Development Camp Day 5 Recap

The competition kicked up a notch on day five of Canucks development camp and fans filled the stands of Father Bauer Arena to take in the annual development camp scrimmage.

The two teams - Team Komisarek and Team Samuelsson - faced off for two 25-minutes periods and a shootout, but fans got to witness some bonus overtime action. Team Samuelsson won the scrimmage 3-2, and forward Josh Bloom had the winning goal.

Assistant Director of Player Development, Chris Higgins, said the game was up-tempo and competitive, the perfect way to close out the on-ice portion of the week.

"Putting a Canucks jersey on and skating in front of fans in a game atmosphere, it's so much fun for these guys," Higgins said. "It's everything we wanted to experience, especially after a great week. Those guys put in some really solid hours for us."

Forward Braeden Bowman got Team Samuelsson on the board first to put his team up 1-0 heading into intermission. Forward Cooper Walker got the helper on Bowman's goal; the two have built-in chemistry, having played the past two seasons together for the OHL's Guelph Storm.

In the second period, forward Colby Saganiuk scored just a few minutes in, for Team Komisarek to bring his team even. Forward Dmitry Zlodeyev scored a goal of his own a few minutes later giving Team Komisarek the lead 2-1.

It was nearly a minute later when Jonathan Lekkerimäki got the equalizer to tie the game 2-2 and ultimately push the game into overtime. Higgins said over the last year Lekkerimäki realized the importance of training during the season when there's time in his schedule.

"He looks much more confident this year," Higgins said.

In the three-on-three overtime, Bloom had an opportunity to win the game moments before he scored the game-winner. He was set up by the 2023 11th overall pick Tom Willander, but goaltender Mathis Rousseau was in position to make the save.

Every player had a shot during the shootout to finish the on-ice portion of camp. After the game the players showed appreciation to the crowd and the fans broke into chants of "Go Canucks Go".

Higgins noted one thing that is important for players at this level and something everyone can do is strive to be in the best shape possible. With that in mind the group heads up to Grouse Mountain tomorrow morning to continue the tradition of The Grind during development camp.