The San Diego Gulls put together a defensive clinic at Pechanga Arena, blanking the Abbotsford Canucks 1-0 for the third time this season. And while the Gulls have earned their fair share of shutouts over the years, this one was historic - it’s the first time in franchise history they’ve won a regular-season game by a 1-0 final.
That kind of result doesn’t happen by accident. It takes buy-in, structure, and a goalie standing tall when it matters.
Head coach Matt McIlvane summed it up best: “You prepare to win every game one to nothing.” That old-school mentality - defend like your season depends on it and trust that your offense will find one - was on full display tonight.
And the man anchoring that defensive stand? Calle Clang.
The 21-year-old netminder turned away everything the Canucks threw at him, collecting his second career shutout - both of which, fittingly, have come against Abbotsford. Clang is heating up at the right time.
Since December 1, he’s been one of the AHL’s top goaltenders: co-leading the league in shutouts (2), ranking third in goals-against average (1.77) and save percentage (.929), and tied for fourth in wins - all while making at least three appearances. He’s not just giving the Gulls a chance to win; he’s making them a problem for opponents.
The offense didn’t need to be flashy - just opportunistic. Sasha Pastujov delivered the lone tally of the night, finishing off a slick feed from Jan Mysak.
It was a goal built on chemistry, and these two have had it all season. Pastujov continues to lead the Gulls in scoring, now sitting at 9 goals and 18 assists for 27 points.
Mysak’s helper broke a five-game point drought and pushed his season total to 18 points (7-11=18).
“Jan, he’s my guy,” Pastujov said postgame. “We’ve had really good chemistry on and off the ice. He’s so good in all three zones, and I’m just super grateful to play with two really good players.”
It’s that kind of connection - on the ice and in the locker room - that can elevate a team down the stretch.
Also worth noting: defenseman Tristan Luneau hit a milestone, suiting up for his 100th career AHL game. The 20-year-old blueliner has quietly been one of the most productive players at his position, with 66 points (13 goals, 53 assists) through his first century of games. He continues to be a steady presence on the back end and a key part of San Diego’s transition game.
This wasn’t just a win - it was a statement. The Gulls showed they can grind out a game, lean on their goaltending, and capitalize when it counts. And if Clang keeps playing like this, and the Pastujov-Mysak duo keeps clicking, San Diego could be a tough out for anyone in the second half of the season.