts in Vancouver are still chasing postseason consistency, the AHL affiliate is delivering playoff hockey at its finest—high-pressure, smart, and full of heart.

Fast Start Fuels Abbotsford's Momentum

It didn’t take long for the Canucks to make their presence known. Less than two minutes into the game, forward Jonathan Lekkerimaki snapped a shot past Charlotte goalie Spencer Knight, putting Abbotsford on the board early. That goal set the tone for a game defined by physical play and fast transitions.

Lekkerimaki would strike again in the second period on the power play, restoring the lead after Charlotte had tied the game. The 20-year-old Swede has emerged as a breakout star in this series, delivering clutch performances in critical moments.

Silovs Stands Tall in the Crease

Goaltender Arturs Silovs continued his standout postseason with another stellar showing, stopping 32 of 34 shots. From point-blank saves to breakaway stops, Silovs anchored the Canucks during key moments, especially when Charlotte pulled their goalie for an extra attacker in the final minutes.

His composure and consistency have been crucial for Abbotsford, which has leaned on his performance as the foundation for their playoff run. If the Canucks finish the job, Silovs could very well be the playoff MVP.

Checkers Fight Back but Fall Short

Charlotte refused to go quietly. After falling behind 3–1 in the third period following a slick goal from Arshdeep Bains, the Checkers mounted a late push. Jack Devine scored with 26 seconds remaining on the power play, bringing Charlotte within one.

The Canucks held strong during the final frantic shift, weathering the storm and securing the win. Though the Checkers showed grit, they simply couldn't crack Abbotsford’s structure.

One Win from History

Abbotsford now sits one victory away from claiming its first Calder Cup. Game 5, set for Saturday, June 21 at the Abbotsford Centre, could be a historic night for BC hockey. For a province that’s long waited for playoff payoff, the Canucks’ AHL affiliate may deliver what the NHL version hasn’t yet—a championship.

Should they win, it would mark a defining moment for player development in the Canucks system and offer the kind of optimism that can ripple through the entire organization.

Final Word

This playoff run is more than a Cinderella story—it’s a coming-of-age moment for Abbotsford’s young core. Lekkerimaki has the poise of a seasoned scorer. Silovs is playing like a goaltender with nothing left to prove. And the team as a whole is playing structured, disciplined, winning hockey.

Whether they finish the job in Game 5 or later, Abbotsford has already proven they’re a team built for the moment. Now, they’re 60 minutes away from turning potential into a championship.

Next Game:
Charlotte Checkers at Abbotsford Canucks
Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT
Live from Abbotsford Centre
Abbotsford leads series 3–1

By Troy Tyrell, Founder of Tsquared Personal Training
WBN Contributor | Community Builder | Mountain Biker | Advocate for Local Business & Fitness
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TAGS:#Abbotsford Canucks #Calder Cup Finals #AHL Championship #Game 4 Win #BC Proud #Canucks Prospects #Troy Tyrell #WBN News Vancouver

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