What began as an incredibly tight, neck-and-neck battle between two evenly matched opponents ended with a scary incident and pure chaos.
<div class="bam-inline-promotion-block" data-max-length="2" data-placement-id="2111" data-context="web-content-promocard" data-property-id="329"></div>
&nbsp;
It was Diwali Night at the Abbotsford Centre as the Canucks hosted the Tucson Roadrunners for their first matchup of the 2024-25 season. Historically, you couldn’t ask for a more balanced matchup. Over 12 all-time games, each team had taken six wins, splitting the series perfectly at 6-6-0-0. Last season, they went 2-2-0-0 against each other, and through the first two periods tonight, the game was living up to that legacy—a back-and-forth contest with no goals through 40 minutes.
However, the third period brought a frightening turn of events when Mark Friedman went down on the ice. This resulted in a lengthy stoppage as he was stretchered off the ice and transported by ambulance. Before all else, health is always number one, and we wish Mark Friedman all the best in his recovery.
From there, the game transformed into a test of composure and resilience, ending with two Canucks rookies netting their first goals of the season amid an explosion of penalty minutes.
Let’s break it all down.
<blockquote>Starting Lineup</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Lines for Diwali Night! <a href="https://t.co/5J4KvuYl4B">pic.twitter.com/5J4KvuYl4B</a>
&mdash; Abbotsford Canucks (@abbycanucks) <a href="https://twitter.com/abbycanucks/status/1851443952425066542?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
For the third consecutive game, Abbotsford fans were treated to the return of a key player. This time, Christian Wolanin debuted as the team’s seventh defenceman. With Wolanin back, the Canucks rolled with an 11-forward, 7-defenceman lineup.
Jiri Patera made his home debut between the pipes, looking to redeem himself after a rough 6-goal game in his last outing.
<blockquote>First period: High-energy stalemate</blockquote>
The puck dropped, and Tucson came out flying.
Mark Friedman caught an edge, giving Milos Kelemen a head start on a quick breakaway. Patera flashed the shoulder to turn it aside. Elias Pettersson was right there, sliding away to force Kelemen to shoot high and eventually into an awkward tumble into the boards.
Despite limping off gingerly, Kelemen would return.
Right after that opening chance, the Canucks turned the play around and fired back with two shots of their own, setting the tone with three shots in less than 20 seconds of play. Buckle up, folks.
Then, it was time for the Jonathan Lekkerimäki Show to commence. The Swedish rookie immediately got to work, generating two shots in quick succession while buzzing around the net. Picking up the puck, he worked through defenders for a solo rush.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/3MkuNRWfl2WaMibcph/giphy.gif" />
From the next face-off, he danced around a defender before attempting to find a teammate in the slot, only to reclaim possession and fire again.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/EUNipDxYvqZnpG9l3j/giphy.gif" />
He wouldn’t find the scoresheet initially, but his energy was contagious, sparking chances for his line – much like we saw all weekend from Aatu Räty, PDG and himself.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/ed2e8avQcb54niYntM/giphy.gif" />
The action settled for a few minutes, with both teams trading low-danger chances until Kirill Kudryavtsev was whistled for slashing.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/n495FCRp00G9rhoHTS/giphy.gif" />
Penalty Kill Units:
PK1: Aatu Räty, Chase Wouters, Jett Woo, Guillaume Brisebois 
PK2: Ty Mueller, Nate Smith, Elias Pettersson, Mark Friedman
The Canucks’ penalty killers took care of business, as they typically do, limiting Tucson to three straightforward shots.
Back at even strength, Abbotsford began applying pressure, courtesy of a rejuvenated Christian Wolanin. The 2022-23 ‘AHL Best Defenceman’ held the line like a pro and set up several scramble plays in front of the net.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/ODIuoPH2GHKmdtx2j4/giphy.gif" />
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/7KNQhkVNj6q5BFhmdw/giphy.gif" />
Despite several close calls, the Canucks couldn’t capitalize, and the puck found its way back into their zone, where Patera made a solid glove save to keep it 0-0.
Late in the period, the Canucks were handed their first powerplay after Tucson’s Andrew Agozzino was caught holding in the corner.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/Mpzwn0D8uYgnWQwfeG/giphy.gif" />
Powerplay Units:
PP1: Jonathan Lekkerimäki, Chase Wouters, Aatu Räty, Phil Di Giuseppe, Christian Wolanin 
PP2: Ty Mueller, Danila Klimovich, Max Sasson, Tristen Nielsen, Jett Woo
As it was last year, Abbotsford&#8217;s powerplay has been a sore spot, partly due to Wolanin’s absence. He brings a number of elements to their man advantage, and it’s clear why he’s delivered 137 points across 180 AHL games.
This sequence, however, was not his best moment.
Backing up from the face-off, he whiffed on a puck that gave Tucson a shorthanded breakaway. Fortunately, the post had Patera’s back, and the score remained tied.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/z088YvtKVNzLyMQGtm/giphy.gif" />
The powerplay would come away empty-handed again.
Tucson put the Canucks’ kill to the test again after a Tristen Nielsen slashing penalty. The Roadrunners nearly scored when recently demoted (Utah Hockey Club) Josh Doan found himself all alone in the slot, but Patera stonewalled him.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/f8nQnneA1Zsk2wSVHc/giphy.gif" />
The Canucks’ kill adjusted to Tucson’s set play, and while they attempted this exact play on several occasions, they effectively turned aside any further chances.
Their penalty kill has been on point for well over a year…
The first ended with Abbotsford up 13-9 in shots, but both sides were still looking for that elusive first goal.
<blockquote>Second period: Canucks push, but goals remain elusive</blockquote>
The second period didn’t explode out of the gate like the first, though Abbotsford nearly cashed in on a Jett Woo shot attempt that created chaos in front. Räty’s stick got tangled up, preventing him from poking the puck in as it trickled through the crease.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/DTkxNwJIJPjV8d5WOP/giphy.gif" />
Patera continued to look sturdy, turning aside a shot from Kailer Yamamoto after a Tucson odd-man rush, his glove flashing from point-blank range.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/s0Ovfj56Wud1jlwfsm/giphy.gif" />
Just after, Nielsen put his tenacity on display, grabbing the puck in his zone, maneuvering through defenders, and blasting down the ice to generate his own scoring chance, only to be robbed by Tucson’s goaltender, Vallalta.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/Lx7mXcZjNjc2CVv6CV/giphy.gif" />
While Patera was sharp, his rebound control showed some rust, leading to a few scrambles in front. Whether it was first-game (in over a week) jitters or just timing, he’ll need to tighten it up, but he was up to the task tonight.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/E3os9BbZnc3MBNB0t1/giphy.gif" />
The line of Sasson, Klimovich, and Mueller had been buzzing all night – all week, really –and they were at it again midway through. Klimovich and Sasson each had cracks at the net, with Mueller jostling in front, providing a great screen.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/Yv8PGRo1ALNxfzCJM8/giphy.gif" />
Still, both goalies held their ground, and we remained scoreless halfway through the game.
Danila Klimovich, co-leading the team with two goals, nearly added another after a spinning move from Nielsen set up Sasson, who then fed Klimovich in the slot. His quick-release wrist shot, however, found nothing but iron.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/uXhVkBqdrNVTw0xTy9/giphy.gif" />
In a twist, Di Giuseppe exited the game halfway through the period, leaving Abbotsford short a forward (already using just 11 forwards). The Canucks promoted Mark Friedman to forward, and he immediately got involved, dropping his shoulder on a rush and drawing a penalty for his efforts.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/JtK3u4RE9rPUvzt6Mz/giphy.gif" />
On the ensuing powerplay, Lekkerimaki nearly found the back of the net with a wicked shot, but Vallalta, once again, turned him aside. The Roadrunners took another penalty to close the frame, meaning Abbotsford would begin the third period with nearly two minutes of 5-on-3 powerplay time.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/K3sWkLfbVCRKfE1Brv/giphy.gif" />
Could they finally crack the goal-scoring case?
<blockquote>Third period: A battle turns chaotic</blockquote>
With a fresh sheet of ice, the Canucks came out firing on the two-man advantage.
First up was Lekkerimäki, then Räty, followed by Lekkerimäki again. But Vallalta stood tall, and Abbotsford’s powerplay troubles continued.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/ECZWb9hpgBPca2NE2v/giphy.gif" />
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/KfVRByogL4F4XaMayb/giphy.gif" />
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/5K4CAzJgHnN5OBxrGF/giphy.gif" />
Finally, though, the Canucks broke through.
Goal – Abbotsford 1-0 – John Stevens from Mark Friedman
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/GEFQEzLVPoRACROAxe/giphy.gif" />
Friedman (perhaps to be credited to Max Sasson?) swatted at a loose puck, sending it straight to Stevens’ stick, who buried it under the bar to put the Canucks on the board. Finally, after tossing 24 shots toward Vallalta, this game found some offence.
Moments later, the game was brought to an abrupt halt. Mark Friedman was caught with an incredibly dangerous headshot as he cut toward the slot. Paramedics arrived, and after several tense minutes, Friedman was stretchered off and taken by ambulance. Thankfully, he was seen moving his arms and legs and will be re-evaluated at the hospital.
As mentioned above, health is always number one, and we wish Mark Friedman all the best in his recovery.
Following the incident, a major penalty was assessed to Tucson’s Montana Onyebuchi, and the Canucks would ensue a five-minute powerplay.
With Friedman out, rookie defenceman Kirill Kudryavtsev was handed his first looks on the man-advantage. Oh, did he ever take advantage…
Goal – Abbotsford 2-0 – Kirill Kudryavtsev from Cole McWard and Danila Klimovich
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/z2IQEd0ChK2YvX07gl/giphy.gif" />
Cole McWard was given the primary assist on this one, and it was deserved. On the play, he provided three (3!) separate keep-ins at the line to continue play in the offensive zone. After snapping things around, he went D-to-D to Kudryavtsev, who snapped in his first professional goal through Vallalta’s pads. Kudryavtsev has been playing such good hockey that it’s just so fitting to see him pot his first as a member of the Abby Canucks.
Klimovich picked up his fourth point with the secondary assist, becoming the outright team lead.
With the game&#8217;s intensity boiling over, Jonathan Lekkerimaki decided it was his turn.
Goal – Abbotsford 3-0 – Jonathan Lekkerimäki Jett Woo and Ty Mueller
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/zKjVyOIVcUTTCHzHag/giphy.gif" />
Lekkerimäki had been buzzing all game, and his persistence finally paid off. Positioned at the side of the net, he tucked in an empty netter to seal the game on his sixth shot of the evening. Sometimes, it’s not about the howitzer shot from the half-wall—it’s about being in the right place at the right time.
But the chaos wasn’t over. The game would eventually go off the rails with multiple altercations, piling on penalty minutes in the final few minutes as Tucson’s frustrations boiled over.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/OHuylm1xgPhIqdtcRl/giphy.gif" />
In one last attempt for offence, Klimovich was on a mission for a multipoint night, generating several chances in the dying moments.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/JU5L5iyYq6yAS05alY/giphy.gif" />
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/50zsoya73hkMfoHDSa/giphy.gif" />
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/XWqdz2e5xDeJlg0m3v/giphy.gif" />
After a game filled with physicality and grit, Abbotsford’s priority was finishing without further incident, and they closed it out with a commanding 3-0 victory.
<blockquote>Final thoughts</blockquote>
This one had it all for a Tuesday night game: goals from rookies, strong goaltending, and an unfortunate, nerve-wracking injury to Friedman.
Thanks to goals from John Stevens, a first pro goal from Kirill Kudryavtsev, and the first (of many) from Jonathan Lekkerimäki, the Canucks took game one of the doubleheaders.
Wednesday’s rematch should be fun&#8230;
What’s next?
The Canucks and Roadrunners meet again Wednesday at the Abbotsford Centre, with puck drop at 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
Sponsored by bet365
<div class="bam-inline-promotion" data-property-id="329" data-promotion-id="19111" data-context="web-content-promocard"></div>
&nbsp;

What began as an incredibly tight, neck-and-neck battle between two evenly matched opponents ended with a scary incident and pure chaos.
<div class="bam-inline-promotion-block" data-max-length="2" data-placement-id="2111" data-context="web-content-promocard" data-property-id="329"></div>
&nbsp;

It was Diwali Night at the Abbotsford Centre as the Canucks hosted the Tucson Roadrunners for their first matchup of the 2024-25 season. Historically, you couldn’t ask for a more balanced matchup. Over 12 all-time games, each team had taken six wins, splitting the series perfectly at 6-6-0-0. Last season, they went 2-2-0-0 against each other, and through the first two periods tonight, the game was living up to that legacy—a back-and-forth contest with no goals through 40 minutes.

However, the third period brought a frightening turn of events when Mark Friedman went down on the ice. This resulted in a lengthy stoppage as he was stretchered off the ice and transported by ambulance. Before all else, health is always number one, and we wish Mark Friedman all the best in his recovery.

From there, the game transformed into a test of composure and resilience, ending with two Canucks rookies netting their first goals of the season amid an explosion of penalty minutes.

Let’s break it all down.
<blockquote>Starting Lineup</blockquote>
https://twitter.com/abbycanucks/status/1851443952425066542

For the third consecutive game, Abbotsford fans were treated to the return of a key player. This time, Christian Wolanin debuted as the team’s seventh defenceman. With Wolanin back, the Canucks rolled with an 11-forward, 7-defenceman lineup.

Jiri Patera made his home debut between the pipes, looking to redeem himself after a rough 6-goal game in his last outing.
<blockquote>First period: High-energy stalemate</blockquote>
The puck dropped, and Tucson came out flying.

Mark Friedman caught an edge, giving Milos Kelemen a head start on a quick breakaway. Patera flashed the shoulder to turn it aside. Elias Pettersson was right there, sliding away to force Kelemen to shoot high and eventually into an awkward tumble into the boards.

Despite limping off gingerly, Kelemen would return.

Right after that opening chance, the Canucks turned the play around and fired back with two shots of their own, setting the tone with three shots in less than 20 seconds of play. Buckle up, folks.

Then, it was time for the Jonathan Lekkerimäki Show to commence. The Swedish rookie immediately got to work, generating two shots in quick succession while buzzing around the net. Picking up the puck, he worked through defenders for a solo rush.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/3MkuNRWfl2WaMibcph/giphy.gif" />

From the next face-off, he danced around a defender before attempting to find a teammate in the slot, only to reclaim possession and fire again.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/EUNipDxYvqZnpG9l3j/giphy.gif" />

He wouldn’t find the scoresheet initially, but his energy was contagious, sparking chances for his line – much like we saw all weekend from Aatu Räty, PDG and himself.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/ed2e8avQcb54niYntM/giphy.gif" />

The action settled for a few minutes, with both teams trading low-danger chances until Kirill Kudryavtsev was whistled for slashing.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/n495FCRp00G9rhoHTS/giphy.gif" />

Penalty Kill Units:

PK1: Aatu Räty, Chase Wouters, Jett Woo, Guillaume Brisebois
PK2: Ty Mueller, Nate Smith, Elias Pettersson, Mark Friedman

The Canucks’ penalty killers took care of business, as they typically do, limiting Tucson to three straightforward shots.

Back at even strength, Abbotsford began applying pressure, courtesy of a rejuvenated Christian Wolanin. The 2022-23 ‘AHL Best Defenceman’ held the line like a pro and set up several scramble plays in front of the net.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/ODIuoPH2GHKmdtx2j4/giphy.gif" />

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/7KNQhkVNj6q5BFhmdw/giphy.gif" />

Despite several close calls, the Canucks couldn’t capitalize, and the puck found its way back into their zone, where Patera made a solid glove save to keep it 0-0.

Late in the period, the Canucks were handed their first powerplay after Tucson’s Andrew Agozzino was caught holding in the corner.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/Mpzwn0D8uYgnWQwfeG/giphy.gif" />

Powerplay Units:

PP1: Jonathan Lekkerimäki, Chase Wouters, Aatu Räty, Phil Di Giuseppe, Christian Wolanin
PP2: Ty Mueller, Danila Klimovich, Max Sasson, Tristen Nielsen, Jett Woo

As it was last year, Abbotsford's powerplay has been a sore spot, partly due to Wolanin’s absence. He brings a number of elements to their man advantage, and it’s clear why he’s delivered 137 points across 180 AHL games.

This sequence, however, was not his best moment.

Backing up from the face-off, he whiffed on a puck that gave Tucson a shorthanded breakaway. Fortunately, the post had Patera’s back, and the score remained tied.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/z088YvtKVNzLyMQGtm/giphy.gif" />

The powerplay would come away empty-handed again.

Tucson put the Canucks’ kill to the test again after a Tristen Nielsen slashing penalty. The Roadrunners nearly scored when recently demoted (Utah Hockey Club) Josh Doan found himself all alone in the slot, but Patera stonewalled him.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/f8nQnneA1Zsk2wSVHc/giphy.gif" />

The Canucks’ kill adjusted to Tucson’s set play, and while they attempted this exact play on several occasions, they effectively turned aside any further chances.

Their penalty kill has been on point for well over a year…

The first ended with Abbotsford up 13-9 in shots, but both sides were still looking for that elusive first goal.
<blockquote>Second period: Canucks push, but goals remain elusive</blockquote>
The second period didn’t explode out of the gate like the first, though Abbotsford nearly cashed in on a Jett Woo shot attempt that created chaos in front. Räty’s stick got tangled up, preventing him from poking the puck in as it trickled through the crease.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/DTkxNwJIJPjV8d5WOP/giphy.gif" />

Patera continued to look sturdy, turning aside a shot from Kailer Yamamoto after a Tucson odd-man rush, his glove flashing from point-blank range.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/s0Ovfj56Wud1jlwfsm/giphy.gif" />

Just after, Nielsen put his tenacity on display, grabbing the puck in his zone, maneuvering through defenders, and blasting down the ice to generate his own scoring chance, only to be robbed by Tucson’s goaltender, Vallalta.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/Lx7mXcZjNjc2CVv6CV/giphy.gif" />

While Patera was sharp, his rebound control showed some rust, leading to a few scrambles in front. Whether it was first-game (in over a week) jitters or just timing, he’ll need to tighten it up, but he was up to the task tonight.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/E3os9BbZnc3MBNB0t1/giphy.gif" />

The line of Sasson, Klimovich, and Mueller had been buzzing all night – all week, really –and they were at it again midway through. Klimovich and Sasson each had cracks at the net, with Mueller jostling in front, providing a great screen.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/Yv8PGRo1ALNxfzCJM8/giphy.gif" />

Still, both goalies held their ground, and we remained scoreless halfway through the game.

Danila Klimovich, co-leading the team with two goals, nearly added another after a spinning move from Nielsen set up Sasson, who then fed Klimovich in the slot. His quick-release wrist shot, however, found nothing but iron.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/uXhVkBqdrNVTw0xTy9/giphy.gif" />

In a twist, Di Giuseppe exited the game halfway through the period, leaving Abbotsford short a forward (already using just 11 forwards). The Canucks promoted Mark Friedman to forward, and he immediately got involved, dropping his shoulder on a rush and drawing a penalty for his efforts.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/JtK3u4RE9rPUvzt6Mz/giphy.gif" />

On the ensuing powerplay, Lekkerimaki nearly found the back of the net with a wicked shot, but Vallalta, once again, turned him aside. The Roadrunners took another penalty to close the frame, meaning Abbotsford would begin the third period with nearly two minutes of 5-on-3 powerplay time.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/K3sWkLfbVCRKfE1Brv/giphy.gif" />

Could they finally crack the goal-scoring case?
<blockquote>Third period: A battle turns chaotic</blockquote>
With a fresh sheet of ice, the Canucks came out firing on the two-man advantage.

First up was Lekkerimäki, then Räty, followed by Lekkerimäki again. But Vallalta stood tall, and Abbotsford’s powerplay troubles continued.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/ECZWb9hpgBPca2NE2v/giphy.gif" />

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/KfVRByogL4F4XaMayb/giphy.gif" />

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/5K4CAzJgHnN5OBxrGF/giphy.gif" />

Finally, though, the Canucks broke through.

Goal – Abbotsford 1-0 – John Stevens from Mark Friedman

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/GEFQEzLVPoRACROAxe/giphy.gif" />

Friedman (perhaps to be credited to Max Sasson?) swatted at a loose puck, sending it straight to Stevens’ stick, who buried it under the bar to put the Canucks on the board. Finally, after tossing 24 shots toward Vallalta, this game found some offence.

Moments later, the game was brought to an abrupt halt. Mark Friedman was caught with an incredibly dangerous headshot as he cut toward the slot. Paramedics arrived, and after several tense minutes, Friedman was stretchered off and taken by ambulance. Thankfully, he was seen moving his arms and legs and will be re-evaluated at the hospital.

As mentioned above, health is always number one, and we wish Mark Friedman all the best in his recovery.

Following the incident, a major penalty was assessed to Tucson’s Montana Onyebuchi, and the Canucks would ensue a five-minute powerplay.

With Friedman out, rookie defenceman Kirill Kudryavtsev was handed his first looks on the man-advantage. Oh, did he ever take advantage…

Goal – Abbotsford 2-0 – Kirill Kudryavtsev from Cole McWard and Danila Klimovich

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/z2IQEd0ChK2YvX07gl/giphy.gif" />

Cole McWard was given the primary assist on this one, and it was deserved. On the play, he provided three (3!) separate keep-ins at the line to continue play in the offensive zone. After snapping things around, he went D-to-D to Kudryavtsev, who snapped in his first professional goal through Vallalta’s pads. Kudryavtsev has been playing such good hockey that it’s just so fitting to see him pot his first as a member of the Abby Canucks.

Klimovich picked up his fourth point with the secondary assist, becoming the outright team lead.

With the game's intensity boiling over, Jonathan Lekkerimaki decided it was his turn.

Goal – Abbotsford 3-0 – Jonathan Lekkerimäki Jett Woo and Ty Mueller

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/zKjVyOIVcUTTCHzHag/giphy.gif" />

Lekkerimäki had been buzzing all game, and his persistence finally paid off. Positioned at the side of the net, he tucked in an empty netter to seal the game on his sixth shot of the evening. Sometimes, it’s not about the howitzer shot from the half-wall—it’s about being in the right place at the right time.

But the chaos wasn’t over. The game would eventually go off the rails with multiple altercations, piling on penalty minutes in the final few minutes as Tucson’s frustrations boiled over.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/OHuylm1xgPhIqdtcRl/giphy.gif" />

In one last attempt for offence, Klimovich was on a mission for a multipoint night, generating several chances in the dying moments.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/JU5L5iyYq6yAS05alY/giphy.gif" />

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/50zsoya73hkMfoHDSa/giphy.gif" />

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/XWqdz2e5xDeJlg0m3v/giphy.gif" />

After a game filled with physicality and grit, Abbotsford’s priority was finishing without further incident, and they closed it out with a commanding 3-0 victory.
<blockquote>Final thoughts</blockquote>
This one had it all for a Tuesday night game: goals from rookies, strong goaltending, and an unfortunate, nerve-wracking injury to Friedman.

Thanks to goals from John Stevens, a first pro goal from Kirill Kudryavtsev, and the first (of many) from Jonathan Lekkerimäki, the Canucks took game one of the doubleheaders.

Wednesday’s rematch should be fun...

What’s next?

The Canucks and Roadrunners meet again Wednesday at the Abbotsford Centre, with puck drop at 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

Sponsored by bet365
<div class="bam-inline-promotion" data-property-id="329" data-promotion-id="19111" data-context="web-content-promocard"></div>
&nbsp;

The Farmies: Friedman exits with scary injury as Abby Canucks grab emotional 3-0 win over Tucson

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