The Charlotte Checkers have tied the Calder Cup Finals 1-1 after an overtime winner from defenseman Mike Benning in Game 2.
The Abbotsford Canucks took Game 1 in double overtime after a bizarre disallowed own goal that kept them in the game.
John Leonard continued his fantastic play by opening the scoring, his team leading seventh goal and 11th point of the Calder Cup Playoffs.
Sammy Blais was everywhere for the Canucks, evening up the score just over a minute later while simultaneously taking a goalie interference penalty.
OT WINNER WINNER BOJANGLES DINNER‼️@CheckersHockey | #CLTvsABB | #CalderCuppic.twitter.com/RqRvbDRRa4
— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) June 15, 2025
Wilmer Skoog notched his fourth of the playoffs midway through the first on the powerplay before Linus Karlsson scored his playoff leading 10th goal with the man advantage to tie the game 2-2 at the end of the first.
Charlotte dominated the second and third period but could not beat Arturs Silovs. Their forecheck proved difficult for Abbotsford and they forced constant turnovers in the Canucks’ end.
Benning ultimately ripped a puck by Silovs on a powerplay after Chase Wouters took a tripping penalty four minutes into overtime.
The relentless forecheck producing results and scoring two powerplay goals is a good sign for the Checkers who had trouble converting earlier in the playoffs.
Charlotte outshot Abbotsford 42-13.
Silovs was once again dominant for Abbotsford, making 39 saves.
Blais and Karlsson were among the only Canucks to look dangerous and will need to continue to drive the bus offensively.
There was lots of chippy play throughout the game with 13 different players taking minor penalties, it will be interesting to see how the physicality develops in Game 3.
Game 3 goes Tuesday June 17 at 4pm EST/7pm PT in Abbotsford.
The full Calder Cup Playoffs bracket and schedule can be seen here.
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Photo Credit: © Kris Craig/The Providence Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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