<p>Welcome back to <em>Blackfish,</em> our weekly Vancouver Canucks prospect report here at <em>CanucksArmy</em>.</p>
<p>Congratulations, folks—you’ve made it through the offseason. This time next week, we will have live hockey from Penticton to report on in the form of the Young Stars Classic.</p>
<div class="bam-inline-promotion-block" data-max-length="2" data-placement-id="2111" data-context="web-content-promocard" data-property-id="329"></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>You simply love to see it.</p>
<p>Of course, European leagues have already begun their 2024–25 campaigns. Over the last week, we were blessed to have opening games for Melvin Fernström and Lucas Forsell, who <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/european-canucks-prospects-points-debuts">each contributed points in their debuts</a>. Meanwhile, several prospects took the ice back in North America for their first preseason matches.</p>
<p>Without further ado, let’s dive into the updates.</p>
<h1>Sweden</h1>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-130487 size-full" src="https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Swede.png" alt="" width="2026" height="236" srcset="https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Swede.png 2026w, https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Swede-300x35.png 300w, https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Swede-1024x119.png 1024w, https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Swede-768x89.png 768w, https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Swede-1536x179.png 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2026px) 100vw, 2026px" /></p>
<p>Starting our report in Sweden, Lucas Forsell kicked his 2024-25 campaign into gear with a season-opening goal in Champions League action. Finding himself alone in the slot, he made a slick move before jamming home his own rebound to open the scoring for his Färjestad squad. The tally sparked a five-goal second period, leading to a dominant 5-0 victory for his team.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A few other angles of the goal. <a href="https://t.co/mLs4PlbQb8">pic.twitter.com/mLs4PlbQb8</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Dave Hall (@davehall1289) <a href="https://twitter.com/davehall1289/status/1832095317988086078?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>The game was part of the Champions League, an all-season tournament that pits top teams from various European leagues against each other.</p>
<p>Forsell enjoyed plenty of success in this competition last season, and if game one was any indication, that trend could continue. With less pressure than league play, Färjestad has historically given Forsell more opportunities in the lineup during these matches, and over two games, this year has been no exception. He finished this game with a goal, two shots, and 13:59 of ice time.</p>
<p>Despite being used in a top-six role (third line in game two), his ice time was somewhat sheltered due to the lack of power play time. The team received many opportunities during game one, but Forsell did not sniff a second on either unit.</p>
<p>It remains to be seen how, or if, his minutes will evolve when league play resumes, but it&#8217;s a massive positive for Forsell to contribute early on in a crucial season. With his NHL rights set to expire next summer, Forsell will need to continue impressing if he hopes to earn a contract.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, over in the Swedish junior ranks, Canucks&#8217; recent third-round pick Melvin Fernström took part in his regular season debut for Örebro’s J20 team. Although Fernström spent most of the pre-season with Örebro’s SHL squad, the J20&#8217;s schedule began earlier, giving him a few games to showcase his stuff before the big league opening up.</p>
<p>Fernström wasted no time making an impact, recording his first points just minutes into the opening frame. Positioned as the half-wall triggerman on the top powerplay unit, Fernström notched a primary assist on the season’s first goal.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Melvin Fernström begins the season in the J20, with the regular season opening today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> </p>
<p>He didn&#39;t take long to record his first point, grabbing a primary assist on the team&#39;s top powerplay. <a href="https://t.co/lgaDNUZEzT">pic.twitter.com/lgaDNUZEzT</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Dave Hall (@davehall1289) <a href="https://twitter.com/davehall1289/status/1832104996416241975?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Shortly after, he added his first goal of the season following a brutal giveaway in the offensive zone.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Melvin Fernström scores in his J20 season debut. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> </p>
<p>That&#39;s two quick points for the kid. <a href="https://t.co/8fg0k795XB">pic.twitter.com/8fg0k795XB</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Dave Hall (@davehall1289) <a href="https://twitter.com/davehall1289/status/1832107286837522478?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Fernström’s goal proved to be the game-winner, as Örebro held on for a 2-1 victory. He played significant minutes throughout the game, including key defensive shifts in the final moments to secure the win. As one of the top players on the U20 squad, Fernström is expected to continue that trend as long as he&#8217;s with the Junior squad.</p>
<p>He put a bow on the weekend the very next day, as he notched the game&#8217;s winning goal in overtime with a one-timer in his usual spot on the left-side powerplay. That&#8217;s two game-winning goals and an assist through his first two games of the J20 campaign.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="no" dir="ltr">Melvin Fernström, overtime hero 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/6ixNhkspEa">https://t.co/6ixNhkspEa</a> <a href="https://t.co/DeNto77GKd">pic.twitter.com/DeNto77GKd</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Dave Hall (@davehall1289) <a href="https://twitter.com/davehall1289/status/1832433127693930726?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>With the SHL season still a few weeks away, he has time to solidify his position as a leading player at the J20 level, which could pave the way for an early promotion to the SHL. After watching him over the last few in both leagues, we&#8217;re still a little torn on where we&#8217;d like to his development start.</p>
<p>Last season, Fernström split his time between the J20 and SHL circuits and led the J20 in goals (31). He also finished third in points with 63. With that in mind, we know what he&#8217;s capable of, and there&#8217;s always an argument for stagnant development in the lower tiers.</p>
<p>Then again, at just 18, there is still tons of growth to be done, and with space minutes on the men&#8217;s team, the U20 level may be the best fit for him to rack &#8217;em up and grow some much-needed confidence.</p>
<p>We&#8217;ll find out on September 21st when the SHL squad lines up for their first regular season game.</p>
<h1>Abbotsford Canucks</h1>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-130493 size-full" src="https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Abby-1.png" alt="" width="2047" height="846" srcset="https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Abby-1.png 2047w, https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Abby-1-300x124.png 300w, https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Abby-1-1024x423.png 1024w, https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Abby-1-768x317.png 768w, https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Abby-1-1536x635.png 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2047px) 100vw, 2047px" /></p>
<p>It’s been a few weeks since our last Abbotsford update, but fret not; that all changes next week. Rosters have yet to be announced for the Young Stars Classic, but if you check out our August Blackfish report, you’ll get a good idea of what they could be.</p>
<h1>CHL</h1>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-130491 size-full" src="https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/CHL-.png" alt="" width="2027" height="471" srcset="https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/CHL-.png 2027w, https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/CHL--300x70.png 300w, https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/CHL--1024x238.png 1024w, https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/CHL--768x178.png 768w, https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/CHL--1536x357.png 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2027px) 100vw, 2027px" /></p>
<p>With the exceptions of Kirill Kudryavtsev (AHL camp) Ty Young, who did not report to Prince George’s training camp, and Parker Alcos, five of the eight Canadian Hockey League representatives suited up in pre-season action with their respective clubs.</p>
<p>Notably, all five skaters—Vilmer Alriksson, Riley Patterson, Anthony Romani, Sawyer Mynio and Basile Sansonnens—deployed on their teams&#8217; top lines/pairings in their pre-season games.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, none of these matches were streamed, so we&#8217;ve had limited eyes on them. However, we can report that Riley Patterson tallied a goal and assisted in his outings.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Riley Patterson picked up two points (1G, 1A) in preseason action today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://t.co/jM2PFJRK2j">pic.twitter.com/jM2PFJRK2j</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Dave Hall (@davehall1289) <a href="https://twitter.com/davehall1289/status/1832598270906114356?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Day by day, each of the CHL prospects has been reporting Penticton, so the next time they take the ice, they should be sporting a Canucks&#8217; uniform.</p>
<h1>NCAA</h1>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-130494 size-full" src="https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/NCAA.png" alt="" width="2026" height="422" srcset="https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/NCAA.png 2026w, https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/NCAA-300x62.png 300w, https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/NCAA-1024x213.png 1024w, https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/NCAA-768x160.png 768w, https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/NCAA-1536x320.png 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2026px) 100vw, 2026px" /></p>
<p>While most teams have started skating, updates from the NCAA front remain limited.</p>
<p>Although, we’ve learned that both Jackson Kunz (Senior) and Jackson Dorrington (Junior) have been named alternate captains for North Dakota and Northeastern, respectively.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Aye, aye, Captains 🫡</p>
<p>📰 <a href="https://t.co/Mg8nzPmYAB">https://t.co/Mg8nzPmYAB</a> <a href="https://t.co/sNqoTHH9vG">pic.twitter.com/sNqoTHH9vG</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Northeastern Men’s Hockey (@GoNUmhockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoNUmhockey/status/1833227352513646996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>With European seasons underway and North American leagues ramping up, we&#8217;re strapping in for a jam-packed few weeks. Stay tuned for the next Blackfish update, where we will have nothing but clips clips clips.</p>
<p>Whether you&#8217;re watching from your home, or you have boots on the ground in Penticton, enjoy Canucks&#8217; game action, folks.</p>
<p><strong>Sponsored by bet365</strong></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Welcome back to <em>Blackfish,</em> our weekly Vancouver Canucks prospect report here at <em>CanucksArmy</em>.

Congratulations, folks—you’ve made it through the offseason. This time next week, we will have live hockey from Penticton to report on in the form of the Young Stars Classic.
<div class="bam-inline-promotion-block" data-max-length="2" data-placement-id="2111" data-context="web-content-promocard" data-property-id="329"></div>
&nbsp;

You simply love to see it.

Of course, European leagues have already begun their 2024–25 campaigns. Over the last week, we were blessed to have opening games for Melvin Fernström and Lucas Forsell, who <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/european-canucks-prospects-points-debuts">each contributed points in their debuts</a>. Meanwhile, several prospects took the ice back in North America for their first preseason matches.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the updates.
<h1>Sweden</h1>
<img class="alignnone wp-image-130487 size-full" src="https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Swede.png" alt="" width="2026" height="236" />

Starting our report in Sweden, Lucas Forsell kicked his 2024-25 campaign into gear with a season-opening goal in Champions League action. Finding himself alone in the slot, he made a slick move before jamming home his own rebound to open the scoring for his Färjestad squad. The tally sparked a five-goal second period, leading to a dominant 5-0 victory for his team.

https://twitter.com/davehall1289/status/1832095317988086078

The game was part of the Champions League, an all-season tournament that pits top teams from various European leagues against each other.

Forsell enjoyed plenty of success in this competition last season, and if game one was any indication, that trend could continue. With less pressure than league play, Färjestad has historically given Forsell more opportunities in the lineup during these matches, and over two games, this year has been no exception. He finished this game with a goal, two shots, and 13:59 of ice time.

Despite being used in a top-six role (third line in game two), his ice time was somewhat sheltered due to the lack of power play time. The team received many opportunities during game one, but Forsell did not sniff a second on either unit.

It remains to be seen how, or if, his minutes will evolve when league play resumes, but it's a massive positive for Forsell to contribute early on in a crucial season. With his NHL rights set to expire next summer, Forsell will need to continue impressing if he hopes to earn a contract.

Meanwhile, over in the Swedish junior ranks, Canucks' recent third-round pick Melvin Fernström took part in his regular season debut for Örebro’s J20 team. Although Fernström spent most of the pre-season with Örebro’s SHL squad, the J20's schedule began earlier, giving him a few games to showcase his stuff before the big league opening up.

Fernström wasted no time making an impact, recording his first points just minutes into the opening frame. Positioned as the half-wall triggerman on the top powerplay unit, Fernström notched a primary assist on the season’s first goal.

https://twitter.com/davehall1289/status/1832104996416241975

Shortly after, he added his first goal of the season following a brutal giveaway in the offensive zone.

https://twitter.com/davehall1289/status/1832107286837522478

Fernström’s goal proved to be the game-winner, as Örebro held on for a 2-1 victory. He played significant minutes throughout the game, including key defensive shifts in the final moments to secure the win. As one of the top players on the U20 squad, Fernström is expected to continue that trend as long as he's with the Junior squad.

He put a bow on the weekend the very next day, as he notched the game's winning goal in overtime with a one-timer in his usual spot on the left-side powerplay. That's two game-winning goals and an assist through his first two games of the J20 campaign.

https://twitter.com/davehall1289/status/1832433127693930726

With the SHL season still a few weeks away, he has time to solidify his position as a leading player at the J20 level, which could pave the way for an early promotion to the SHL. After watching him over the last few in both leagues, we're still a little torn on where we'd like to his development start.

Last season, Fernström split his time between the J20 and SHL circuits and led the J20 in goals (31). He also finished third in points with 63. With that in mind, we know what he's capable of, and there's always an argument for stagnant development in the lower tiers.

Then again, at just 18, there is still tons of growth to be done, and with space minutes on the men's team, the U20 level may be the best fit for him to rack 'em up and grow some much-needed confidence.

We'll find out on September 21st when the SHL squad lines up for their first regular season game.
<h1>Abbotsford Canucks</h1>
<img class="alignnone wp-image-130493 size-full" src="https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Abby-1.png" alt="" width="2047" height="846" />

It’s been a few weeks since our last Abbotsford update, but fret not; that all changes next week. Rosters have yet to be announced for the Young Stars Classic, but if you check out our August Blackfish report, you’ll get a good idea of what they could be.
<h1>CHL</h1>
<img class="alignnone wp-image-130491 size-full" src="https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/CHL-.png" alt="" width="2027" height="471" />

With the exceptions of Kirill Kudryavtsev (AHL camp) Ty Young, who did not report to Prince George’s training camp, and Parker Alcos, five of the eight Canadian Hockey League representatives suited up in pre-season action with their respective clubs.

Notably, all five skaters—Vilmer Alriksson, Riley Patterson, Anthony Romani, Sawyer Mynio and Basile Sansonnens—deployed on their teams' top lines/pairings in their pre-season games.

Unfortunately, none of these matches were streamed, so we've had limited eyes on them. However, we can report that Riley Patterson tallied a goal and assisted in his outings.

https://twitter.com/davehall1289/status/1832598270906114356

Day by day, each of the CHL prospects has been reporting Penticton, so the next time they take the ice, they should be sporting a Canucks' uniform.
<h1>NCAA</h1>
<img class="alignnone wp-image-130494 size-full" src="https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/NCAA.png" alt="" width="2026" height="422" />

While most teams have started skating, updates from the NCAA front remain limited.

Although, we’ve learned that both Jackson Kunz (Senior) and Jackson Dorrington (Junior) have been named alternate captains for North Dakota and Northeastern, respectively.

https://twitter.com/GoNUmhockey/status/1833227352513646996

With European seasons underway and North American leagues ramping up, we're strapping in for a jam-packed few weeks. Stay tuned for the next Blackfish update, where we will have nothing but clips clips clips.

Whether you're watching from your home, or you have boots on the ground in Penticton, enjoy Canucks' game action, folks.

<strong>Sponsored by bet365</strong>
<div class="bam-inline-promotion" data-property-id="329" data-promotion-id="19111" data-context="web-content-promocard"></div>
&nbsp;

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