Abbotsford Canucks: A strong start in the pre-season
The Abbotsford Canucks swept the Calgary Wranglers in their back to back pre-season games. These games provided insight into how the team will look this coming season, who the standouts and players to watch are, and areas where they can grow.
Positives
Last season Abbotsford struggled with their penalty kills, which cost them a number of games throughout the season. However, throughout the pre-season games they went 4-for-4 and only allowed 1 goal in a combined 70 shots on net in the two games.
Another area of growth to start the season was playing the full 60 minutes. Last season it was stated multiple times by players and coaching staff alike that they needed to focus on playing a full game. These games proved that they are capable of doing so. Though there was some floundering near the end of the third period in game 2, they were able to keep it together and play the long game.
Abbotsford’s new head coach Ryan Papaioannou stated; “We need to play [these games] to win, pre-season or not. I think it sets a good tone for us getting ready for next weekend.”
Areas of Growth
Despite winning both games and a lot of great plays there were some areas that Abbotsford needed to focus on. One being their passes and turnovers in the neutral zone. There were a number of times where the passes went straight to the stick of the other team. There was also a lack of puck control when breaking out of the defensive zone.
Another area where Abbotsford struggled was the rebounds after the first shot. There were a number of times where the rebound went out and there was no one around to pick it up and try to shoot it back at the net.
Player Standouts
Right from game one of the pre-season you could see that the players were there to prove themselves. For many returning Abbotsford players it felt like a time of redemption after last season, while for the new players it was a way to show what they had to offer.
The forwards that stood out throughout the pre-season games were; Bennett Schimek, Anri Ravinskis, Vilmer Alriksson, Braeden Cootes, Quinn Emerson, Sean Chisholm, Trey Fix-Wolansky and Ryan St. Louis.
These players' abilities to get into the thick of the game and produce or change the play, proved to be key to Abbotsford's game. Alriksson, Cootes, Chisholm, Fix-Wolansky, St. Louis and Schimek all produced a point whether it was a goal or an assist. They were putting themselves into positions to make plays happen and elevate their teammates.
Ravinskis and Emerson were fast across the ice, laying their bodies out there to break up plays. They were constantly in the other team's space, and a noticeable presence across the ice.
Defensemen to watch were; Sawyer Mynio, Jimmy Schuldt, Tim Rego and Gavin White. All four of these players defended their zone and played with a level of composure most goalies would want in front of them. They read plays well and play with a level headed confidence in front of the crease.
The goalies were incredible; Aku Koskenvuo, Mitchell Weeks and Ty Young. There was a sense of calmness to them. They read the plays and took the time to watch the puck. They also relied on their defensemen to support them when needed.
The Abbotsford Canucks kick off their season against the Calgary Wranglers in Calgary on October 2 at 6 pm at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Abbotsford will be back at home for their home opener at Rogers Forum on October 17 at 7 pm.
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