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Canucks send Arturs Silovs to AHL Abbotsford as Thatcher Demko returns vs. Calgary

Photo credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

By Jagraj Lalli

Apr 16, 2024, 18:02 EDTUpdated: Apr 16, 2024, 18:10 EDT

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The Vancouver Canucks have sent goaltender Arturs Silovs down to the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks, making way for Thatcher Demko to return to Vancouver’s goal crease tonight vs. Calgary. General manager Patrik Allvin made the announcement late Tuesday morning.

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General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that G Artūrs Šilovs has been assigned to Abbotsford (AHL).

6:01 PM · Apr 16, 2024

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Silovs largely stepped up in Demko’s absence, posting a 3-0-1 record in four games played, despite a .881 save percentage slightly impacted by a tough outing against the Arizona Coyotes, where he allowed four goals on 18 shots. In his 33 games with the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks this season, Silovs has racked up a record of 15-11-6, 2.74 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage.

Upon his return, Silovs is expected to play a pivotal role in Abbotsford’s playoff campaign. Last season during the playoffs, he played the backup role to Spencer Martin, notching a 1-1 record as the Canucks were defeated by the Calgary Wranglers in round 2. Given his strong performance throughout the season, Silovs is anticipated to get the nod between the pipes for Game 1.

Abbotsford has two remaining games this regular season as the Wranglers visit the Abbotsford Centre on Friday and Saturday. Similar to Demko, Silovs will hope to get some playing time in his main crease once again before the playoffs begin. While Silovs’ time this season with Vancouver was short, both fans and management were given glimpses of the potential within the 23 year old Latvian. The “Arty Party” may have left Rogers Arena for now, but for Silovs, the party is just getting started.

The Vancouver Canucks have a 5 point lead on the Edmonton Oilers for the Pacific Division title, while trailing the Dallas Stars by 4 points for the top position in the West. With Demko back, both tonight and potentially Thursday in Winnipeg will be crucial outings for Rick Tocchet’s team.

For Demko, tonight marks his first start since going down with an injury during the second period of the Canucks’ 5-0 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on March 9th. Demko talked about his return last week after some on-ice sessions, and you can read that by clicking here.