As February wrapped up, the Canucks continued to push for better positioning in the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League standings.
That started with a game on Friday, Feb. 21 at the Seven Oaks SportsPlex against the Raiders Junior Hockey Club.
Despite carrying play and out-shooting the Raiders 36-17, the Canucks fell 4-1.
Jalen Hoilett scored the only goal for the Canucks, which was his 5th of the season.
On Sunday, Feb. 23 the Canucks looked to bounce back when they hosted the River East Royal Knights in an afternoon game to kick off a three game home swing.
The Canucks poured 50 shots on net and got a stellar performance between the pipes from Nathan Cvar, who pitched his second shutout of the season. Kurtis Luke and Kale Price scored the Canucks’ goals, with Cam Danylchuk (2), Cole Chicoine and Graeme Shingleton getting assists.
On Tuesday, Feb. 25, the Canucks continued their home-stand against the Stonewall Jets in what could turn out to be a first-round playoff match-up.
The game went to a shootout, which the Canucks lost 4-3.
Kale Price, Tyrone Willan and Matthew Mason-Vandel scored for the Canucks, with Nathan Cvar taking a tough luck overtime loss despite stopping 40 shots.
The Canucks then wrapped up February hosting the Transcona Railer Express at the St. James Civic Centre on Friday February 28. It was an intriguing game for the Canucks, who were icing one of the youngest lineups in team history. Due to various injuries the team’s average age was 18.1 and included a 16-year-old and five 17-year-olds.
Despite a great effort against one of the league’s top teams, the Canucks fell victim to a pair of late goals and lost 4-3. Brady Whitely, Carson Miller and Zach Greenwood scored the goals for the Canucks, with Craig Wiess (2), Mack Whitely, Cole Chicoine, Adam Thurlbeck and Graeme Shingleton getting assists.
The Canucks’ record is 24-17-1 as they head into the final stretch of games in the regular season.
Chalk Talk Three Stars:
3 – Cam Danylchuk – Danylchuk had a pair of assists from the blue line in this three game stretch and made some solid defensive plays.
2 – Craig Wiess – Wiess had three assists during this stretch and is currently third in team scoring.
1 – Nathan Cvar – The veteran net-minder went 1-0-1 over this stretch and only gave up three goals on 76 shots for a .960 save percentage.
What’s Next?
The Canucks wrap up their regular season with a three game stretch, two of which are on the road. They take on the Charleswood Hawks at Eric Coy Arena on March 6. On Sunday March 8 they host the St. Boniface Riels before finishing the regular season on Tuesday March 10th on the road against the Raiders.