Abbotsford Canucks Talk | Part 2

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VanJack

Registered User
Jul 11, 2014
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Connor Garland started wearing the neck protection last season......and it certainly didn't seem to effect him. He was one of the best Canuck forwards down the stretch and into the playoffs.

The NHL should follow the AHL lead. What's it going to take? Another serious, life-threatening skate cut in the neck area?
 

Frostage

Registered User
May 23, 2014
453
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Connor Garland started wearing the neck protection last season......and it certainly didn't seem to effect him. He was one of the best Canuck forwards down the stretch and into the playoffs.

The NHL should follow the AHL lead. What's it going to take? Another serious, life-threatening skate cut in the neck area?

They should just make all new players have to wear the neck protection and grandfather in the old guys like they did with helmets and then visors.
 

VanJack

Registered User
Jul 11, 2014
22,154
15,585
The Vancouver Canucks training camp is shaping as pretty 'blah' in terms of any meaningful competition for jobs. A bit of a battle for the 13th forward spot, or maybe 7-8 on the blueline depth chart, but that's about it.

The Abbotsford Canucks--on the other hand--a totally different story. There's competition at virtually every position, other than in goal. There's way too many forwards and a glut of blueliners, with kids trying to transition from junior hockey and some of the veterans the Canucks have signed to AHL contracts.

But I guess a positive note is that the Canucks have renewed their partnership with the Kalamazoo Wings for another two seasons--so undoubtedly most of the Abbotsford cuts will probably end up there.
 

Frostage

Registered User
May 23, 2014
453
88
They absolutely should  not p***yfoot around and let people too stupid to protect themselves put their loved ones in harm's way. All necks protected is the only sane way forward.

That seems very difficult to get the players to agree to, see helmets and visors.
 

VanJack

Registered User
Jul 11, 2014
22,154
15,585
Rutherford's stated goal is to turn the Abbotsford Canucks into a model AHL franchise, in terms of success on the ice; building on the 'fan experience'; and most importantly, developing a pipeline of talent for the NHL roster.

Seems to me they're well on the way to achieving that goal out in the Valley. Not sure how many NHL-level players they currently have under development, but if you break down the likely 2024-25 roster, it looks to be one of the best in the Pacific Division. No real weaknesses, other than maybe that a bit of youth on the blueline.

But up front, they've got it all. Veteran scoring; speed down the middle and some exciting rookies who are looking to break in. And the goaltending seems to be in good hands with Tolopilo and Patera, as well.

Really hope they start filling the barn out in Abby. AHL hockey is criminally underrated in terms of entertainment. You could argue it's the second-best pro league in world, outside of the NHL.
 
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