An undrafted goaltender who starred with Abbotsford in the AHL less than five months ago backstopped Vancouver to an opening night win at the 2024 Young Stars Classic in Penticton.
Nikita Tolopilo, 24, made 21 saves to lead the Canucks' top prospects over the Oilers 2-0 on Friday, Sept. 13, at the South Okanagan Events Centre (SOEC).
The Minsk, Belarus native appeared in 35 contests with Abbotsford in 2023-2024.
U.S.-born duo Max Stasson, 24, and newly-signed NCAA defenceman Christian Felton scored for the Canucks, who continue the Young Stars tournament Sunday when they battle former first-round pick Brad Lambert and the Winnipeg Jets.
The Canucks are led behind the bench this year by Manny Malhotra, who was hired in May to be Abbotsford's head coach.
A 16-year NHL veteran and former Canucks forward, the 44-year-old returns to Vancouver's organization this year after spending the last four seasons as an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Malhotra starts his reign with the Canucks' AHL affiliate at the Young Stars Classic in Penticton, as he oversees a roster that includes 2022 first-round pick Jonathan Lekkerim盲ki and third-round selection Elias Pettersson.
Two of Abbotsford's top five scorers from last season, Arshdeep Bains and A盲tu Raty, are also in the Okanagan this weekend for the tournament.
Both spent time Friday playing with Lekkerim盲ki on the Canucks' top line.
Edmonton, meanwhile, used a 28-save performance from Nathan Day, a sixth-round pick of the Oilers in 2023.
Its roster is headlined by Matt Savoie, a 2022 first-round pick who was acquired by the defending Western Conference champions from Buffalo in July.
Edmonton's most recent first-rounder, Sam O'Reilly (32nd overall in 2024), was also sent to Penticton by the team's brass.
The Oilers' top prospects return to the SOEC on Saturday night for a showdown with the Calgary Flames.
Also on Friday, the Flames and Jets met in the official first game of the tournament. Winnipeg claimed a 4-3 overtime win.
Penticton has hosted the Canucks' Young Stars Classic since 2010, with this year's action set to wrap up Monday afternoon, Sept. 16.
