After a perfect start to the season with a 9-0-0 record in October, the Jr. Canucks continued their winning ways in November and December to close out 2022.
The Jr. Canucks suffered their first three losses of the season during these months, one in overtime and two in regulation. Despite this, the Canucks head into the New Year in first place in the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League, 10 points clear of 2nd place with a record of 21-2-1.
Goals, goals, and more goals
The Jr. Canucks lead the MMJHL in goals for and goals against per game. During the final two months of 2022, the Jr. Canucks averaged 6.64 goals per game. They also got standout offensive performances from several players, including:
- Kale Price – The captain had 14 goals and 18 assists during these 14 games, including an eight-point performance in a 15-0 win over Stonewall. He was also named Player of the Month for December, with 20 points in 6 games
- Rory Neill – Neill continues to set amazing number for a defenceman, and had 14 goals and 16 assists during this stretch. He leads the league in goals and is one point behind Price for the league lead in scoring
- Tyrone Willan – Willan, who sits third in league scoring behind the previously two mentioned players, had 10 goals and 27 points during the final months of 2022
- Ethan Robson – Robson displayed his playmaking ability in the months of November and December, recording 11 assists. He added 9 goals as well
- Ashton Romaniuk – Romaniuk continues to be a steady contributor for the Jr. Canucks, and had eight goals and 15 points during theses 12 games
- Brady Whitely – Whitely has always been a solid contributor, and this stretch of games is no exception. He had a goal and 14 assists.
- Troy Borthistle – Borthistle broke out offensively with two goals and 13 assists during the final two months of 2022. He was also named Defenceman of the Month for December
- Griffin Haight – Haight is following up a solid 2021-2022 campaign with another great season. He had nine goals and six assists and has 20 points in 23 games this year
- Zach Greenwood – The veteran forward had five goals and six assists during these 12 games. He has already set a career high in points with 17
The Jr. Canucks boast the league’s top-three scorers in Kale Price (18G 30A), Rory Neill (26G 21A), and Tyrone Willan (17G 29A). They have six players in the top-20 for league scoring who are all over a point-per-game.
Gilbert continues to shine
Starting goaltender Noah Gilbert continues to have an incredible season, and he remained undefeated in his 10 starts during this stretch.
During his 11 appearances, Gilbert went 10-0-0 with a .930 save percentage. In 17 appearances this year, Gilbert is 16-0-0 with two shutouts, a 1.85 goals against average and a .929 save percentage.
Perhaps most impressive is how he has separated himself from the pack. Gilbert leads the league in wins by six, is the only goaltender with more than five appearances without a loss, leads the league in shutouts with two, is the only goaltender with a goals against average below 2.00, and leads the league in save percentage.
He has run away with Goaltender of the Month in October, November, and December.
Looking Ahead
The Jr. Canucks start the New Year with a pair of games this upcoming weekend. On Friday, Jan. 6 they host the St. Boniface Riels and on Sunday Jan. 8 they hit the road to take on the Ft. Garry/Ft. Rouge Twins.