Home-ice advantage provides different perks for different teams. For the Abbotsford Canucks, playing at the Abbotsford Centre means a lot of different things — all of which are good.
“We were obviously really excited to be back in front of our fans, easily the best fans in the league. You can see it all. They bring the energy for us, and they’ve been there all year for us. So we were really excited for this one, and really happy we got the win tonight,” AHL Canucks forward Sammy Blais said after a 6–1 win in Game 3.
The 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs have looked different for Abbotsford, a team that has made the postseason every year since their inaugural season in 2021. Prior to this year, Abbotsford had yet to make it past the second round. By clinching the Pacific Division Finals, the Western Conference Finals, and now the Calder Cup Finals, home-ice is becoming more and more important for this team. As well, it’s becoming more and more noticeable how much the fans are rallying behind them. Abbotsford’s fans made a notable impression in their first ever Calder Cup Finals home game on Tuesday night, keeping the building alive with energized cheers and towel waves.
“I can’t say enough about our crowd. They continue to amaze us. Can’t talk about enough about how much energy the guys feed off of from this building. It’s electrifying. It’s a great atmosphere for hockey, and we’re privileged to play in front of fans like this,” Abbotsford head coach Manny Malhotra said.
One aspect where home ice may become an even bigger advantage for Abbotsford against the Charlotte Checkers in the Calder Cup Finals is in terms of the ice itself. Abbotsford commentator Brandon Astle was quick to point out the quality of the ice at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, noting how often the puck would bounce, making players’ passes a lot less crisp. While the Checkers may be used to this, seeing as this is their home rink, Abbotsford isn’t. Coming back to familiar ice in such an integral part of the series could be a big boost for Abbotsford, who noticeably struggled to generate shots during Games 1 and 2.
Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site:
Abbotsford Canucks Standouts From Game 3 Of The 2025 Calder Cup Finals
Third-Period Offence Powers Abbotsford Canucks To A 6–1 Game 3 Win Against The Charlotte Checkers
Abbotsford Canucks’ Linus Karlsson Sets New AHL Record In The 2025 Calder Cup Finals
The fans are undoubtedly a key factor in making the Abbotsford Centre so vibrant, but statistically, it’s clear that the AHL Canucks favour being at home. Their penalty killing streak during the Calder Cup Playoffs still hasn’t been broken yet, as the team has killed 33 of 33 while shorthanded. Their power play is also noticeably better in front of the Abbotsford crowd, clicking at a success rate of 29% compared to their 22.6% on the road.
Abbotsford also dominates at home in terms of their record. In 11 home games played in the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs, the AHL Canucks have won nine games, with eight of these coming in regulation. In comparison, they have only won five of their 10 away playoff games — only two of these in regulation.
“It’s so much support, so much energy,” goaltender Artūrs Šilovs said of the home crowd. “That always pushes us forward and to play better.”
Abbotsford’s final two home games of the season will take place on Thursday, June 19 and Saturday, June 21.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
