Comets Soar Away to Abbotsford; Canucks Bring AHL Back to BC

MAY 5, 2021

Announced on the Vancouver Canucks Twitter account last night, the Utica Comets will be moving to Abbotsford, BC for the 2021-2022 AHL season.

The announcement comes after weeks of rumors and speculations regarding both Utica and Binghamton as it was reported that the New Jersey Devils were looking to move the AHL Devils to Utica. This led to mass speculation that the Comets would be on the move as well to accommodate this.

Abbotsford is a no-brainer in terms of location for the Canucks to place their farm club, being only about an hour drive between the arenas. Last time Abbotsford had pro hockey was from 2009 to 2014, when the Abbotsford Heat (Calgary Flames farm team) called the city home.

Utica, meanwhile, has been with the Canucks since 2013. This came after the Canucks bought the Blues AHL franchise (then the Peoria Rivermen) and relocated the team for the 2013-2014 season. Vancouver and Utica had developed a strong relationship over the course of the past 7 years.

This is only the beginning of what I expect to be a chaotic off-season in the minor pro landscape.