The Abbotsford Canucks held off a frantic charge by the Checkers to win the Calder Cup at Bojangles Coliseum.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β The Abbotsford Canucks defeated the Charlotte Checkers by a score of 3-2 in Game 6 of the Calder Cup Finals, securing the club’s first American Hockey League championship.Β
Charlotte opened the scoring when John Leonard scored not even three minutes into the game. The Checkers extended their lead to 2-0 during 4-on-4 action, as Jack Devine put the puck in the net.Β
From there, it was a defensive masterclass by Abbotsford, who smothered Charlotte’s offensive chances. Sammy Blais put the Canucks on the board with just over 2 minutes to go in the opening period.Β
Danila Klimovich tied the game for the Canucks 4 minutes into the second period.Β
Abbotsford took its first lead of the game when Linus Karlsson got one past Kaapo Kahkonen with just over 2 minutes to play in the second period. Charlotte finished the period on a power play but weren’t able to score, leaving them down one goal entering the crucial third period.Β
Charlotte pulled its goalie with 2:30 left to go, but the Checkers weren’t able to score. The Canucks held on to win the game 3-2 and clinch the Calder Cup trophy.Β
βOne of my goals was to be head coach of the Charlotte Checkers and win a Calder Cup in the building because I know how passionate the fans are and the community,β coach Geordie Kinnear said. βDisappointed we didnβt get it done, but it creates more hunger.β
For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications. Β