The Calgary Canucks are returning to the AJHL Inter Pipeline Cup finals for the second consecutive season. They completed a sweep of the Drumheller Dragons in the South Finals and improved their record to 8-1 in pursuit of a second straight Inter Pipeline Cup.
“It’s been really good. We’ve come together and focused on our opportunities while sticking to our game. It’s worked out for us, and we’re rolling,” said Assistant Captain Rhett Melnyk. “I believe everyone is confident heading into this next series, and we should continue doing what we’ve been doing for success.”
The Canucks will host games one and two this weekend at Ken Bracko Arena when the Grande Prairie Storm come to town on April 18th and 19th.
South Division Finals Recap:
In Game One, the Canucks took a 3-1 lead, but the Dragons fought back to tie it 3-3. With under five minutes left, the Canucks maintained pressure behind the Dragons’ net. Rhett Melnyk passed to Wade Wallace at the blue line, who took a shot, leading to Riley Bracko scoring the game-winning rebound for a 4-3 victory.
The Canucks jumped out to a 4-1 lead after the first period in game two and added two more goals in the second period. Calgary took game two by a score of 6-2, showcasing the team’s depth with six different players scoring.
In game three, with the series shifting to Drumheller, Kenny Sutton scored quickly with his first playoff goal just 2 minutes and 40 seconds into the game. In the second, the Dragons tied it on the powerplay, but the canucks responded from Alexy Trischuk making it 2-1. The Canucks would take game three, as Melnyk score shorthanded in a 3-1 win.
Scoreless after one period in game four, the Canucks made it 2-1 with goals from Hayden Fechner and Nolan DuPount, who picked up his first of the playoffs. In the third, Jack Plandowski, Fechner, and Luc Trevors scored in the 5-2 win, sweeping the Dragons in four games.
Player Spotlight – #17 – Riley Bracko
Riley Bracko has scored three goals and six points in seven games this postseason, including the game-winner in Game One against the Dragons.
“I have a lot of confidence right now. I’m jelling well with my linemates, and that helps a lot. Overall, I’m feeling good,” said Bracko.
On paper, Bracko has been playing on the third line alongside Rhett Melnyk and Logan Murray. However, given how well both the third and fourth lines have been performing, it showcases the team’s depth during this playoff run.
“Our depth is our biggest asset. The ability to send four lines at any point in the game is crucial. When teams can’t keep up with our speed, we can keep going,” added Bracko.
AJHL Inter Pipeline Cup Finals Preview:
The Canucks will face the Grande Prairie Storm in the Inter Pipeline Cup Finals. Last season, the Canucks faced the Storm in the opening round, as the league was temporarily reorganized into a single standing, with the Canucks winning that round by a score of four games to two. The Storm have also been on a roll themselves, winning eight straight games heading into the finals.
“They’re a great team. They’re an older team and very big, with a very big blueline as well, so they’re going to come out hot. They’ve had a really good playoff performance so far. We’re looking forward to the challenge, “ said Assistant Captain Adam Leitch.
Letitch is looking to make his return to the team this weekend after missing the first two rounds due to injury. He said that the things he learned in the series against the Storm will be a great asset for him and his team.
Playoff Stats:
Calgary Canucks:
Playoff Record: 8-1
Powerplay: 20.5% (6th)
Penalty Kill: 73.0% (7th)
Key Players:
Goals: Luc Trevors – 7G
Assists: Bowden Singleton – 12A
Points: Bowden Singleton– 15P
Goaltending: Lukas Renaud – 8-0, 0.915 SV%, 2.52 GAA
Grande Prairie Storm:
Playoff Record: 8-0
Powerplay: 36% (1st)
Penalty Kill: 83.3% (4th)
Key Players:
Goals: Alec Hall – 6G
Assists: Kaiden Bugera – 10A
Points: Kaiden Bugera -12P
Goaltending: Nicholas Jones – 7-0, 0.929 SV%, 2.12 GAA
Upcoming Home Playoff Games: Kids Cheer Free!
- Game One: Fri, Apr 18th vs. Grande Prairie Storm: 7 PM puck drop – Live DJs – Stay Vigilant Productions
- Game Two: Sat, Apr 19th vs. Grande Prairie Storm: 5 PM puck drop – Saturday Night Live – The Frontiers
- Game Five: Sat, Apr 26th vs. Grande Prairie Storm: 5 PM puck drop*
- Game Seven: Fri, May 2nd vs. Grande Prairie Storm: 7 PM puck drop*
*If necessary
Kids Cheer Free during all 2025 AJHL Playoff Games at the Max Bell Centre. “Kids” refers to any fan under the age of 18. Tickets must be registered online and accompanied by an Adult or Senior ticket purchase. A maximum of 4 free Kids’ tickets per order.
Mackenzie Grafton
Lead, Marketing Content
Calgary Canucks Junior A Hockey Club
mgrafton@calgarycanucks.ca
