Canucks down Cubs in Centennial Cup
A Ty Hipkin tally with 7:18 remaining in regulation proved to be the game-winner as the Calgary Canucks (AJHL) edged the Greater Sudbury Cubs (NOJHL) 3-2 Monday at the Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex.
Getting the game’s first goal, Calgary opened the scoring just over three minutes into the contest when Gavin Schmidt, parked in front, redirected a right-point shot from Ethan Casper, that went high over the shoulder of Greater Sudbury starter Noah Metivier.
Holding firm defensively during the lengthy two-man disadvantage, the Cubs killed it off and kept it 1-0 through one period of play.
A brief goaltending change to begin the middle stanza saw back-up Noah Beaulne join the proceedings for the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League contingent.
Metiver was to return to the Cubs’ crease two and a minutes into the session.
An energetic and hard-skating second saw the clubs go back-and-forth, but neither team would convert offensively as the score remained 1-0 Calgary after 40 minutes.
Notching a second marker, five minutes into the third, the Canucks worked a draw back to the blueline in the Cubs’ end where defenceman Chris Kobelka snapped a rising attempt that sailed high through a crowd and into the back of the net.
Eventually solving Calgary goaltender Julian Molinaro with 8:56 remaining, Metiver steered a blocker save ahead to Nolan Newton, who dashed down the right wing and after darting around the net, stuffed in a wrap around to put his team on the board.
The Alberta Junior Hockey League title holders got that back a couple of shifts later though when Julien Gervais pushed a play forward off a face-off, and after slipping around a Cubs’ forward, put a pass in front that left teammate Hipkin with a tap-in.
After Molinaro thwarted Hudson Chitaroni on a breakaway with 3:20 to go, they pulled their goalkeeper for an extra attacker in an effort to get back in it.
Pushing the pace immediately, Samuel Assinewai converted from close range as he jammed one across the line moments later.
However, the Canucks used a pair of man advantages late to run out the clock and secure the victory.
Collecting player of the game laurels were Assinewai and Molinaro.
With the outcome, Greater Sudbury’s record at the 10-team event drops to 0-3 and thus eliminates them from advancing to the playoff round, while Calgary improves to 2-1.
The Cubs will conclude their campaign Wednesday at noon as they meet 0-3 Collège Français de Longueuil (LHJAAAQ), back in Oakville.
