The Abbotsford Canucks extended their impressive winning streak to eight games with a convincing 6-2 victory over the Tucson Roadrunners on Saturday night. However, the win was marred by a concerning injury to the team’s leading goalscorer and the organization’s top prospect, Jonathan Lekkerimäki.
With just seven minutes remaining in the third period and the Canucks comfortably ahead 6-2, Lekkerimäki collided with a Tucson player and crashed head-first into the boards. While it’s unclear whether he went head first or shoulder first, the Swedish forward was visibly shaken up and remained on the ice for several moments before being helped to his feet.
While he was able to skate off the ice under his own power, the severity of his injury remains unclear. The team has yet to release an update on Lekkerimäki’s condition.
Lekkerimäki’s absence would be a significant blow to the Canucks’ high-powered offence. He currently leads the team with 14 goals and sits second among all AHL rookies in that category. He also sits second and just one behind the league leader in game-winning goals, having gone back-to-back games with sealing the Canucks’ victory with final minutes goals in their two subsequent matches.
After securing their eighth consecutive victory, Abbotsford will travel to Coachella Valley to take on the Firebirds on Wednesday, January 29th. Thanks to their recent play, the team is just two points shy of its rivals, the Firebirds. With a victory, Abbotsford will look to secure third place in the Pacific Division.
The sharpshooter has split his time between Abbotsford and Vancouver this year, collecting 14 goals and 21 points in 24 games in the American League and two goals and three points across 11 games with the big club. Lekkerimäki recorded one goal and one assist in his first taste of American League action in six games last season.
Updates on Lekkerimäki’s condition will be provided as soon as they become available.