Canucks bring preseason hockey to Abbotsford for first time
The Abbotsford Canucks will welcome the Calgary Wranglers to Rogers Forum for a pair of preseason contests on Sept. 27 and Sept. 28, marking the first time the American Hockey League franchise has hosted exhibition games in Abbotsford.
Team officials announced the dates on Monday. The first game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27, with an earlier start time of 1 p.m. set for Monday, Sept. 28. Ticket prices begin at $15 for the Sept. 27 game and $10 for Sept. 28; season-ticket members are entitled to complimentary access to both exhibitions.
- Preseason dates: Sept. 27 (6 p.m.) and Sept. 28 (1 p.m.)
- Opponent: Calgary Wranglers
- Ticketing: on sale Aug. 18; season-ticket members admitted free
The club framed the move as both a preparation opportunity for players and a chance to reconnect with the community ahead of a full season at Rogers Forum. Abbotsford Canucks chief operating officer Jim Kozak said the games will help the team get ready and give fans an early look at the roster.
“We’re excited to welcome fans back to Rogers Forum and get another season underway in Abbotsford. These preseason games, a first for our franchise, will allow our group to better prepare for the upcoming year. We’re looking forward to giving our community an early look at the team along with an entertaining, family-friendly game day experience for fans of all ages.”
The preseason doubleheader also fills a gap for local hockey followers. In recent years, Abbotsford hosted preseason contests featuring the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks — in 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 — but this year no NHL preseason game is scheduled for the city. For many fans, the AHL exhibitions will be the first live September hockey available in Abbotsford.
Abbotsford and Calgary will open their AHL regular-season slate inside the Scotiabank Saddledome on Oct. 2, with a second meeting on Oct. 3. The Canucks’ home regular-season opener is booked for Oct. 17, when Abbotsford hosts the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
Rogers Forum schedule and community impact
Hosting preseason games means earlier arena activity in September and another draw for downtown businesses that benefit from game-night foot traffic. The Canucks also have a Prospects Showcase planned in Abbotsford on Sept. 12 and Sept. 13, a two-day event pairing their prospects with those of the Seattle Kraken. That showcase is already ticketed and will bring additional on-ice action to the city ahead of the exhibition games.
| Date | Start time | Opponent | Ticket starting price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 27 | 6 p.m. | Calgary Wranglers | $15 |
| Sept. 28 | 1 p.m. | Calgary Wranglers | $10 |
For local supporters who purchase tickets, the preseason pair offers an affordable way to see the team before the regular season and to get to know new and returning players. For the organisation, staging its first preseason home games is a step toward strengthening ties with a market that has hosted both AHL and NHL-level exhibitions in recent years.
Tickets go on sale beginning Tuesday, Aug. 18. The Canucks encourage fans to check official team channels for purchasing and for information about season-ticket member benefits.
Beyond the dates themselves, hosting these exhibitions will test operational readiness at Rogers Forum earlier in September — from ice preparation to staffing and in-arena services — and provide a measurable gauge of local interest heading into the regular season.
As the regular-season schedule approaches, Abbotsford residents will be watching how preseason attendance and community response translate into support for the Canucks’ home campaign beginning in mid-October.
