A tale of two teams heading in opposite directions was heard on 96.5 The Ranch on February 15th.
The Calgary Canucks extended their winning streak to six games by clobbering the Olds Grizzlys 9-1. It was the ninth consecutive loss for the Black & Gold.
Nathan Maloney (2006) led the offensive attack for the Canucks with two goals and an assist. The reigning Canalta Hotels AJHL Player of the Week is in the midst of a three game goal scoring streak (5 total goals in those 3 games) and a seven game point streak (8 goals, 10 assists for 18 points). The 18-year-old rookie from Strathmore is the top scoring blueliner in the league with 33 points in 36 games including 14 goals.
The defending Alberta Junior Hockey League champions have won 8 of their last 9 overall and they continue to build towards not only making another long playoff run in this province but the opportunity to host the national junior ‘A’ championship tournament. The Canucks (30-11-2-2) will be in the field for the 2025 Centennial Cup when that tourney arrives at the Max Bell Centre from May 8-18.
Meanwhile, Olds (14-31-1-0) has already been eliminated from AJHL playoff contention and now a daunting finish to the regular season awaits with 7 of the last 8 games for the Grizzlys set to be played away from home. The OGs are 10-15-1-0 on home ice this season and just 4-16-0-0 away from the friendly confines of the SportsComplex.
Forward Johnny Maruna had the lone goal for Olds in the loss. Since being acquired from the Grand Prairie Storm the 19-year-old from Ohio had 5 goals and 8 points in 13 games. He had just one assist in 15 games for G.P.
The Grizzlys travel to Drumheller for a Family Day Monday matinee at 2pm against the Dragons (26-17-3-0).
Prior to Saturday’s game 96.5 The Ranch spoke with Brad Moran, Calgary Canucks Head Coach.
At the first intermission, 96.5 The Ranch was joined by injured Grizzlys forward Bailey Shortall.
