The Abbotsford Canucks have signed two more players ahead of the 2024-25 season. Both defenceman Zach Berzolla and forward Zach Okabe signed one-year AHL deals with Abbotsford and are expected to be depth pieces on the roster next season. Over the past month, the Canucks have been very busy as Berzolla and Okabe become the sixth and seventh players added to the roster since mid-July.
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Starting with Berzolla, he is a 26-year-old right-shot defenceman who won the Kelly Cup with the Florida Everblades last season. While Berzolla has spent the majority of his career in the ECHL, he has played 29 games in the AHL, including 17 in 2023-24 with the Hartford Wolfpack. Listed at 6’2″, 196 pounds, Berzolla should bring some physicality to Abbotsford’s blue line.
Related: Abbotsford Canucks Re-Sign Walker, Sign Lapid & Berard
As for Okabe, the Canucks will be his second pro team. The 23-year-old finished up his NCAA career at St. Cloud State University before joining the Cleveland Monsters late last season. Born in Japan, this will be Okabe’s second time playing in B.C. as he played one game with the Victoria Grizzlies of the BCHL during the 2016-17 season, which was the same year he played 30 games for the Shawnigan Lake School U18 Prep team.
Abbotsford kicks off their season on October 11 in Calgary while their home opener is scheduled for October 25.
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