Jett Woo talks support from Abbotsford Canucks fans and second round matchup with Calgary

As an organization, the Canucks are building something special out in Abbotsford, and it’s being felt by everyone. From the spectators who filled the Abbotsford Centre and waved their towels as they cheered on the club’s AHL affiliate right down to the players on the ice — the energy out at the Abbotsford Centre has been palpable through two AHL playoff games.

On yesterday’s episode of Canucks Conversation, we were joined by defenceman Jett Woo for a conversation that came up just shy of 15 minutes in length.

We talked about Woo’s family restaurant, the fans out in Abbotsford, and got the 22-year-old defenceman’s perspective on the AHL’s interesting playoff format that will see Abbotsford host the final three games of their best of five second round series against the Calgary Wranglers.

You can watch the full interview in the video below!

Woo is in a very different position than the one he was in last year, when he couldn’t get into the Canucks’ lineup as a defenceman. Instead, Woo skated as a winger on the team’s fourth line and saw limited minutes during Abbotsford’s two game sweep at the hands of the Bakersfield Condors.

This year, Woo has been among Jeremy Colliton’s most trusted defencemen and has come into his own enough to be given top pairing minutes in the playoffs.

“I think I’m just trying to take this next year as another development year and really try to hone into my game being more strong defensively, move pucks, and at the right times, be offensive as well,” said Woo of his progression this season. “With all the injuries and call ups that have happened this year I’ve been able to capitalize on my opportunities to step in and help the team where they need me.”

It’s true. The NHL Canucks used a whopping 16 defencemen this season, which at times left holes in the AHL lineup. During those times, Woo was able to build up the trust the coaching staff has in him.

Woo spoke glowingly about the coaching staff in Abbotsford — among other things — in the interview above.

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