@benlypka.bsky.social
Reporter/Photographer for the Abbotsford News. Contributor for Slam Wrestling.
STORY: Hear from new Abbotsford #Canucks head coach Ryan Papaioannou on that epic run with the Brooks Bandits, his first year in the ECHL with the Wheeling Nailers and how he hopes to bring his winning mindset to the Canucks -
abbynews.com/2026/07/21/n...
abbynews.com/2026/07/21/n...
New Abbotsford Canucks head coach Ryan Papaioannou aims to strengthen winning culture - Abbotsford News
Canucks coach begins AHL journey on Oct. 2, home debut set for Oct. 16
abbynews.com
July 21, 2026 at 11:54 PM
STORY: Hear from new Abbotsford #Canucks head coach Ryan Papaioannou on that epic run with the Brooks Bandits, his first year in the ECHL with the Wheeling Nailers and how he hopes to bring his winning mindset to the Canucks -
abbynews.com/2026/07/21/n...
abbynews.com/2026/07/21/n...
Abbotsford #Canucks hire Ryan Papaioannou as new head coach - abbynews.com/2026/07/17/a...
Abbotsford Canucks hire Ryan Papaioannou as new head coach - Abbotsford News
Papaioannou spent last season as head coach of the ECHL's Wheeling Nailers
abbynews.com
July 17, 2026 at 11:15 PM
Abbotsford #Canucks hire Ryan Papaioannou as new head coach - abbynews.com/2026/07/17/a...
After a record high during last year's Calder Cup run, Google numbers for the Abbotsford #Canucks took a dip over the past year. However, the team still experienced strong social media growth.
Read more – abbynews.com/2026/07/17/a...
Read more – abbynews.com/2026/07/17/a...
Abbotsford Canucks' Google numbers decrease year-over-year - Abbotsford News
Social media numbers for the Canucks continue to grow despite struggles on ice
abbynews.com
July 17, 2026 at 6:19 PM
After a record high during last year's Calder Cup run, Google numbers for the Abbotsford #Canucks took a dip over the past year. However, the team still experienced strong social media growth.
Read more – abbynews.com/2026/07/17/a...
Read more – abbynews.com/2026/07/17/a...
How the Chilliwack Chiefs helped transform Caleb Malhotra into a top pick. Learn more about the #Canucks recent top draft pick’s 2024-25 BCHL season and the way that year built him up -
theprogress.com/2026/07/10/h...
theprogress.com/2026/07/10/h...
How the Chilliwack Chiefs helped transform Caleb Malhotra into a top pick - Chilliwack Progress
Chiefs head coach Brian Maloney shares his thoughts on Malhotra’s development and potential
theprogress.com
July 11, 2026 at 1:44 AM
How the Chilliwack Chiefs helped transform Caleb Malhotra into a top pick. Learn more about the #Canucks recent top draft pick’s 2024-25 BCHL season and the way that year built him up -
theprogress.com/2026/07/10/h...
theprogress.com/2026/07/10/h...
Experienced general manager Richard Seeley ready to put his stamp on Abbotsford #Canucks
abbynews.com/2026/06/18/e...
abbynews.com/2026/06/18/e...
Experienced general manager Richard Seeley ready to put his stamp on Abbotsford Canucks - Abbotsford News
Forged through eight years running the Ontario Reign, Powell River product is excited to get to work
abbynews.com
June 18, 2026 at 9:35 PM
Experienced general manager Richard Seeley ready to put his stamp on Abbotsford #Canucks
abbynews.com/2026/06/18/e...
abbynews.com/2026/06/18/e...
Abbotsford's Hailey MacLeod became the first local to be chosen in @thepwhl.com draft after being selected by @victoire-lphf.bsky.social yesterday.
She will join the defending champions this fall after two strong seasons at THE @ohiostathletics.bsky.social.
abbynews.com/2026/06/18/a...
She will join the defending champions this fall after two strong seasons at THE @ohiostathletics.bsky.social.
abbynews.com/2026/06/18/a...
Abbotsford’s Hailey MacLeod selected by Montreal at PWHL Draft - Abbotsford News
Ohio State University goalie becomes first-ever Abbotsford product to be chosen
abbynews.com
June 18, 2026 at 5:39 PM
Abbotsford's Hailey MacLeod became the first local to be chosen in @thepwhl.com draft after being selected by @victoire-lphf.bsky.social yesterday.
She will join the defending champions this fall after two strong seasons at THE @ohiostathletics.bsky.social.
abbynews.com/2026/06/18/a...
She will join the defending champions this fall after two strong seasons at THE @ohiostathletics.bsky.social.
abbynews.com/2026/06/18/a...
Ryan Johnson speaks: Search begins for new Abbotsford #Canucks general manager, head coach
Hear from the new GM on Abbotsford plans, the hiring of Malhotra, draft discussion and more -
abbynews.com/2026/06/02/r...
Hear from the new GM on Abbotsford plans, the hiring of Malhotra, draft discussion and more -
abbynews.com/2026/06/02/r...
Ryan Johnson speaks: Search begins for new Abbotsford Canucks general manager, head coach - Abbotsford News
Johnson discusses Abbotsford plans, thinking behind Malhota hiring and franchise’s new direction
abbynews.com
June 3, 2026 at 1:18 AM
Ryan Johnson speaks: Search begins for new Abbotsford #Canucks general manager, head coach
Hear from the new GM on Abbotsford plans, the hiring of Malhotra, draft discussion and more -
abbynews.com/2026/06/02/r...
Hear from the new GM on Abbotsford plans, the hiring of Malhotra, draft discussion and more -
abbynews.com/2026/06/02/r...
For the second straight season, the Abbotsford #Canucks two-way players led the AHL’s Pacific Division in total NHL games played.
14 players suited up for both Abbotsford and Vancouver in 2025-26 and played in 327 NHL games.
More numbers fun –
abbynews.com/2026/05/19/a...
14 players suited up for both Abbotsford and Vancouver in 2025-26 and played in 327 NHL games.
More numbers fun –
abbynews.com/2026/05/19/a...
Abbotsford Canucks’ two-way players top Pacific Division in NHL games played for 2025-26 - Abbotsford News
Players who suited up for both Abbotsford and Vancouver reaches 327 NHL games this season
abbynews.com
May 20, 2026 at 3:59 AM
For the second straight season, the Abbotsford #Canucks two-way players led the AHL’s Pacific Division in total NHL games played.
14 players suited up for both Abbotsford and Vancouver in 2025-26 and played in 327 NHL games.
More numbers fun –
abbynews.com/2026/05/19/a...
14 players suited up for both Abbotsford and Vancouver in 2025-26 and played in 327 NHL games.
More numbers fun –
abbynews.com/2026/05/19/a...
Who ghosted who?: MRG Group speaks out after stalled WHL negotiations with the City of Chilliwack.
MRG president Matthew Gibbons states that the city abruptly ended negotiations with his group on Feb. 4, refutes mayor's claim that city was ghosted –
theprogress.com/2026/05/15/w...
MRG president Matthew Gibbons states that the city abruptly ended negotiations with his group on Feb. 4, refutes mayor's claim that city was ghosted –
theprogress.com/2026/05/15/w...
Who ghosted who?: MRG Group speaks out after stalled WHL negotiations with City of Chilliwack - Chilliwack Progress
President Matthew Gibbons believes his proposed group would manage building, team effectively
theprogress.com
May 16, 2026 at 8:09 AM
Who ghosted who?: MRG Group speaks out after stalled WHL negotiations with the City of Chilliwack.
MRG president Matthew Gibbons states that the city abruptly ended negotiations with his group on Feb. 4, refutes mayor's claim that city was ghosted –
theprogress.com/2026/05/15/w...
MRG president Matthew Gibbons states that the city abruptly ended negotiations with his group on Feb. 4, refutes mayor's claim that city was ghosted –
theprogress.com/2026/05/15/w...
STORY: The Chilliwack mayor spoke out this AM on 89.5 FM and shared that he believes the WHL has "ghosted" the city.
Cited a lack of communication and also called social media chatter that the city got cold feet on a deal as a "pile of crap".
theprogress.com/2026/05/14/c...
Cited a lack of communication and also called social media chatter that the city got cold feet on a deal as a "pile of crap".
theprogress.com/2026/05/14/c...
Chilliwack mayor on WHL deal: ‘They’ve pretty much ghosted us’ - Chilliwack Progress
Ken Popove tells 89.5 FM morning radio show that status of team is unclear
theprogress.com
May 15, 2026 at 12:06 AM
STORY: The Chilliwack mayor spoke out this AM on 89.5 FM and shared that he believes the WHL has "ghosted" the city.
Cited a lack of communication and also called social media chatter that the city got cold feet on a deal as a "pile of crap".
theprogress.com/2026/05/14/c...
Cited a lack of communication and also called social media chatter that the city got cold feet on a deal as a "pile of crap".
theprogress.com/2026/05/14/c...
Nine players were chosen from Abbotsford's Yale Hockey Academy at the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft.
Surrey's Parker McMillan, taken second, was the highest Yale player taken since Jake Virtanen went first overall in 2011.
Read more here –
abbynews.com/2026/05/07/9...
Surrey's Parker McMillan, taken second, was the highest Yale player taken since Jake Virtanen went first overall in 2011.
Read more here –
abbynews.com/2026/05/07/9...
9 players from Abbotsford’s Yale Hockey Academy chosen at 2026 WHL Draft - Abbotsford News
Surrey’s Parker McMillan taken second overall, two others picked in first round
abbynews.com
May 8, 2026 at 2:18 AM
Nine players were chosen from Abbotsford's Yale Hockey Academy at the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft.
Surrey's Parker McMillan, taken second, was the highest Yale player taken since Jake Virtanen went first overall in 2011.
Read more here –
abbynews.com/2026/05/07/9...
Surrey's Parker McMillan, taken second, was the highest Yale player taken since Jake Virtanen went first overall in 2011.
Read more here –
abbynews.com/2026/05/07/9...
This season saw Abbotsford #Canucks attendance decrease 4.7 per cent year-over-year.
The club also dipped below 4,000 fans per game for the first time in franchise history. Read more here -
abbynews.com/2026/05/04/a...
The club also dipped below 4,000 fans per game for the first time in franchise history. Read more here -
abbynews.com/2026/05/04/a...
Abbotsford Canucks’ attendance decreases 4.7 per cent year-over-year - Abbotsford News
Reported average attendance at Rogers Forum for the 2025-26 regular season dips below 4,000
abbynews.com
May 6, 2026 at 1:51 AM
This season saw Abbotsford #Canucks attendance decrease 4.7 per cent year-over-year.
The club also dipped below 4,000 fans per game for the first time in franchise history. Read more here -
abbynews.com/2026/05/04/a...
The club also dipped below 4,000 fans per game for the first time in franchise history. Read more here -
abbynews.com/2026/05/04/a...
Congrats to former Vancouver #Canucks forward and current Colorado Eagles captain Jayson Megna for winning the second annual Bruce Boudreau Award.
The award recognizes the most outstanding player on an AHL contract.
abbynews.com/2026/04/30/f...
The award recognizes the most outstanding player on an AHL contract.
abbynews.com/2026/04/30/f...
Former Vancouver Canucks forward Jayson Megna wins second annual Bruce Boudreau Award - Abbotsford News
Colorado Eagles captain wins award to honour most outstanding AHL player not on an NHL deal
abbynews.com
April 30, 2026 at 8:32 PM
Congrats to former Vancouver #Canucks forward and current Colorado Eagles captain Jayson Megna for winning the second annual Bruce Boudreau Award.
The award recognizes the most outstanding player on an AHL contract.
abbynews.com/2026/04/30/f...
The award recognizes the most outstanding player on an AHL contract.
abbynews.com/2026/04/30/f...
STORY: #AEWDynasty drew the largest non-WWE wrestling attendance in British Columbia in more than 58 years inside Rogers Arena on Sunday.
Hear from Kyle O’Reilly after an emotional title win, CEO @tonykhan.bsky.social, pics and results –
abbynews.com/2026/04/13/a...
Hear from Kyle O’Reilly after an emotional title win, CEO @tonykhan.bsky.social, pics and results –
abbynews.com/2026/04/13/a...
All Elite Wrestling draws biggest non-WWE B.C. wrestling attendance mark in 58 years - Abbotsford News
More than 9,000 tickets sold for Sunday’s show at Rogers Arena, North Delta’s Kyle O’Reilly wins title
abbynews.com
April 13, 2026 at 8:15 PM
STORY: #AEWDynasty drew the largest non-WWE wrestling attendance in British Columbia in more than 58 years inside Rogers Arena on Sunday.
Hear from Kyle O’Reilly after an emotional title win, CEO @tonykhan.bsky.social, pics and results –
abbynews.com/2026/04/13/a...
Hear from Kyle O’Reilly after an emotional title win, CEO @tonykhan.bsky.social, pics and results –
abbynews.com/2026/04/13/a...
Abbotsford #Canucks close out home schedule with pair of losses
Read more at: abbynews.com/2026/04/04/a...
Read more at: abbynews.com/2026/04/04/a...
Abbotsford Canucks close out home schedule with pair of losses - Abbotsford News
Coachella Valley Firebirds earn four points as Canucks finish with losing record on home ice
abbynews.com
April 6, 2026 at 4:05 AM
Abbotsford #Canucks close out home schedule with pair of losses
Read more at: abbynews.com/2026/04/04/a...
Read more at: abbynews.com/2026/04/04/a...
Ty Young records his first career AHL shutout, as the Abbotsford #Canucks blank Colorado 4-0 on Saturday.
Hear from the winning goalie, Danila Klimovich after a three-point night and more –
abbynews.com/2026/03/07/a...
Hear from the winning goalie, Danila Klimovich after a three-point night and more –
abbynews.com/2026/03/07/a...
Abbotsford’s Ty Young backstops Canucks to shutout win over Colorado - Abbotsford News
Canucks blank Eagles 4-0 to bounce back after 5-2 loss to Colorado on Friday
abbynews.com
March 8, 2026 at 6:36 PM
Ty Young records his first career AHL shutout, as the Abbotsford #Canucks blank Colorado 4-0 on Saturday.
Hear from the winning goalie, Danila Klimovich after a three-point night and more –
abbynews.com/2026/03/07/a...
Hear from the winning goalie, Danila Klimovich after a three-point night and more –
abbynews.com/2026/03/07/a...
Congrats to Robert Bateman grad Kason Siguenza for singing a non-drafted free agent contract with the @angels.com earlier this week.
Siguenza starred for several yrs with the Langley Blaze and also played for the Kamloops North Paws this summer.
Read more at: abbynews.com/2026/03/04/a...
Siguenza starred for several yrs with the Langley Blaze and also played for the Kamloops North Paws this summer.
Read more at: abbynews.com/2026/03/04/a...
Abbotsford’s Kason Siguenza signs with the Los Angeles Angels - Abbotsford News
Bateman grad inks non-drafted free agent contract with Major League Baseball club
abbynews.com
March 5, 2026 at 12:59 AM
Congrats to Robert Bateman grad Kason Siguenza for singing a non-drafted free agent contract with the @angels.com earlier this week.
Siguenza starred for several yrs with the Langley Blaze and also played for the Kamloops North Paws this summer.
Read more at: abbynews.com/2026/03/04/a...
Siguenza starred for several yrs with the Langley Blaze and also played for the Kamloops North Paws this summer.
Read more at: abbynews.com/2026/03/04/a...
BREAKING: The City of Abbotsford and #Canucks Sports and Entertainment have announced a 5-year extension.
The deal ensures the Abbotsford Canucks will remain operating out of Rogers Forum until 2031.
abbynews.com/2026/02/05/c...
The deal ensures the Abbotsford Canucks will remain operating out of Rogers Forum until 2031.
abbynews.com/2026/02/05/c...
City of Abbotsford, Canucks Sports and Entertainment announce 5-year extension - Abbotsford News
New agreement sees Rogers Forum continue to be the home for AHL team until 2031
abbynews.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:09 AM
BREAKING: The City of Abbotsford and #Canucks Sports and Entertainment have announced a 5-year extension.
The deal ensures the Abbotsford Canucks will remain operating out of Rogers Forum until 2031.
abbynews.com/2026/02/05/c...
The deal ensures the Abbotsford Canucks will remain operating out of Rogers Forum until 2031.
abbynews.com/2026/02/05/c...
Abbotsford Canucks players head to Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Had the chance to speak to Anri Ravinskis (Latvia) and Lukas Reichel (Germany) ahead of the big tournament #canucks
Read more at: abbynews.com/2026/02/04/a...
Read more at: abbynews.com/2026/02/04/a...
Abbotsford Canucks players head to Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics - Abbotsford News
Forwards Anri Ravinskis (Latvia) and Lukas Reichel (Germany) face-off on Feb. 14
abbynews.com
February 5, 2026 at 12:17 AM
Abbotsford Canucks players head to Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Had the chance to speak to Anri Ravinskis (Latvia) and Lukas Reichel (Germany) ahead of the big tournament #canucks
Read more at: abbynews.com/2026/02/04/a...
Read more at: abbynews.com/2026/02/04/a...
Fun chat with the UFV Cascades new-ish director of athletics and campus recreation.
Spoke about his time on the job so far, his goals for the future, the possibility of a new field and SFU re-entering Canada West –
abbynews.com/2026/02/02/u...
Spoke about his time on the job so far, his goals for the future, the possibility of a new field and SFU re-entering Canada West –
abbynews.com/2026/02/02/u...
UFV’s Nick Sirski aims to bring winning mentality to Cascades community - Abbotsford News
New director of athletics and campus recreation speaks about plans to build up sports on campus
abbynews.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:07 AM
Fun chat with the UFV Cascades new-ish director of athletics and campus recreation.
Spoke about his time on the job so far, his goals for the future, the possibility of a new field and SFU re-entering Canada West –
abbynews.com/2026/02/02/u...
Spoke about his time on the job so far, his goals for the future, the possibility of a new field and SFU re-entering Canada West –
abbynews.com/2026/02/02/u...
High school girls basketball in Mission is suffering due to a number of factors and the city with so much basketball history will not have a single girls team competing at the upcoming provincials –
missioncityrecord.com/2026/01/30/m...
missioncityrecord.com/2026/01/30/m...
Mission girls basketball teams not competing at provincials in 2026 - Mission City Record
Lack of available skill development and coaching cited as reasons for no teams at high school level
missioncityrecord.com
January 30, 2026 at 7:12 PM
High school girls basketball in Mission is suffering due to a number of factors and the city with so much basketball history will not have a single girls team competing at the upcoming provincials –
missioncityrecord.com/2026/01/30/m...
missioncityrecord.com/2026/01/30/m...