Former Rebels forward Arshdeep Bains named AHL All-Star Challenge MVP
San Jose, Calif. – Vancouver Canucks prospect Arshdeep Bains picked up Most Valuable Player honours in Monday night’s AHL All-Star Challenge.
The Abbotsford Canucks forward capped off a five-point night (two goals, three assists) by scoring the game-winning goal with 12.9 seconds left to seal the win for the Pacific Division in a 3-2 decision against the Atlantic Division.
This marks Bains’ first appearance at AHL All-Star festivities.
The 23-year-old Surrey, B.C. product had to miss the skills competition on Sunday due to travel issues stemming from extreme weather in California.
He wasn't going to miss it for the world ⭐️
That's a wrap on All-Star weekend for Arshdeep Bains. A special thank you to the San Jose Barracuda for hosting! pic.twitter.com/lc86wMBPY0
— Abbotsford Canucks (@abbycanucks) February 6, 2024
The AHL sophomore has 40 points (nine goals, 31 assists) in 40 games with Abbotsford to sit eighth in league scoring.
Bains, who played his entire WHL career with the Red Deer Rebels, boasts one of the more astonishing rises in major junior hockey.
After going undrafted in the WHL Prospects Draft, Bains was added to the Rebels’ protected list after impressing at camp and earned a call-up after tearing it up with the Valley West Hawks U18 AAA squad.
Bains was also passed over in his first year of NHL draft eligibility, but the Red Deer Alternate Captain erupted for 43 goals and 69 assists for 112 points in 68 games in the 2021-22 season. He was named a Central Division First-Team All-Star and captured the Bobby Clarke Trophy for most points in the WHL.
Vancouver signed Bains to a three-year, entry-level deal in March of 2022.
Bains and the Canucks are back in action on February 9 when they host the Colorado Eagles.
