Josh Bloom, a standout prospect for the Vancouver Canucks, has made headlines by scoring a late, game-winning goal to lead the Saginaw Spirit to their first Memorial Cup Championship. Acquired by the Canucks on February 27, 2023, from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for defenseman Riley Stillman, Bloom has quickly proven his worth. At just 19 years old, the young forward showed immense potential and has now cemented his name in Saginaw Spirit history.
When Patrick Allvin, the Canucks’ general manager, secured Bloom, he knew he was getting a player with significant upside. Bloom’s performance this season has justified that excitement. Splitting his time between the Saginaw Spirit and the North Bay Battalion in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Bloom has racked up an impressive 58 points (26 goals, 32 assists) in 59 games. His discipline and impact on the ice are further highlighted by his 44 penalty minutes and a +9 plus-minus rating.
Since joining the Battalion on November 16, Bloom has maintained a point-per-game pace, recording 42 points (19 goals, 23 assists) in 40 games. His prowess on special teams has been noteworthy, with 18 power-play points (8 goals, 10 assists) and a league-leading four shorthanded goals.
Bloom’s leadership qualities have been evident throughout his junior career. This season, he started as the 22nd captain in Saginaw Spirit history, following a stint as an alternate captain last season. His scoring ability was a significant asset for the Spirit last season (2021-22), where he ranked second in overall scoring with 61 points (30 goals, 31 assists) in 67 games, tying the franchise record for most shorthanded goals in a single season with seven.
In the Memorial Cup Championship, Bloom’s heroics were on full display. Positioned perfectly at the London Knights’ doorstep, Bloom managed to jam the puck past the opposing netminder, securing the Spirit’s first-ever Memorial Cup Championship. His reaction post-game was one of pure elation. “There are no words right now. That’s probably the biggest goal of my career,” Bloom remarked.
The London Knights, who finished the OHL regular season with a higher point total than the Spirit, met Saginaw in the conference finals and triumphed in a tough 4-2 series. This time, however, it was Bloom and his teammates who prevailed. “Having our hearts ripped out of our chest and smashed into a million pieces, we found a way to put it back together, and now we’re champs,” Bloom reflected on the emotional journey.
Bloom’s impact in the championship game extended beyond his game-winning goal. He tallied two assists earlier in the match, contributing significantly to the Spirit’s offense. His first assist came midway through the opening period, leading to a goal by Montreal Canadiens prospect Owen Beck. The duo connected again with less than a minute left in the first period, with Bloom setting up Beck for a rocket shot that doubled their lead.
Despite the Spirit’s 3-0 lead at the midway point, the Knights clawed back, tying the game in the final 10 minutes. Bloom’s clutch performance in the dying moments, scoring the decisive goal, underscored his ability to deliver under pressure and highlighted his significance to the team’s success.
As a 20-year-old, Bloom will age out of junior hockey and turn professional for the second time in his career. He started the 2023-24 season with the Abbotsford Canucks but struggled to secure regular ice time, leading to his loan back to the Saginaw Spirit. Bloom’s journey in junior hockey, especially his leadership as a former captain, will serve him well as he transitions to the professional ranks.
Bloom’s next challenge will be attending the Canucks’ training camp in the fall. With a new coaching regime in Abbotsford, he will aim to earn a roster spot and make a significant impact. His recent success at the Memorial Cup positions him as a promising candidate for the Abbotsford Canucks and potentially the Vancouver Canucks in the future.
Bloom’s performance in the Memorial Cup Championship suggests that the Canucks have a highly capable and clutch player in their pipeline. His ability to perform under pressure, coupled with his scoring touch and leadership qualities, makes him a valuable asset. While it remains to be seen if he will secure a roster spot with the Canucks or their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford, his trajectory is promising.
Bloom’s development will be crucial for the Canucks’ future. His performance at the junior level, especially in high-stakes games like the Memorial Cup, demonstrates his potential to contribute at higher levels of competition. The Canucks’ management and coaching staff will undoubtedly keep a close eye on his progress as he transitions to professional hockey.
As Canucks fans, we have much to look forward to with Josh Bloom. His journey from junior hockey to the professional ranks will be an exciting one to follow. Bloom’s ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments is something that every fan can appreciate. His recent success adds depth to the Canucks’ prospect pool and brings hope for the future.
What do you think, Canucks fans? Does Josh Bloom’s performance in the Memorial Cup make you optimistic about his future with the Canucks? Could he be the next big thing for our team? Share your thoughts and let’s keep the conversation going.
Go Canucks Go!
The Vancouver Canucks have recently made some significant changes in their coaching staff, with notable departures and new appointments that are set to shape the future of both the NHL and AHL teams. Mike Yeo, who joined the Canucks in 2022, has announced his departure from the organization. Meanwhile, the Abbotsford Canucks will see Jeremy Colliton stepping down as head coach, replaced by former Canucks player and coach, Manny Malhotra. These shifts raise intriguing questions and offer new opportunities for both teams. Let’s dive deeper into these coaching changes and what they mean for the Canucks.
Mike Yeo joined the Canucks with a wealth of experience, having previously served as head coach for both the Minnesota Wild and the St. Louis Blues, as well as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia Flyers. His tenure with the Canucks, though relatively short, was marked by a period of transition and rebuilding.
Yeo’s departure comes at a time when the Canucks’ special teams have been under scrutiny. While Yeo wasn’t solely responsible for the special teams, his broader coaching role inevitably intersected with these critical aspects of the game. The Canucks’ powerplay, in particular, struggled down the stretch and during the playoffs. A powerplay that once showed promise faltered when it was needed most, raising questions about strategic adjustments and execution.
It’s worth noting that special teams can often make or break a team’s success, especially in the playoffs where games can hinge on a single powerplay opportunity. The Canucks’ inability to capitalize in these situations highlighted a need for a fresh perspective and perhaps a more specialized focus on these crucial areas.
We thank Mike Yeo for his contributions to the Canucks and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. His experience and knowledge have undoubtedly left a mark on the team, and his departure opens the door for new strategic minds to step in and address the special teams’ challenges.
In Abbotsford, the coaching carousel sees Jeremy Colliton stepping down after a commendable tenure. Colliton’s impact on the Abbotsford Canucks has been profound. He led the team to two very successful seasons, establishing a culture of hard work and respectability. Under his guidance, the team developed a strong identity and showed consistent improvement, making Abbotsford a competitive force in the AHL.
Colliton’s decision to step down might be influenced by the success of Rick Tocchet with the Vancouver Canucks. Tocchet’s impressive performance as head coach in Vancouver has solidified his position, potentially limiting Colliton’s opportunities to advance to the NHL level within the organization. Given his track record, it’s likely that Colliton will find new opportunities elsewhere, perhaps even in the NHL, where his coaching acumen can be further tested and showcased.
We extend our gratitude to Jeremy Colliton for his dedication and significant contributions to the Abbotsford Canucks. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in the team’s success, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavors.
Stepping into the head coach role for the Abbotsford Canucks is Manny Malhotra, a familiar name to Canucks fans. Malhotra, who played for the Vancouver Canucks from 2010 to 2013, was a beloved figure both on and off the ice. Known for his defensive prowess, faceoff skills, and leadership qualities, Malhotra was a key player during the Canucks’ run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2011.
Following his playing career, Malhotra transitioned into coaching, bringing his wealth of knowledge and experience to various roles, including a previous stint as an assistant coach with the Canucks. His familiarity with the organization, combined with his on-ice intelligence and coaching experience, makes him an excellent fit for the Abbotsford Canucks.
Malhotra’s appointment signals a continued commitment to developing young talent and fostering a competitive environment in Abbotsford. His hands-on approach and deep understanding of the game will be invaluable assets as he guides the next generation of Canucks prospects. Fans can expect a team that is well-prepared, disciplined, and reflective of Malhotra’s values and dedication.
These coaching changes mark an important moment for the Canucks organization. In Vancouver, the focus will likely turn to finding a replacement for Mike Yeo who can address the special teams’ shortcomings and bring a renewed energy to the coaching staff. Given the importance of powerplay and penalty kill units in today’s NHL, this hire will be crucial for the team’s success moving forward.
In Abbotsford, Manny Malhotra’s arrival is an exciting development. His deep ties to the Canucks and his impressive hockey IQ bode well for the future of the AHL team. As Malhotra steps into his new role, fans will be eager to see how he shapes the team’s identity and continues the work started by Jeremy Colliton.
As we reflect on these changes, it’s important to acknowledge the contributions of those departing while embracing the potential that new leadership brings. The Canucks are in a period of transformation, and these coaching adjustments are a pivotal part of that process.
We invite all Canucks fans to share their thoughts and perspectives on these changes. What do you think about Mike Yeo’s departure? How do you feel about Manny Malhotra taking over in Abbotsford? Your opinions matter and contribute to the vibrant community of Canucks supporters.
Go Canucks Go!