The Calder Cup is here in Abbotsford!
Congratulations to the Abbotsford Canucks on winning their first ever American Hockey League championship. The win caps off an amazing 2024-25 season for the Canucks, from their strong finish in the regular season through their incredible playoff run.
It has been inspiring seeing the whole community come together in support of our home team. Those of us on Council who attended playoff games saw firsthand the excitement and pride shared by the fans in the stands. It was a moving show of solidarity and community spirit that proves to us that no matter our differences, we are all on Team Abbotsford.
But you can’t have a great playoff series without a worthy opponent. Thank you and congratulations to the Charlotte Checkers on a fantastic final series. There were many close games and overtime finishes to keep us all on the edge of our seats.
Before the finals started, Mayor Siemens reached out to Mayor Vi Lyles of Charlotte, N.C. and issued a friendly mayor-to-mayor challenge, with the mayor of the losing city having to wear the winning team’s jersey for a day. Mayor Lyles was a great sport and it was nice to use this series as an opportunity to connect with a fellow municipal leader. We hope she likes her new hockey jersey.
The Abbotsford Canucks bring so much to our community. They provide affordable, entertaining and high-level hockey that is as close to the NHL as you can get. Events like hockey games bring an economic boost to the community through added out-of-town attendees who visit restaurants, hotels and other retail venues nearby. The Canucks are also a positive presence in the sports scene regionally and internationally. The team uses the tagline “Proudly Abbotsford” and we want them to know that Abbotsford is proud of them.
We are looking forward to celebrating this momentous win with the team and our community at the celebration rally on Thursday, June 26 at Abbotsford Centre. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the event kicking off at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are just $5, and all proceeds support the Canucks for Kids Fund.
Again, congratulations to the players, coaches, staff and the entire Canucks organization for this historic win. You’ll have the target on your backs next season as the defending champs, but we know you’ll also be thirsty for another sip from the Cup.
Abbotsford City Council
UPDATE: Here are some photos from the Abbotsford Canucks' celebration rally at Abbotsford Centre.
