Cochranites were treated to a unique experience on Feb. 21 as the Calgary Canucks beat the Whitecourt Wolverines 3-2 in a shootout, during a special AJHL regular-season game at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre.
For Canucks captain and homegrown talent Chandler Irvin, the event was extra special as it was his first game in Cochrane since he was a 15 year-old midget with the AC Avalanche.
“I was excited the whole day,” the 21 year-old Irvin said. “It was weird at first when I got out on the ice, but once the game started it felt like I was back home.”
The game, which was played in front of around 500 people saw Canucks open up a 2-0 lead inside the first period thanks to a power-play goal from Allan MacPherson (Irvin and Reed Morrison assisting), and Ryan McKinnon (Mitchell Scott and Ben Assad with helpers).
Wolverines clawed back in the second period of action, with two goals in under two minutes from Mitchell Brennan (Joseph Nardi assisting) and Frederic Letourneau (assisted by Stephen Wack and Hubert Delisle).
A scoreless third led to a five-minute overtime, where neither side was able to break the deadlock, forcing a shootout.
All three of Wolverines snipers missed their shots, with forward Josh Giacomin knocking his past Wolverines goalie Tanner McCorriston to give Canucks the 1-0 shootout victory (3-2 overall).
“It was a great experience,” said Canucks head coach Jay Pylypuik. “Last time we played in Whitecourt, we lost, so we came here looking to turn the tide on them. We expected a hard fought battle, because they’re big and fast.”
What was the club’s thinking in bringing an AJHL game to Cochrane?
“We tried in Strathmore before, as a way to expand our brand,” Pylypuik said. “We had some success out there, so we thought we’d try it in Cochrane as well.
“One of the challenges of playing at Max Bell is getting a lot of fans. Our guys are used to playing in front of a couple hundred fans. At this game, there were around 500 people there. It was exciting for them and the fans.”
For Irvin, this is his first full season with the Canucks, and being given the captain’s role has been one of the highlights of his career.
“It was humbling,” he revealed. “I wanted to be put in that position. I felt like I could handle it. I appreciate everyone looking up to me.”
This year, the team has 15 rookies, and few veterans, so he had to step up his game. So far, he has played 56 games and picked up 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists), more than any other season of his career.
“I’ve definitely improved,” he said. “With all the young talent the team has, we make each other better. Being my last year, you always hope for a chance like this. All of the rookies have played well and adapted to junior quickly. In the years to come, this team is going to be pretty remarkable.”
Is Irvin someone who leads by example or is constantly vocal?
“He’s a bit of both,” Pylypuik said. “He says what needs to be said in the dressing room, and then goes out and backs it up on the ice.
“He brings a unique brand of maturity and skill. He’s been a big role model to our rookies. He’s been a big part of our success this year.”
The amount of praise and respect heaped on Irvin by his coach and teammates is something that he himself returns in kind to the Canucks organization.
“This club has been a great fit,” Irvin said. “There’s been new coaches and staff brought in. They’ve been awesome to the players. The organization has improved by a mile. I have nothing but good things to say about the Canucks and everyone associated with the club.”
What does the future hold in store for the 21 year-old?
“I’ve applied to the University of Calgary for a couple programs,” he revealed.
Does he plan on playing CIS hockey?
“No,” he admitted. “I think I’ve hit the end of my journey. I had a couple Division 3 offers in the States, but those are pretty expensive, especially, with how the dollar is. I think it’s time to stay close to home and go to school.”
For the time being however, there’s still a lot of hockey left to be played, and he’s going to enjoy every minute of it.
“There’s definitely more to come this year,” he confirmed. “The playoffs are going to be very special.”
