Nucks News: 2024 AJHL Finals Recap

The Canucks have won their tenth AJHL championship, and have claimed their spot at the 2024 Centennial Cup in Oakville, Ontario. The Calgary Canucks also congratulate 2003-born goaltender Julian Molinaro on committing to Northern Michigan University of the NCAA Division I.

AJHL Finals Recap

Game One: April 12th at Whitecourt Wolverines

After two periods of play in game one of the AJHL Finals, the Canucks and Wolverines were all tied up at 1-1. Ethan Short scored the opening goal, all the way back in the first period, with Whitecourt responding just under six minutes later. The Canucks found another gear in the third period, exploding for four unanswered. Ty Hipkin scored quickly at 1:23 into the final period, followed by goals from Julien Gervais. Short’s second of the game, and a goal from Matthew Paszkiwicz. The Canucks picked up the first win of the series with a 5-1 victory on the road. Julien Molinaro was solid stopping 25 of 26 and Gervais had a massive night with one goal and three assists.

Game Two: April 13th at Whitecourt Wolverines

After a scoreless opening period in game two, the Canucks open up the scoring with two goals in 33 from Gavin Schmidt, his first of the playoffs, and then followed by a goal from Cody Pisarczyk. Schmidt then makes it 3-0 with his second of the game to take a 3-0 lead into the third period. In the third period, Whitecourt scored two goals in the first seven minutes, reducing the Canucks lead to just one goal. However, the Canucks responded quickly with a goal from Gavin Garland, bringing their lead to 4-2. With the Whitecourt team pushing for a goal, they pulled their goalie. Taking advantage Ty Hipken scored one more goal for the Canucks, securing a 5-2 victory. The Canucks took a 2-0 lead in the series, taking the first two goals on the road.

Game Three: April 16th vs Whitecourt Wolverines

As the Canucks returned home for game three, they found themselves in a scoreless tie heading into the second period. The Wolverines would strike first making it 1-0, but the Canucks responded with two goals from Ty Hipkin and Easton Hewson. Moments later, Whitecourt scored twice, making it 3-2 to end the middle of the first 40 minutes of play. After Whitecourt scored another goal in the third period to make it 4-2, the Canucks rallied and scored three unanswered goals. Julien Gervais and Gavin Schmidt each scored, tying the game 4-4, and then the Canucks headed to the powerplay with 1:32 left to play. In the final 43 seconds of the game, Chris Kobelka scored his first playoff goal, putting the Canucks ahead 5-4. This victory brought them one step closer to the championship.

Game Four: April 17th vs Whitecourt Wolverines

Riley Bracko would get the scoring going in the first with his fifth of the playoffs, followed by a goal from Cody Pisarcyk in the second to put the Canucks up 2-0. The Wolverines would fight back scoring their first of the game in the second, and then would tie things up in the third. With under ten to play, Gavin Garland would break past two Whitecourt defenders scoring his ninth of the playoffs, taking a 3-2 lead. His goal would stand as the winner, as the Canucks went on win the 2024 Inter Pipeline Cup in a four-game sweep over the Whitecourt Wolverines.

2024 Centennial Cup Schedule

Thu, May 9 vs Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) Champion
Sat, May 11 vs Ligue de Hockey Junior AAA du Québec (LHJQ) Champion
Mon, May 13 vs Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) Champion
Tues, May 14 vs Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) Champion

Media Coverage

Congrats guys! An absolutely amazing season! https://t.co/UCb5BGVJEi

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) April 18, 2024

Mackenzie Grafton
Lead, Marketing Content
Calgary Canucks Junior A Hockey Club
mgrafton@calgarycanucks.ca