The Vancouver Canucks’ goaltending carousel continues to turn within the system, and it’s not slowing down any time soon. On Thursday, the team announced the re-assignment of 20-year-old netminder Ty Young to the Abbotsford Canucks.
The call-up comes in response to an unfortunate sequence on Wednesday night, where goaltender Jiri Patera left the game after an awkward fall. Patera entered the game in relief of starter Nikita Tolopilo midway through the first period, but his night ended just 5:03 after making a trio of leg saves.
The club has yet to announce any updates regarding the status of the 25-year-old goaltender.
Following the injury, Patera required assistance heading down the tunnel.
For Ty Young, the promotion is a testament to an impressive start in the professional ranks. The young netminder has thrived in his first two games with the Kalamazoo Wings (ECHL), allowing just two goals while posting an outstanding .974 save percentage, stopping 74 of 76 shots.
Young’s opportunity for his first taste of American League action will be this weekend, as the Canucks are set to face the Bakersfield Condors in a back-to-back series starting Saturday, November 9th. While Nikita Tolopilo is expected to earn the start and potentially both, he’s been struggling lately. Despite a very strong 3-0-0-0 start, the Belorussian netminder has allowed 11 goals on 36 shots over his last two starts.
A native of Coaldale, Alberta, Ty Young was selected in the fifth round (144th overall) of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Before turning pro, Young enjoyed 97 starts with the Prince George Cougars in the WHL, compiling a 44-35-8 record during his junior career.
The Abbotsford Canucks are set to begin a four-game homestand, with the Bakersfield Condors and Coachella Valley Firebirds coming to town. Through 11 games, the Canucks a 5-5-0-1 and sit fifth in the Pacific Division standings.