Arshdeep Bains has earned a spot on the Pacific Division roster for the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic, according to an announcement from the American Hockey League.

He becomes the second Abbotsford Canuck representative in franchise history after Christian Wolanin took part in last year’s event in Laval, Quebec.

The Surrey native, now in his second AHL season, signed an entry-level NHL contract with the Vancouver Canucks as an undrafted free agent, following a five-year career with the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League, where he amassed 77 goals, 132 assists, and 139 penalty minutes across 257 games.

Bains has enjoyed a productive sophomore year, maintaining a point-per-game pace with eight goals and 29 points, leading the Canucks in that regard.

He currently shares the seventh spot in points (29) and assists (21) leaguewide.

In his rookie season in 2022-23, Bains tied for the team lead in rookie assists with 25 and ranked fifth in team scoring with 38 points in 66 games. Over 95 AHL games, all with the Canucks, he has collected 21 goals, 46 assists, and 48 penalty minutes.

“I feel truly honoured to have been selected to represent the Canucks,” said Bains. “I owe it to the staff and my teammates who have helped and pushed me to get to this point.”

Ryan Johnson, General Manager of Abbotsford Canucks, commended Bains, noting, “This is a huge recognition for Bainsy, as it is voted on by other coaches in our division. He has put in a lot of work to get to this point, and we are confident that this is just the beginning for him.”

The 2024 AHL All-Star Classic is scheduled at Tech CU Arena in San Jose, California, the home of the San Jose Sharks’ affiliate San Jose Barracuda.

The Skills Competition will take place on Sunday, February 4, at 6 p.m. PT, followed by the All-Star Challenge on Monday, February 5, at 5 p.m. PT.