Gulls Geared to Start Canadian Road Trip vs. Canucks

Oct 25, 2024

By Nick Aguilera/SanDiegoGulls.com 

Fresh off their first win of the season, the San Diego Gulls are looking to carry that momentum north of the border for a four-game, nine-day Canadian road trip, beginning with a matchup with the Abbotsford Canucks tonight at Abbotsford Centre (7 p.m. PT; TV: AHLTV on FloHockey; Radio: Gulls Audio Network). 

“Traditionally, Abbotsford’s a team that plays with a lot of structure and is very fast,” head coach Matt McIlvane said. “For right now, we’re going to stay focused in on ourselves and as we get closer to game time, we’ll be able to share some of that focus with our opposition.” 

The Gulls’ last game saw them take down the Bakersfield Condors in overtime on the road, stopping a 0-3-0-0 skid to open the 2024-25 American Hockey League Campaign. Yegor Sidorov netted the first two goals of his professional career, including the overtime winner. 

“I thought we were a lot more disciplined in our game plan and focused on what we need to get done,” McIlvane said. 

Now heading into a stretch of six games in 10 days, San Diego is looking to stay fresh amidst a travel-heavy October schedule.  

“It’s a good challenge,” center Nathan Gaucher said. “I think it’s going to be good for the team and see how we answer. Just get some time with the guys, too, on the road. Being in Canada, for me, is fun too… We love the challenge, so we’re looking forward to the next four games.”

Several Gulls are on hot streaks to start the season with eight players with at least three points in the opening four games. An additional four are on a point-per-game or more basis, including Jansen Harkins (1-2=3 in 3 GP), Carson Meyer (2-2=4 in 4 GP), Sam Colangelo (2-2=4 in 4 GP) and Pavol Regenda (1-4=5 in 4 GP). 

The Gulls will be right back at it with the Canucks tomorrow night as they wrap up a back-to-back at Abbotsford Centre at 7 p.m. PT.