Vancouver Canucks 2026 training camp day one live blog, tell me about this news in (https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-2026-training-camp-day-one-live-blog)
17-09-2026
Here is an overview of the key highlights and updates from Day 1 of the Vancouver Canucks 2026 Training Camp live blog from Penticton, BC:
Location & Setup: The Canucks opened their 2026 training camp on Thursday morning at the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton, BC, splitting the roster into Group A and Group B.
Thatcher Demko’s Status: As general manager Ryan Johnson indicated, starting goaltender Thatcher Demko is not a full participant at camp. However, he was on the ice early doing light individual drills with the coaching staff. Prospects Lucian Bernat and Akil Thomas served as his shooters, signaling both are also nursing injuries and sidelined from full group skates.
Manny Malhotra’s Head Coaching Debut: The first ice sessions showcased new head coach Manny Malhotra setting a notably high-intensity tone. Malhotra was vocal throughout drills, loudly correcting both rookies and seasoned veterans whenever positioning or work ethic dipped.
Group A Line Combinations & Defense Pairings:
Forwards: Jake DeBrusk skated alongside Elias Pettersson and Linus Karlsson. Other combinations included Drew O’Connor with Max Sasson and Brendan Gallagher, followed by young prospects Adam Novotný, Braeden Cootes, and Arshdeep Bains.
Defense: Veteran newcomer Jamie Oleksiak was paired with Filip Hronek.
Roster & Group Observations:
Top young defensemen Zeev Buium and Filip Hronek were placed into separate groups, ruling out an early pairing between the two.
Group B anticipates a potential “BRÖ” line featuring Liam Öhgren, Marco Rossi, and Brock Boeser, alongside a potential pairing of Zeev Buium with Tom Willander.
On-Ice Drills & Prospect Standouts: Early drills focused on neutral zone forechecking installs, board battles, and defensive zone coverage. Recent draft picks Brooks Rogowski and Adam Novotný stood out positively during heavy physical board battles against NHL-level competition.