Sports
Abbotsford Canucks Punch Ticket to Calder Cup Finals After Gritty Game 7 Win
The Abbotsford Canucks are heading to the Calder Cup Finals after a gritty Game 7 win over the Texas Stars on Sunday night. It was a hard-fought series, with both teams trading blows across seven tightly contested games.
Captain Chase Wouters, who’s been with the Canucks since their first season in 2021-22, reflected on what the win meant for the team. He was named captain at just 22 and has grown into a key leader both on and off the ice.
“Yeah, it means everything. It’s been a goal of ours all year to get to this point, and obviously I’m really proud of everyone in that room,” said Wouters. “It takes a lot of hard work and a lot of effort throughout the year to get to this point. So, we’ll enjoy this one tonight. But there’s still lots of work ahead.”
Wouters holds the franchise record for games played and has seen the Abbotsford fan base grow alongside the team. That fan energy was on full display Sunday night, giving the players a noticeable lift.
The team’s chemistry has only strengthened during the playoff run, something General Manager Patrik Allvin has pointed to when talking about the culture being built in Abbotsford.
“We all love coming to the rink every day. That’s the main thing. This time of the year is about coming together as a team and being brothers for each other, and that’s what we’re building off right now. It’s quite the feeling, we’re all very proud of one another in there.”
Down 2–0 late in the second period, it was Arshdeep Bains who sparked the comeback with a key goal just before intermission.
“There is just so much belief in that room. Bainsy scores a massive goal with a minute left in the second and we came in the locker room and the whole mentality everyone’s saying, ‘we’re ending it right here, we’re going to get the next one,’ and then we’re going to find a way to finish it,” said Max Sasson.
The Canucks came out firing in the third, outshooting Texas 17–4, including a stretch of 16–1. Jujhar Khaira scored the tying goal early in the period—his third of the playoffs—sending the hometown crowd into a frenzy. Moments later, Sasson tipped in a point shot from Akito Hirose to put Abbotsford ahead for the first time all night.
“I’ve been pretty snake bitten. I’ve had a lot of shots, and for one finally to go in, in that moment, I feel like that’s how it always goes. It felt really good. And obviously it’s a massive goal for the team,” said Sasson.
“When we get a lead in the third, we’re a really hard team to break down with our structure. So that celebration, I just let it all out. It felt like the monkey was off my back, and the crowd was insane, the whole place. I kept on just looking around and was like ‘wow,’ that was so cool to see.”
Head coach Manny Malhotra pointed to the team’s depth as a difference-maker. He rolled four lines in the third period, and every player contributed during the final push.
“It’s obviously a huge step for us as a group, as an organization, and I’m happy to see the guys getting rewarded for the way they’re playing and their commitment to what we’re trying to do here,” said Malhotra.
He also gave a shoutout to the fans, who made the Abbotsford Centre a tough place to play throughout the postseason.
“I’ll say it again and again. Our group gets so much energy off the life in this building,” said Malhotra. “The fans have been outstanding throughout the entire playoff run. They’re a big part of our success. This atmosphere here to play in front of has been really special for the guys, and we’re looking to continue that.”
Next up: the Calder Cup Finals against the Charlotte Checkers, the Florida Panthers AHL affiliate. The Checkers’ roster includes a few familiar names—Will Lockwood and Aidan McDonough are both former Abbotsford players, though McDonough has been out since November. Zac Dalpe, who played for the Vancouver Canucks in 2013-14, has also been sidelined since December.
In net, Charlotte is led by 28-year-old Kaapo Kähkönen, who won gold with Finland at the 2016 World Junior Championships in Vancouver. He’s been sharp this postseason, posting a 10-2 record with a 1.73 GAA, .927 save percentage, and one shutout. The Checkers enter the Finals on an eight-game winning streak, having swept both the Division and Conference Finals.
Game 1 is set for Friday in Charlotte, with the series following a 2-3-2 format. The first two games will be on the road, with games three through five in Abbotsford. If necessary, games six and seven will return to Charlotte.
Sports
Sixteen Players Named to Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team for HSBC SVNS Vancouver
Sixteen players have been named to Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team ahead of the Teck Tri-Nations Challenge taking place alongside the 11th edition of HSBC SVNS Vancouver.
Captained by Victoria’s Lockie Kratz, Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team will play Japan and Chile in a double round robin at BC Place over March 7 and 8 ahead of participating in the second stop of HSBC SVNS 2, the next step in their journey towards promotion to the first tier of the HSBC SVNS Series.
“Vancouver is an important moment for this group. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate our growth and to represent the wider Canadian rugby system with pride… we’re determined to put on a performance that excites and inspires.” Said Head Coach Christiaan Esterhuizen.
Passes to HSBC SVNS Vancouver will give fans access to the Teck Tri-Nations Challenge. Tickets are available at vansevens.com.
Among the 16 players named to the roster, Josiah Morra is set to officially return to sevens for the first time since his appearance at the 2024 RAN Sevens. Edmonton-born scrum-half Brock Gallagher, who has earned 12 caps with Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team, is poised to make his sevens debut. Vancouver native Andy Cooper is also in line for his first appearance in the sevens format.
“We’re not chasing a moment in Vancouver – we’re building consistency. This weekend is about raising our standards in the details… if we get that right, it sets the tone for how we perform over the next two stops in South America. We want to leave Vancouver sharper and more connected than when we arrived.”
Jesse Kilgour, who made his international sevens debut in Hong Kong in 2024 and earned his first cap with Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team later that year in Bucharest, returns to competition following rehabilitation from a shoulder injury. Jesse will join his sister Eden in Vancouver who has been named to Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team.
Six members of the squad — Tremblay, Morra, Di Nardo, Black, Shaw, and Gallagher — recently represented Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team during their 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification campaign and autumn test matches, bringing valuable international experience to the lineup and leaning on Rugby Canada’s One Squad philosophy which allows players to transition between the 15s and 7s game.
In Vancouver, Head Coach of Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team Stephen Meehan joins Head Coach Christiaan Esterhuizen as assistant coach for the weekend. Together, they will lead the squad while further strengthening the cohesion and connectivity across programs — a collaborative approach that continues to drive Canadian rugby forward.
“Stephen’s involvement is part of our One Squad philosophy. When our programs align, we accelerate growth. That connection strengthens both environments and raises expectations across the system. It’s great having someone with Stephen’s experience around – his perspective adds real value to the group.”
Due to injury, Thomas Isherwood and Demetri Patterson were not available for selection. Kal Sager was not available for selection due to university commitments.
THE ROAD TO TIER 1 OF THE HSBC SVNS SERIES
Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team claimed gold at the Rugby Americas North Sevens Tournament in November, earning qualification to the HSBC SVNS 3 Challenger.
In January, the team continued its strong performance by winning gold at the HSBC SVNS 3 Challenger in Dubai to secure a place in HSBC SVNS 2. SVNS 2 is a three-event series featuring Canada, Kenya, USA, Germany, Uruguay, and Belgium.
Canada opened the series with a sixth-place finish in Nairobi and will next compete in Montevideo (March 21–22) and São Paulo (March 28–29).
The top four teams at the conclusion of the HSBC SVNS 2 series will advance to join the eight core teams on the HSBC SVNS Series for the three-event SVNS World Championship. The Championship begins in Hong Kong (April 17–19), followed by Valladolid (May 29–31) and Bordeaux (June 5–7). The series will culminate with the crowning of the Men’s and Women’s World Champions, marking the finale of the newly formatted HSBC SVNS Series announced in 2025.
TICKETS
Tickets for HSBC SVNS Vancouver are available at vansevens.com. Questions regarding ticket purchases can be directed to tickets@vansevens.com. For more information on suites, please contact suites@vansevens.com. Please note that these inboxes will be monitored during regular office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm PT.
TECK TRI-NATIONS SCHEDULE
Saturday March 7
Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team vs Japan
2:23pm PT / 5:23pm ET
Watch on TSN2 & TSN+
Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team vs Chile
6:12pm PT / 9:12pm ET
Watch on TSN2 & TSN+
Sunday March 8
Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team vs Chile
2:01pm PT / 5:01pm ET
Watch on TSN1, TSN5, & TSN+
Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team vs Japan
5:04pm PT / 8:04pm ET
Watch on TSN4 & TSN+
CANADA’S MEN’S SEVENS TEAM VANCOUVER ROSTER
3. Ethan Turner (Maple Ridge, BC) – Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
6. Josiah Morra (Toronto, ON) – Balmy Beach RFC
7. Johnny Franklin (Bowen Island, BC) – Capilano RFC
10. Adam Doane (Sutton, ON) – Aurora Barbarians
13. Brenden Black (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders
14. D’Shawn Bowen (Toronto, ON) – James Bay AA / Agronomia Rugby
17. Jesse Kilgour (Oro-Medonte, ON) – Pacific Pride / Barrie RFC
18. Morgan Di Nardo (Toronto, ON) – Toronto Scottish / University of Victoria
22. Kyle Tremblay (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC
28. Henry Kirwan (Brighton, ENG) – Brighton Blues / Cardiff Metropolitan University
37. Ian Jones (Bass River, NS) – Ajax Wanderers / Pictou County
44. Lockie Kratz (Victoria, BC ) – Castaway Wanderers / UBCOB Ravens
55. Jack Shaw (Oakville, ON) – Castaway Wanderers / Oakville Crusaders
64. Elias Hancock (Ottawa, ON) – University of Ottawa / Bytown Blues
66. Andy Cooper (Vancouver, BC) – Meralomas RFC
98. Brock Gallagher (Edmonton, AB) – Strathcona Druids RFC
Non-Traveling Reserves
Thomas Cuzagne (Toulon, France) – Pacific Pride
Reece Thompson (Minesing, ON) – University of Victoria / Barrie Rugby Club
Glenn Roy (Ottawa, ON) – Ottawa Irish
Unavailable / Injured
Demetri Patterson (West Vancouver, BC) – University of British Columbia
Ethan Fryer (Seattle, USA)
Kal Sager (Peterborough, ON) – Peterborough Pagans
Takoda McMullin (White Rock, BC) – University of British Columbia
Thomas Isherwood (Okotoks, AB) – Foothills Lions RFC / Westshore RFC
Sports
Northern Super League Releases 2026 Schedule
Northern Super League today announced its 2026 regular season schedule, returning for a second season after a debut year that proved professional women’s soccer has a powerful place in Canada’s sports and entertainment landscape.
The season opens Friday, April 24, with a marquee rematch of the NSL Final, as Toronto and Vancouver meet at Swanguard Stadium in Vancouver to kick off the campaign — reigniting one of the League’s defining rivalries from the very first whistle. This season’s opening match is followed by home matches in every NSL market in the first two weeks of the season:
Saturday, April 25, 2026—Halifax Tides host Ottawa Rapid FC at Wanderers Grounds
Saturday, April 25, 2026— Calgary Wild FC hosts Montréal Roses at McMahon Stadium
Saturday, May 2, 2026—Ottawa Rapid FC hosts Calgary Wild FC at TD Place
Saturday, May 2, 2026—Montréal Roses host Vancouver Rise FC at Stade Boréale
Sunday, May 3, 2026— AFC Toronto hosts Halifax Tides at BMO Field
Running from April through November, the 2026 season delivers a consistent, coast-to-coast schedule across spring, summer, and fall, and will conclude with the NSL Final on Saturday, November 14. The neutral-site host city for the championship match will be announced in the coming months.
Apart from international breaks for women’s competitions, the 2026 season will continue uninterrupted through June and July. Fans — including international soccer fans visiting Canada — are welcome to experience Canadian professional women’s soccer live on broadcast and in stadium during a landmark summer for men’s international soccer in Canada.
Season One established a strong foundation, marked by competitive matches, emerging rivalries, and electric atmospheres in stadiums nationwide. Fans responded to the accessibility of the live match experience and to the quality, intensity, and skill of the players on the pitch.
“Season One demonstrated that Canada was ready for professional women’s soccer with world-leading attendance and fierce competition on the pitch,” said League President Christina Litz. “In 2026, a year when the country will be celebrating the game at new levels, we’re building on that momentum by delivering great soccer, showcasing elite talent, and creating experiences that make fans want to be part of it week after week.”
With the 2026 schedule now confirmed, fans can begin planning their season and secure tickets through their local club. Clubs across the Northern Super League are offering a range of ticketing options, including season memberships and flexible packages, providing multiple ways for supporters to attend matches throughout the season. Learn more in the Insider Guide here .
Broadcast and streaming details — including live matches in English and French on TSN, CBC, Radio-Canada, and YouTube — will be announced in the coming weeks
2026 NSL Regular Season
April
- Friday, April 24 — Vancouver Rise FC vs AFC Toronto at Swanguard Stadium
- Saturday, April 25 — Halifax Tides FC vs Ottawa Rapid FC at Wanderers Grounds
- Saturday, April 25 — Calgary Wild FC vs Montréal Roses FC at McMahon Stadium
May
- Saturday, May 2 — Ottawa Rapid FC vs Calgary Wild FC at TD Place
- Saturday, May 2 — Montréal Roses FC vs Vancouver Rise FC at Stade Boréale
- Sunday, May 3 — AFC Toronto vs Halifax Tides FC at BMO Field
- Wednesday, May 6 — Ottawa Rapid FC vs Vancouver Rise FC at TD Place
- Sunday, May 10 — AFC Toronto vs Montréal Roses FC at BMO Field
- Wednesday, May 13 — Ottawa Rapid FC vs Halifax Tides FC at TD Place
- Saturday, May 16 — Calgary Wild FC vs Montréal Roses FC at McMahon Stadium
- Monday, May 18 — Halifax Tides FC vs Vancouver Rise FC at Wanderers Grounds
- Saturday, May 23 — Vancouver Rise FC vs AFC Toronto at Swanguard Stadium
- Saturday, May 23 — Ottawa Rapid FC vs Montréal Roses FC at TD Place
- Sunday, May 24 — Calgary Wild FC vs Halifax Tides FC at McMahon Stadium
- Friday, May 29 — Halifax Tides FC vs Ottawa Rapid FC at Wanderers Grounds
- Saturday, May 30 — Montréal Roses FC vs Vancouver Rise FC at Stade Boréale
- Sunday, May 31 — Calgary Wild FC vs AFC Toronto at McMahon Stadium
June
- Saturday, June 13 — Halifax Tides FC vs Calgary Wild FC at Wanderers Grounds
- Saturday, June 13 — AFC Toronto vs Montréal Roses FC at York Lions Stadium
- Sunday, June 14 — Vancouver Rise FC vs Ottawa Rapid FC at Swanguard Stadium
- Thursday, June 18 — Halifax Tides FC vs Vancouver Rise FC at Wanderers Grounds
- Sunday, June 21 — Montréal Roses FC vs Calgary Wild FC at Stade Boréale
- Sunday, June 21 — Ottawa Rapid FC vs AFC Toronto at TD Place
- Thursday, June 25 — Montréal Roses FC vs Ottawa Rapid FC at Stade Boréale
- Saturday, June 27 — Calgary Wild FC vs Halifax Tides FC at McMahon Stadium
- Sunday, June 28 — Vancouver Rise FC vs AFC Toronto at Swanguard Stadium
July
- Saturday, July 4 — Montréal Roses FC vs Vancouver Rise FC at Stade Boréale
- Sunday, July 5 — Ottawa Rapid FC vs Calgary Wild FC at TD Place
- Sunday, July 5 — Halifax Tides FC vs AFC Toronto at Wanderers Grounds
- Saturday, July 11 — Calgary Wild FC vs Vancouver Rise FC at McMahon Stadium
- Saturday, July 11 — AFC Toronto vs Ottawa Rapid FC at York Lions Stadium
- Sunday, July 12 — Montréal Roses FC vs Halifax Tides FC at Stade Boréale
- Thursday, July 16 — Ottawa Rapid FC vs Halifax Tides FC at TD Place
- Friday, July 17 — Calgary Wild FC vs Montréal Roses FC at McMahon Stadium
- Saturday, July 18 — AFC Toronto vs Vancouver Rise FC at York Lions Stadium
- Wednesday, July 22 — Calgary Wild FC vs Ottawa Rapid FC at McMahon Stadium
- Thursday, July 23 — Montréal Roses FC vs AFC Toronto at Stade Boréale
- Saturday, July 25 — Vancouver Rise FC vs Halifax Tides FC at Swanguard Stadium
- Tuesday, July 28 — AFC Toronto vs Calgary Wild FC at York Lions Stadium
- Wednesday, July 29 — Vancouver Rise FC vs Montréal Roses FC at Swanguard Stadium
August
- Saturday, August 1 — Calgary Wild FC vs AFC Toronto at McMahon Stadium
- Monday, August 3 — Halifax Tides FC vs Ottawa Rapid FC at Wanderers Grounds
- Friday, August 7 — Montréal Roses FC vs Halifax Tides FC at Stade Boréale
- Saturday, August 8 — Vancouver Rise FC vs Calgary Wild FC at Swanguard Stadium
- Sunday, August 9 — Ottawa Rapid FC vs AFC Toronto at TD Place
- Saturday, August 15 — Vancouver Rise FC vs Halifax Tides FC at Swanguard Stadium
- Saturday, August 15 — Calgary Wild FC vs Ottawa Rapid FC at McMahon Stadium
Sunday, August 16 — AFC Toronto vs Montréal Roses FC at BMO Field - Saturday, August 22 — Ottawa Rapid FC vs Vancouver Rise FC at TD Place
- Sunday, August 23 — Halifax Tides FC vs AFC Toronto at Wanderers Grounds
- Sunday, August 23 — Montréal Roses FC vs Calgary Wild FC at Stade Boréale
- Saturday, August 29 — Montréal Roses FC vs Halifax Tides FC at Stade Boréale
- Saturday, August 29 — Vancouver Rise FC vs Calgary Wild FC at Swanguard Stadium
- Sunday, August 30 — AFC Toronto vs Ottawa Rapid FC at BMO Field
September
- Saturday, September 5 — Vancouver Rise FC vs Halifax Tides FC at Swanguard Stadium
- Sunday, September 6 — Ottawa Rapid FC vs Montréal Roses FC at TD Place
- Sunday, September 6 — AFC Toronto vs Calgary Wild FC at BMO Field
Thursday, September 10 — Montréal Roses FC vs AFC Toronto at Stade Boréale - Saturday, September 12 — Calgary Wild FC vs Halifax Tides FC at McMahon Stadium
- Sunday, September 13 — Vancouver Rise FC vs Ottawa Rapid FC at Swanguard Stadium
- Saturday, September 19 — Halifax Tides FC vs AFC Toronto at Wanderers Grounds
- Saturday, September 19 — Vancouver Rise FC vs Montréal Roses FC at Swanguard Stadium
- Sunday, September 20 — Ottawa Rapid FC vs Calgary Wild FC at TD Place
- Saturday, September 26 — AFC Toronto vs Ottawa Rapid FC at York Lions Stadium
- Sunday, September 27 — Halifax Tides FC vs Montréal Roses FC at Wanderers Grounds
- Sunday, September 27 — Calgary Wild FC vs Vancouver Rise FC at McMahon Stadium
October
- Friday, October 2 — Montréal Roses FC vs Ottawa Rapid FC at Stade Boréale
- Saturday, October 3 — Halifax Tides FC vs Calgary Wild FC at Wanderers Grounds
- Sunday, October 4 — AFC Toronto vs Vancouver Rise FC at York Lions Stadium
- Saturday, October 17 — Halifax Tides FC vs Montréal Roses FC at Wanderers Grounds
- Sunday, October 18 — AFC Toronto vs Calgary Wild FC at BMO Field
- Sunday, October 18 — Ottawa Rapid FC vs Vancouver Rise FC at TD Place
- Friday, October 23 — Montréal Roses FC vs Ottawa Rapid FC at Stade Boréale
- Sunday, October 25 — Vancouver Rise FC vs Calgary Wild FC at Swanguard Stadium
- Monday, October 26 — AFC Toronto vs Halifax Tides FC at BMO Field
2026 NSL Playoffs and Final
- Saturday, October 31 — Semi-Final A, Leg 1 (Location TBD)
- Sunday, November 1 — Semi-Final B, Leg 1 (Location TBD)
- Saturday, November 7 — Semi-Final A, Leg 2 (Location TBD)
- Sunday, November 8 — Semi-Final B, Leg 2 (Location TBD)
- Saturday, November 14 — NSL Final (Neutral-site host city to be announced)
The full 2026 Northern Super League schedule is also available at NSL.ca/schedule