Gulls Bring Home Epic Comeback Win Against Canucks

Nov 3, 2024

By Samantha Mason/SanDiegoGulls.com

The San Diego Gulls reigned victorious over the Abbotsford Canucks on Sunday, bringing home a win on home ice.  

The match was exciting and action-packed, with five of the six goals from San Diego being scored in the third period alone, matching the most the Gulls have scored in a period in their AHL history, ending the game on top with a score of 6-4. 

Jansen Harkins was the star of the night, picking up five assists to set a new Gulls record in a single game. His five points also match the Gulls all-time record for points. 

Abbotsford took the early lead with two goals in the first period, both coming from right wing Jonathan Lekkerimäki.  

The second period saw vast improvement from Saturday’s game. Abbotsford saw another goal from Max Sasson. However, with strong pushes towards their opponent’s goal, the Gulls scored their first goal, from left wing Nikita Nesterenko. He was assisted by Harkins and Rodwin Dionicio. 

The third period saw the most action. Goaltender Calle Clang replaced Oscar Dansk, who was in the game the first two periods. Abbotsford got another goal, but excitement was tangible Dionicio scored his first AHL career goal.  

"Luckily I got the puck in that situation, I just wanted to score," Dionicio said. "I got it in the back of the net and started off that beautiful comeback we had." 

This comeback was continued with a power play goal from Ryan Carpenter, assisted by Jansen Harkins and Tristain Luneau. Roland McKeown scored another goal shortly after with an assist from Jansen Harkins.  

"You want to see [the goals] going eventually…I think that builds a lot of confidence," said Harkins. "We worked hard yesterday, we worked hard today, and just happy to see them drop."  

The score was tied 4-4 when Sam Colangelo scored the game-winning goal, assisted by Coulson Pitre and Tristan Luneau. Nikita Nesterenko scored his second goal of the match and the sixth of the night as Abbotsford’s goal was left unguarded.  

The Gulls are taking this energy into their next games against the Tuscon Roadrunners.  

"I’m proud of them. We have to keep this one in our memory bank because it won’t be the only time we’re down this season," head coach Matt McIlvane said. "We’ve got this in us and so now this is our expectation."

San Diego will face Tuscon on the road next week on Saturday, November 9th.