Lucky toonies and life-long 'brothers': Host Calgary Canucks win Centennial Cup in dominating style
'Whatever it takes' was how Brad Moran worded his team's run to a national puck title.
Article content
Article content
So when the Calgary Canucks dug a couple of toonies out of the ice amid Sunday's celebration of winning the 2025 Centennial Cup, it seemed to come as no surprise to the head coach of the newly minted Canadian Junior Hockey League champions …
Article content
Even though he knew nothing of the lucky coins or who put them there.
Article content
Article content
'One from 1995, and one from 2025,' said the Canucks GM and head coach, his voice dripping with joy after watching his charges score the coveted CJHL crown 30 years — almost to the day — of the franchise's first and only other Centennial Cup.
Article content
Article content
'So whatever it takes …' continued Moran of the buried treasure. 'I guess that was the gesture.'
Article content
If there was magic in those toonies, it didn't take the shine off the determination of the Canucks.
Article content
Moran's men were full marks for the title victory Sunday, executing dominance in a 7-2 taming of the Melfort Mustangs in Sunday's finale, much to the delight of a frenzied 2,720 fans at jam-packed Max Bell Centre.
And it was quite the delight for themselves, coming 12 months after losing 2-1 to the same Mustangs in last year's semifinal round of the 2024 Centennial Cup in Oakville, Ont.
Article content
Revenge best served cold, you could say.
Article content
Article content
'It's everything I've dreamed of,' said Canucks captain Bowden Singleton, in the moments after hoisting the Centennial Cup on home ice. 'I might get emotional here in a bit, but I'm just soaking everything in right now.
Article content
'That feeling of losing last year and looking at the guys that lost is probably one of the saddest things you ever have to go through, because those 20-year-olds, they gave everything they had.'
Article content
It was a feeling neither he or any of the seven other returnees of the reigning two-time Alberta Junior Hockey League kings wanted to go through again, unlike the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League-champion Mustangs themselves were forced to do for a second straight Centennial Cup after losing last year in the final to Ontario's Collingwood Blues.
Article content
'We started off with one goal to win the regular season and then win the AJHL playoffs and then win the Centennial Cup playoffs,' Singleton said. 'Super surreal, the full circle, and we're going to enjoy it for a long time. We're brothers for the rest of our lives.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Vancouver Sun
a day ago
- Vancouver Sun
Canucks: What can Jake DeBrusk do after career season? Be more of a hound
There is truth in advertising. When Jake DeBrusk joined the Vancouver Canucks in free agency last summer, his biggest supporter and constant confidant banged the drum about the big winger's potential with a fresh start in a new city. It's what you expect from his father, Louie DeBrusk, a former NHL grinder and a Sportsnet and Hockey Night In Canada analyst. 'The guy is a hound,' DeBrusk told this reporter of his son's upside. 'He's not easy to play against, he tracks back, blocks shots, and can play the penalty kill and power play. The most important thing is the kid is a finisher. Jake brings energy and a lot of speed, and when he's buzzing he'll take over a line.' Or a game. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. In that respect, the elder DeBrusk's summation was bang on. However, he could have added a streaky-scorer disclaimer. DeBrusk, 28, bagged a career-high 28 goals in 2024-2025, with 14 on the power play, which ranked fifth in the NHL. He also struck for 19 road goals, which was 10th overall, and had a pair of hat-tricks. His 16.4 per cent shooting accuracy was third on a team that couldn't finish, with a 23rd ranking of just 2.84 goals per outing. DeBrusk scored 12 of his goals with a wrist shot, five with a snapshot and two with a backhand, which showed versatility. And if the Canucks expect a season of redemption and return to the playoffs, they can't be missing the net and must show more moxie on home ice. The team stumbled out of the gate last season at Rogers Arena and were 3-5-3 after 11 dates. They won two straight in Vancouver on just two occasions, and finished at 17-16-8. Minnesota and claimed the final two Western Conference wild-card playoff berths with 23-13-5 and 24-14-3 home marks respectively. While DeBrusk had a season to remember, he scored just nine times at home as the Canucks fell seven points short of the postseason. A few more wins at Rogers Arena and they would have been in. That should stick in the craw. And with two of their first three games next season at home, they need an early swagger. As for DeBrusk, what can he do for an encore? Consistency is key to get to the next competitive level. He's already a salary-cap bargain with seven years left at $5.5 million US in annual average value, but there's always room to improve. DeBrusk didn't score in his first nine games last season. He struck in the next three, then went six games without a goal before erupting for nine in his next seven outings. That was followed by no goals in 11 games, one in a dozen games, and striking for three goals in his final four games. So, what's the key to snapping slumps and being an every-night threat? 'Be patient. Don't let it get in your head,' he suggested. 'I need to take more control with body position and stop guessing where the puck is going to go.' DeBrusk is adept at getting to the net to set screens, tip pucks and get rebounds. He's also quick enough to hound the opposition. He could add another dimension by winning corner-board battles and taking a direct route to the net to either shoot or set up a linemate. 'I have to generate more chaos, but feel like I have just been waiting around,' he admitted last season. 'I'm done with that.' The 6-foot-1, 198-pound Edmonton native was third in hits among club forwards last season with 96, but DeBrusk's open-ice collisions in the neutral zone don't matter as much as bravado toward the net. It's what the Canucks were banking on last season and hope to see if they return to the playoffs. DeBrusk led the Boston Bruins in 2024 postseason scoring with 11 points (5-6) in 13 games, and the club's 14th overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft was second in hits with 53. Today's game is played down low. It's mosh-pits of establishing position and fishing for loose pucks. It's also top snipers playing on the outside but knowing when to get inside. You can't be stagnate. It's read and react. There is reason for optimism in the top-six mix with how the offseason has played out. Evander Kane was acquired in a trade with the Edmonton Oilers because it appeared Brock Boeser was going elsewhere in free agency. And with a year left on his deal at $5.125 million, the Canucks are counting on a healthy Kane responding with incentive to earn another contract while playing at home. The Canucks can now deploy two credible lines, and Kane could hit 30 goals for the third time in his career. Expect Boeser to bag at least that many, if he stays away from ailments. Same for DeBrusk. Kane could be a candidate to drive play and open space for Elias Pettersson and Boeser, while DeBrusk moves well enough to align with Filip Chytil and Conor Garland to attack off the rush, if the Canucks don't land a support centre via trade or free agency. The Canucks also stack up well physically on the left side and should be harder to play against with Kane, DeBrusk and Drew O'Connor. And if they hound, all the better. bkuzma@
The Province
a day ago
- The Province
Canucks: What can Jake DeBrusk do after career season? Be more of a hound
DeBrusk had a season to remember, but scored just nine times at home as the Canucks fell seven points short of the postseason. Get the latest from Ben Kuzma straight to your inbox Canucks left winger Jake DeBrusk celebrates after scoring against the Minnesota Wild on Dec. 3, 2024, in St. Paul, Minn. Nineteen of his career-high 28 goals last season came on the road. Photo by Craig Lassig / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS There is truth in advertising. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors When Jake DeBrusk joined the Vancouver Canucks in free agency last summer, his biggest supporter and constant confidant banged the drum about the big winger's potential with a fresh start in a new city. It's what you expect from his father, Louie DeBrusk, a former NHL grinder and a Sportsnet and Hockey Night In Canada analyst. 'The guy is a hound,' DeBrusk told this reporter of his son's upside. 'He's not easy to play against, he tracks back, blocks shots, and can play the penalty kill and power play. The most important thing is the kid is a finisher. Jake brings energy and a lot of speed, and when he's buzzing he'll take over a line.' Or a game. In that respect, the elder DeBrusk's summation was bang on. However, he could have added a streaky-scorer disclaimer. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. DeBrusk, 28, bagged a career-high 28 goals in 2024-2025, with 14 on the power play, which ranked fifth in the NHL. He also struck for 19 road goals, which was 10th overall, and had a pair of hat-tricks. His 16.4 per cent shooting accuracy was third on a team that couldn't finish, with a 23rd ranking of just 2.84 goals per outing. DeBrusk scored 12 of his goals with a wrist shot, five with a snapshot and two with a backhand, which showed versatility. And if the Canucks expect a season of redemption and return to the playoffs, they can't be missing the net and must show more moxie on home ice. Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk gets first pumps after scoring against the Avalanche on Feb. 4, 2025 at Rogers Arena. Photo by Derek Cain / Getty Images The team stumbled out of the gate last season at Rogers Arena and were 3-5-3 after 11 dates. They won two straight in Vancouver on just two occasions, and finished at 17-16-8. Minnesota and claimed the final two Western Conference wild-card playoff berths with 23-13-5 and 24-14-3 home marks respectively. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. While DeBrusk had a season to remember, he scored just nine times at home as the Canucks fell seven points short of the postseason. A few more wins at Rogers Arena and they would have been in. That should stick in the craw. And with two of their first three games next season at home, they need an early swagger. As for DeBrusk, what can he do for an encore? Consistency is key to get to the next competitive level. He's already a salary-cap bargain with seven years left at $5.5 million US in annual average value, but there's always room to improve. DeBrusk didn't score in his first nine games last season. He struck in the next three, then went six games without a goal before erupting for nine in his next seven outings. That was followed by no goals in 11 games, one in a dozen games, and striking for three goals in his final four games. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. So, what's the key to snapping slumps and being an every-night threat? 'Be patient. Don't let it get in your head,' he suggested. 'I need to take more control with body position and stop guessing where the puck is going to go.' DeBrusk is adept at getting to the net to set screens, tip pucks and get rebounds. He's also quick enough to hound the opposition. He could add another dimension by winning corner-board battles and taking a direct route to the net to either shoot or set up a linemate. 'I have to generate more chaos, but feel like I have just been waiting around,' he admitted last season. 'I'm done with that.' The 6-foot-1, 198-pound Edmonton native was third in hits among club forwards last season with 96, but DeBrusk's open-ice collisions in the neutral zone don't matter as much as bravado toward the net. It's what the Canucks were banking on last season and hope to see if they return to the playoffs. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. DeBrusk led the Boston Bruins in 2024 postseason scoring with 11 points (5-6) in 13 games, and the club's 14th overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft was second in hits with 53. Today's game is played down low. It's mosh-pits of establishing position and fishing for loose pucks. It's also top snipers playing on the outside but knowing when to get inside. You can't be stagnate. It's read and react. There is reason for optimism in the top-six mix with how the offseason has played out. Evander Kane was acquired in a trade with the Edmonton Oilers because it appeared Brock Boeser was going elsewhere in free agency. And with a year left on his deal at $5.125 million, the Canucks are counting on a healthy Kane responding with incentive to earn another contract while playing at home. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Canucks can now deploy two credible lines, and Kane could hit 30 goals for the third time in his career. Expect Boeser to bag at least that many, if he stays away from ailments. Same for DeBrusk. Kane could be a candidate to drive play and open space for Elias Pettersson and Boeser, while DeBrusk moves well enough to align with Filip Chytil and Conor Garland to attack off the rush, if the Canucks don't land a support centre via trade or free agency. The Canucks also stack up well physically on the left side and should be harder to play against with Kane, DeBrusk and Drew O'Connor. And if they hound, all the better. bkuzma@ Read More Vancouver Canucks Local News Vancouver Whitecaps News Celebrity
National Post
a day ago
- National Post
Canucks: What can Jake DeBrusk do after career season? Be more of a hound
There is truth in advertising. Article content When Jake DeBrusk joined the Vancouver Canucks in free agency last summer, his biggest supporter and constant confidant banged the drum about the big winger's potential with a fresh start in a new city. Article content Article content It's what you expect from his father, Louie DeBrusk, a former NHL grinder and a Sportsnet and Hockey Night In Canada analyst. Article content 'The guy is a hound,' DeBrusk told this reporter of his son's upside. 'He's not easy to play against, he tracks back, blocks shots, and can play the penalty kill and power play. The most important thing is the kid is a finisher. Jake brings energy and a lot of speed, and when he's buzzing he'll take over a line.' Article content Or a game. Article content In that respect, the elder DeBrusk's summation was bang on. However, he could have added a streaky-scorer disclaimer. Article content DeBrusk, 28, bagged a career-high 28 goals in 2024-2025, with 14 on the power play, which ranked fifth in the NHL. He also struck for 19 road goals, which was 10th overall, and had a pair of hat-tricks. His 16.4 per cent shooting accuracy was third on a team that couldn't finish, with a 23rd ranking of just 2.84 goals per outing. Article content DeBrusk scored 12 of his goals with a wrist shot, five with a snapshot and two with a backhand, which showed versatility. And if the Canucks expect a season of redemption and return to the playoffs, they can't be missing the net and must show more moxie on home ice. Article content Article content The team stumbled out of the gate last season at Rogers Arena and were 3-5-3 after 11 dates. They won two straight in Vancouver on just two occasions, and finished at 17-16-8. Minnesota and claimed the final two Western Conference wild-card playoff berths with 23-13-5 and 24-14-3 home marks respectively. Article content While DeBrusk had a season to remember, he scored just nine times at home as the Canucks fell seven points short of the postseason. A few more wins at Rogers Arena and they would have been in. That should stick in the craw. And with two of their first three games next season at home, they need an early swagger. Article content Article content As for DeBrusk, what can he do for an encore? Consistency is key to get to the next competitive level. He's already a salary-cap bargain with seven years left at $5.5 million US in annual average value, but there's always room to improve. Article content DeBrusk didn't score in his first nine games last season. He struck in the next three, then went six games without a goal before erupting for nine in his next seven outings. That was followed by no goals in 11 games, one in a dozen games, and striking for three goals in his final four games. Article content 'Be patient. Don't let it get in your head,' he suggested. 'I need to take more control with body position and stop guessing where the puck is going to go.'
