In a rematch of last year's Centennial Cup Semi-Final, it was the Calgary Canucks getting the better of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League champions this time around.
The 2025 host team and AJHL champion Canucks fired three unanswered goals to lead them to a 3-1 victory over the Melfort Mustangs on Thursday night at the Max Bell Centre in Calgary, Alberta.
After surrendering the opening goal on a powerplay goal from Aidyn Hutchinson early in the first, the Canucks knotted things up with 21 seconds left in the first with a goal by Luc Travers.
In the 2nd, Riley Bracko scored the eventual game winner just 2:30 into the middle frame, making it 2-1.
The Mustangs had chances to tie it up but came up short before Hayden Fechner iced it into the empty net with 1:36 remaining in regulation.
Canucks netminder Lukas Renaud won the goaltenders battle making 28 saves on 29 shots, while Kristian Coombs turned aside 28 of 30 shots in the Mustangs’ crease.
The Mustangs return to action on Saturday afternoon at Noon against the MJAHL champion Edmundston Blizzard, while the Canucks will hit the ice again Saturday at 4:00 PM vs. Braves de Valleyfield (LHJQ).
Other Day 1 results:
Trenton Golden Hawks 5, Northern Manitoba Blizzard 4 (OT)
Rockland Nationals 3, Edmundston Blizzard 4 (OT)
