Calgary Canucks open up Centennial Cup with big win over Melfort Mustangs

The Calgary Canucks had a day off Friday at the Centennial Cup, after the team was in action Thursday, picking up a big win against the Melfort Mustangs.

Hosting a major tournament like the Centennial Cup isn’t easy.

There’s a lot of pressure that comes with it.

The Calgary Canucks are the first to admit they were a little nervous in the first period of their game against the SJHL champs, the Melfort Mustangs.

While the rest of his teammates were finding their game, goaltender Lukas Renaud stood tall.

He kicked out 28 shots and led the Canucks to a 3-1 victory.

He was named player of the game and says playing in big games is what it’s all about.

“Absolutely. It’s the best hockey in Junior A right now,” said the 21-year-old.

“This is a big deal, and it’s one of the main reasons I wanted to be a Canuck this year. I’m really happy for this opportunity.”

Bracko with the game-winner

Riley Bracko scored the game-winner early in the second period on Thursday night.

He says it was extra special to beat the Mustangs because they knocked the Canucks out of the Centennial Cup last year.

“It felt great,” said the 20-year-old forward.

“I think you’ve got to slay your dragons early in this tournament, and that first game is so huge. I know it was huge for the guys that played last year. I got a few texts from some of the boys saying how pumped they were.”

Great start

Luc Trevors opened up the scoring for the Canucks.

His goal late in the first period tied the game at one.

Trevors says opening up with a win is huge in this tournament.

“We knew it would be a big game going in. We knew Melfort had a good team, so obviously it was big. A good start for us, and we’ve just got to keep it going through the rest of the tournament,” said the 19-year-old forward.

Big weekend

The Canucks were back on the ice for practice on Friday afternoon.

It’s a big weekend for them as they play a pair of games, and head coach and general manager Brad Moran says they’ll have to be ready.

“We’ve got to make sure we’re managing the games, so to speak. We’ve got three games in four nights and four in six so we’ll have to make sure we use everybody and that guys are smart. Make sure we’re not chasing games and try to stay in front,” he said.

The Canucks go up against Braves de Valleyfield out of Quebec on Saturday at 4 p.m.

Then on Sunday, they play another 4 p.m. game against the Rockland Nationals out of Ontario.