Abbotsford Canucks hosting pop-up event featuring the Calder Cup

It could be one of the final opportunities for local hockey fans to experience the grandeur of the Calder Cup.

The Abbotsford Canucks have announced a special pop-up event featuring a chance for fans to see the legendary trophy at Highstreet Shopping Centre on Friday (Nov. 21) from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Fans are invited to head to the centre of the mall outside Cineplex and Sephora to witness and take pictures with the cup and shop for Canucks merchandise.

The team has been in possession of the Calder Cup since late-June, with several players getting to spend time with the trophy over the summer. It was also a part of the annual Abbotsford Canada Day celebration and was present on opening night on Oct. 24.

The Canucks captured the Calder Cup after five gruelling rounds of AHL playoff action, including the Calder Cup Finals, which saw Abbotsford eliminate the Charlotte Checkers 4-2. They clinched the win with a 3-2 win inside the historic Bojangles Coliseum on June 23.

The Calder Cup is one of the most prized team trophies in the sport and was first awarded in the 1937-38 season. It is named after Frank Calder, the inaugural president of the National Hockey League.

Teams from 28 different cities have gone on to win the trophy and Abbotsford was the first Canadian city to capture the crown since the Toronto Marlies won in 2018. Other Canadian franchises to win include: the Saint John Flames (2001), Cape Breton Oilers (1993), Sherbrooke Canadiens (1985), New Brunswick Hawks (1982) and Nova Scotia Voyageurs (1977, 1976 and 1972).

Abbotsford was also the first-ever team from the Pacific Division to win the Calder Cup.

The Canucks are currently on the road and visit the San Jose Barracuda on Friday and Saturday (Nov. 22). They remain on the road until the Calgary Wranglers come to the Rogers Forum on Dec. 2. The annual Teddy Bear Toss sees the Canucks host the Coachella Valley Firebirds on Dec. 6.

For more on the team, visit abbotsford.canucks.com.