AEHL U18 AAA Post-Season Recap - Game 1

The Alberta Elite Hockey League’s U18 AAA playoffs kicked off this week with all four divisional quarter-final series completing game one. 

Calgary NW Flames 4, Calgary Northstars 0 

The Northstars could not capitalize on any of their six powerplays and Flames’ goaltender Brett O’Halloran recorded a 37-save shutout in a 4-0 victory. Flames goals were scored by Ryder Dembo, Luke Wong, Matthew Balderston and Nathan Ivey. Dembo, Wong and Balderston combined for six points in the game. Game 2 is tonight at the Max Bell Centre. 

Red Deer Optimist Chiefs 3, Cannex Calgary Royals 2 

Cooper Moore  scored the winner in the final minute of the third period as Red Deer edged the Royals 3-2. Walker Overwater and Kohen Lodge scored powerplay goals in the second period to give Red Deer a 2-0 lead. The Royals fought back to tie the game on goals by Benett Kelly and Aidan Tkachuk setting the stage for Moore’s winner with 14 seconds remaining. Game 2 at is Servus Arena in Red Deer on Saturday. 

Edmonton Jr. Oilers Orange 5, Fort Saskatchewan Strike Group Rangers 1 

The Jr. Oilers jumped out to a 3-1 lead after two periods and never trailed in the 5-1 victory over the Rangers. Ahmed Assaf opened the scoring midway through the first period on the powerplay for the Oilers, and added another goal in the third period. Jacob Loewen, Grayden Peronzi and Avery Watson added goals for the Oilers, while Bryce Ambeault scored the lone goal for the Rangers . Game 2 is tonight at the Dow Centennial Centre in Fort Saskatchewan. 

LJAC Wilhauk Jerky Oil Kings 2, Sherwood Park Ennis Kings 0 

Nolan Koethler recorded a 37-save shutout as Leduc eked out a 2-0 victory in a battle of the goaltenders. Connor Knorr faced 31 shots in the Sherwood Park net, allowing only one goal to Ethan Allen on a second period powerplay. Kayne Pawlick iced the game in third period with an empty net goal. Game 2 is tonight at Leduc Recreation Centre.  Full schedule and game details are available on the AEHL U18 AAA website. Game three in each series, if necessary, is set for Sunday. Livestreaming is available through FloHockey.