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Canucks: Towering Nikita Tolopilo doesn't need motivation, but now he has some to spare
Canucks: Towering Nikita Tolopilo doesn't need motivation, but now he has some to spare

National Post

time14-07-2025

  • Sport
  • National Post

Canucks: Towering Nikita Tolopilo doesn't need motivation, but now he has some to spare

The journey is the adventure. Article content That summation is affixed to anybody trying to get somewhere in a chosen profession. And for towering Vancouver Canucks goaltender Nikita Tolopilo, it now carries more meaning. Article content Article content His long road to the NHL from Belarus as an undrafted and undaunted dreamer got shorter Sunday when Arturs Silovs was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins for winger Chase Stillman and a fourth-round selection in the 2027 NHL Draft. Article content Tolopilo, 25, also earned a two-year, $1.55-million US contract extension last week after a strong AHL season with Calder Cup champion Abbotsford Canucks, so it would be easy for the 6-foot-6, 229-pound Minsk native to have his head in the clouds amid positivity and future promise. Article content But that's not Tolopilo. He knows staying humble in a game that can eat you up on or off the ice is imperative, because time moves fast. Article content Starting goaltender Thatcher Demko and back-up Kevin Lankinen are locked up financially, and Silovs would probably still be here as the No. 3 if he was waiver exempt. Now, Tolopilo is under a bigger microscope as the go-to guy in Abbotsford and the what-if guy in Vancouver. Article content What if Demko suffers another injury? What if Lankinen tweaks something? Tolopilo doesn't dwell on that because he is dialled into the moment and not what may or may not occur. Article content Tolopilo had that attitude April 14 in his NHL debut, the second-last game of a season gone seriously south for the Canucks. If he could stay square and calm and not overreact while running on adrenalin, his big night would be deemed a success. It went beyond that. Article content Article content He made 14 saves in a 2-1 overtime victory over the hapless San Jose Sharks at Rogers Arena, and his appreciation of the moment was a window on his competitive world. He didn't look out of place in an NHL game played at a different pace where players are faster, passes are quicker, and shots pack velocity and accuracy. Article content Article content 'I was just so glad to get this chance,' said Tolopilo, who left home at age 15 to further his career. 'A long journey for me and I'm so happy. I just want to build from this game, and it gives me more confidence for sure. Article content 'You don't need to find motivation. NHL is the best league in the world. I've been thinking about this since I was a kid and watching highlights. It's tough to get here. They just don't give it to you.' Article content Tolopilo finished with a 1-1-0 NHL record last season, 2.15 goals-against average, and .885 save percentage. Article content When Silovs cleared waivers last season to get his game in order after a short and rough NHL run that finished with a 2-6-1 mark, 3.65 GAA and .861 saves percentage, Tolopilo remained the capable, supportive and confident teammate. Article content He even outplayed Silovs and went 20-14-2 in the regular season with a 2.66 GAA., .902 saves percentage and four shutouts — including back-to-back blankings — to showcase improving skill. And in a league where games can be a scramble and when goaltending structure, tracking, and consistency are under constant fire, an ability to cover a lot of net didn't go unnoticed. Article content Especially when Silovs got on a run and then took it to another level in the playoffs. His remarkable 16-7-0 record, 2.01 GAA., .931 saves percentage and five postseason shutouts — one shy of the AHL record — obviously drew the attention of NHL clubs, who knew Silovs wouldn't clear waivers next season. He was trade bait. Article content The Canucks also know the goaltending position is demanding and draining, and injuries are a constant concern. Article content There is nothing to suggest Demko isn't tracking to return to top form. He is training and skating and has a year left on his current contract before a three-year, $25.5-million US extension kicks in. The term was a clear indication of management caution. Article content Article content Demko was a Vezina Trophy finalist in 2024 and that spoke to superiority when there is durability. In 51 games in 2023-24, before being sidelined by a freak popliteus knee-muscle strain at the back his knee on April 21, he posted a career-best 2.45 GAA., .918 saves percentage and five shutouts. Article content However, popliteus rehab became arduous. Demko didn't see the net last season for the first 26 games and also missed 15 with an undisclosed Feb. 8 ailment. Prior to that setback, he was 3-1-1 with a 1.25 GAA, .952 saves percentage, and a shutout. Article content So, when healthy, Demko is very good. The Canucks are banking that. The pressing question is will the popliteus pop up again to be a problem? Article content 'It's such a rare injury, but it could occur again if (Demko) were to have a movement or contact that causes the injury,' B.C. physician Dr. Harjas Grewal told Postmedia. 'It could happen with direct contact to the outer knee, or even just rotation of the knee while it's flexed. Article content 'Most muscles work to move the knee forward and backward. The popliteus is unique and important in starting flexion. To get into a butterfly, or any other position, initial knee bending is initiated by the popliteus. Article content 'These types of plays happen a lot, and this injury is so rare that it would shock me to happen again. In terms of prevention, there's not much outside of regular strengthening exercises and ensuring good mobility. Article content

The Arty Party is over — and Canucks fans aren't taking the trade well
The Arty Party is over — and Canucks fans aren't taking the trade well

The Province

time14-07-2025

  • Sport
  • The Province

The Arty Party is over — and Canucks fans aren't taking the trade well

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh fans and hockey media are applauding the move to get a potential goalie of the future Abbotsford Canucks goaltender Arturs Silovs gives the fans a round of applause after defeating the Texas Stars 4-2 in Game 6 of the Western Conference finals at the Abbotsford Centre on Sunday, June 8, 2025. Photo by Abbotsford Canucks/Flickr It's a trade that had to happen, with the Canucks' crease situation all jammed up. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Still, it doesn't mean Vancouver fans are happy about it. Fan favourite and reigning Calder Cup playoffs MVP goaltender Arturs Silovs is off to Pittsburgh, in a trade that sees the Penguins part with depth forward prospect Chase Stillman, who was a 2021 first-round pick, and a fourth-round pick in 2027. Something had to give, and Silovs was the obvious piece to move on from — the 24-year-old was going to need clear waivers this season to be sent down to the minors. The lanky Latvian with the big smile and pink paisley shirt, however, will certainly be missed around these parts. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. It's not quite pitchforks and torches time in Vancouver for moving on from a No. 3 goalie. Or is it? Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Silovs built up a something of a cult following in Vancouver. Sunday's trade didn't see a shortage of existential dread on social media. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Wasn't gonna drink tonight but Arturs Silovs got traded so I have to — Aoife (ee-fa) 🏒 (@SCAREDHUGHES) July 13, 2025 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Meanwhile, despite the Canucks getting fair market value for Silovs, media around the hockey world are praising the move for the Penguins. AHL insider and Flohockey columnist Chris Peters writes: 'The Penguins … have a need at the position. They have a few promising young goalies in their system, but guys that probably should spend more time in the AHL. That includes Joel Blomqvist, who played some at the NHL level this year … (Silovs) showed during the Calder Cup Playoffs that it's time to give him some more NHL net time. 'If Silovs hits and can be a starter for the Penguins in the near future, this might solve one of their most immediate needs at the NHL level. (Tristan) Jarry's days as a reliable No. 1 appear to be dwindling. Adding a young, athletic and fairly accomplished young goalie is probably one of the more intriguing moves the Pens have made all summer.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Arturs Silovs has been traded from the Vancouver Canucks to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Chase Stillman & 4th round draft pick '27. Low risk-high reward opportunity for Pittsburgh. I like this deal from Penguins' perspective. — Rono (@RonoAnalyst) July 13, 2025 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Over at analyst Dan Kingerski writes: 'This is an A+ trade for (Kyle) Dubas and the Penguins. They've risked nothing and may get an NHL goalie. (Chase) Stillman was a 2021 first-round pick by New Jersey, but has done little to force his way to the NHL. He's an AHL depth player and the other asset given up was merely a fourth-round pick amongst the treasure trove of draft picks over the next three years. 'Silovs is young enough to keep improving upon his subpar regular-season performances. He's just a year older than Blomqvist, who also struggled mightily in NHL action this season.' AHL insider Tony Androckitis thinks there's another goalie trade coming for Pittsburgh now. Have to think another goalie move is coming for # contracts: Tristan Jarry, Arturs Silovs, Joel Blomqvist, Flip Larsson & Sergei Murashov AHL contracts: Taylor Gauthier & Max Pavlenko Can't have Murashov in ECHL-Wheeling again in 2025-26, IMO. @InsideAHLHockey — Tony Androckitis* (@TonyAndrock) July 13, 2025 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. And predictably, the Penguins faithful are welcoming Silovs into the fold with open arms. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. arturs silovs is really a pittsburgh penguin like — emily :) (@jarrysmask) July 13, 2025 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. I suggested the Flyers look at Arturs Silovs. Solid move by the Pens. I think he's got started potential or 1A/1B potential at a minimum. — Jimmy (@UncleButsy) July 13, 2025 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. I'd like to thank chase stillman for being the reason Cody glass is a devil and Arturs Silovs is a penguin cheers diva x — beccie 🪩 (@nothowyouhoped) July 13, 2025 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. mraptis@ Read More Vancouver Canucks Local News Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks News

Kraken's AHL Affiliate Coachella Valley Firebirds Release 2025-26 Schedule
Kraken's AHL Affiliate Coachella Valley Firebirds Release 2025-26 Schedule

Yahoo

time10-07-2025

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

Kraken's AHL Affiliate Coachella Valley Firebirds Release 2025-26 Schedule

The Coachella Valley Firebirds have released their 2025-26 Regular Season schedule. The Firebirds will be looking to start off hot when they open the season at home with a matchup against the San Diego Gulls on Friday, October 10th at 7 pm PST. This will mark the Firebird's 4th season in the American Hockey League and as the Seattle Kraken's AHL affiliate. HIGHLIGHTS: Game 2 Abbotsford Canucks vs Coachella Valley Firebirds | AHL Calder Cup Playoffs HIGHLIGHTS: Game 2 Abbotsford Canucks vs Coachella Valley Firebirds | AHL Calder Cup Playoffs Highlights from Game 2 of the Pacific Division Semifinals series between the Abbotsford Canucks and Coachella Valley Firebirds, featuring an OT-winner from J... Advertisement In the Firebird's first two seasons (2022-23 & 2023-24), the team reached the Calder Cup Finals before being defeated by the Hershey Bears both times. In the most recent season (2024-25), it was the first year that they did not reach the finals, being defeated by the eventual champions, Abbotsford Canucks. Current Seattle Kraken players who were once Firebirds include, forwards, Shane Wright, Tye Kartye, defenseman Ryker Evans, and goaltender Joey Daccord. Assistant Coach Jessica Campbell was also promoted to the Kraken via the Firebirds. Fans can purchase season ticket memberships for 2025-26 on the Coachella Valley Firebirds Website Advertisement Related Seattle Kraken Announce 2025 Preseason Schedule Seattle Kraken Announce 2025 Preseason Schedule The Seattle Kraken have announced their preseason schedule for the 2025-26 season. They will play six games in total and kick things off against the Vancouver Canucks, on Sunday, September 21st at Climate Pledge Arena. This will be a great chance to see young prospects and veterans in action throughout the training camp process. Firebirds featured photo by - Taya Gray via Imagn Firebirds hero photo by - Taya Gray via Imagn

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