Wranglers Fall 3–2 to Abbotsford in Overtime After Back-and-Forth Battle

CALGARY — The Abbotsford Canucks picked up a 3–2 overtime win over the Calgary Wranglers on Saturday night at the Scotiabank Saddledome, closing out a tightly contested American Hockey League matchup with a game-winner 1:06 into the extra frame.

Calgary struck first in the opening period. Rory Kerins capitalized on a defensive-zone giveaway and finished unassisted at the 6:28 mark of the first to give the Wranglers a 1–0 lead. It was Kerins’ ninth goal of the season and his 21st point in 23 games. Calgary protected the lead through the remainder of the period, including a successful penalty kill shortly after the opening goal.

The game turned in the second period as Abbotsford found its footing. Nick Poisson tied the contest at 11:53, finishing a play set up by Arnaud Durandeau and Danila Klimovich to make it 1–1. Later in the period, Abbotsford took the lead when Mackenzie MacEachern converted a feed from Ben Berard at 16:20, giving the Canucks a 2–1 advantage heading into the second intermission.

Abbotsford carried a slight territorial edge through forty minutes, holding a 23–19 shots advantage entering the third period.

Calgary responded in the final frame. The Wranglers pushed the pace and were rewarded with the tying goal in the third period, leveling the game at 2–2 and sending the contest beyond regulation. The equalizer capped a strong push from Calgary as the home side looked to reclaim control late.

Overtime was brief. Just 1:06 into the three-on-three session, Jonathan Lekkerimäki ended it, scoring the overtime winner for Abbotsford to secure the 3–2 victory.

The game featured contributions across both lineups, strong special-teams moments early, and timely execution late. Abbotsford earned the extra point on the road, while Calgary collected one after forcing overtime in front of a Saturday night crowd at the Saddledome.

Wranglers Look to Even Series in Colorado

CALGARY — The Calgary Wranglers will look to bounce back Saturday night in Colorado after opening their 2025–26 season with a 7–4 loss to the Eagles on Friday at Blue FCU Arena.

Despite the final score, there were bright spots for Calgary in the opener. The top line of William Stromgren, Rory Kerins, and Dryden Hunt powered the offense, combining for five points and generating consistent pressure throughout. Martin Frk provided the team’s lone power-play goal, while goaltender Ivan Prosvetov turned aside 36 of 42 shots for an .857 save percentage in his Wranglers debut.

Special teams were the difference in Game 1, as Colorado converted on three of four opportunities with the man advantage. The Wranglers, meanwhile, finished 1-for-4 on the power play and will be looking to tighten up their penalty kill and defensive coverage in front of Prosvetov for tonight’s rematch.

Friday’s assists from Jeremie Poirier and Rory Kerins moved both players into a tie with Adam Klapka for second on the Wranglers’ all-time points list (97), just one behind Ben Jones (98). Poirier, entering his third full season with the club, remains one of the team’s key transition catalysts and is expected to log heavy minutes again tonight.

Head coach Brett Sutter’s group will try to re-establish its defensive rhythm while building on the offensive chemistry that showed flashes in the opener. Calgary’s transition game and power-play execution will be focal points against a Colorado team that thrives on tempo and puck retrieval.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. MT at Blue FCU Arena. After tonight’s contest, the Wranglers hit the road to Tucson for back-to-back games against the Roadrunners next weekend before returning home to the Scotiabank Saddledome on October 24 to face the Coachella Valley Firebirds.