Defenceman helping put Calgary club on verge of Junior A title
Article content
Easton Hewson has long-term plans of playing in the National Hockey League.
But forgive him, if you will, for putting such dreams on the backburner for the next few weeks.
Article content
The Calgary Canucks defenceman is busy chasing short-term goals, such as the Alberta Junior Hockey League crown and the Centennial Cup.
“I try not to focus on the long-term too much,” said Hewson, hours after learning he’s been ranked on the NHL Central Scouting’s final list of draft-eligible talents. “I just do what I can do every game and every shift and try to be the best teammate I can be right now.
Advertisement 2
Article content
“Exciting news,” continued Hewson. “It’s definitely a nice pat on the back, but I’m looking to close this series out with this group and win a championship.”
Indeed, his Canucks are oh so close to claiming one championship.
They can capture the elusive AJHL title — something they haven’t done in 25 years — with a Game 4 win Wednesday night at Max Bell Centre (7 p.m.).
That after three straight triumphs to open the best-of-seven final, including Tuesday night’s dramatic 5-4 result, over the Whitecourt Wolverines.
Recommended from Editorial
“We’re pumped,” said Hewson, moments following Game 3. “But we’re not taking things ahead of ourselves. We’re taking it one shift at a time, one period and one game.”
Meanwhile, the 18-year-old Hewson is catching the eye every shift he’s out there.
The 6-foot-4, 200-lb. Edmonton native is ranked 183rd on the NHL Central Scouting’s final list of North American skaters, which was revealed Tuesday.
The 2024 NHL Draft will reportedly be held at Sphere in Las Vegas, with the first round set for June 28 and Rounds 2-7 to go on June 29.
Noon News Roundup
Article content
Advertisement 3
Article content
Hewson is the only AJHLer and among a slew of draft-eligible talents with Calgary connections on the list. Others include centre Tij Iginla of the Kelowna Rockets (ninth ranked), Calgary Hitmen defenceman Carter Yakemchuk of Calgary (11th), former Edge School star winger Terik Parascak of the Prince George Cougars (15th), Hitmen forward Carson Wetsch of the Hitmen (50th); winger Keets Fawcett of the Hitmen (138th), centre Chase Valliant of the Hitmen (179th) and Hitmen defenceman Dax Williams (204th).
“In my mind, he is ranked because he has size,” Canucks GM/head coach Brad Moran said of Hewson. “He is a presence on the ice, and he can skate very well for a big defenceman. Not only that, but he looks to make plays and has learned to make plays without making high-risk decisions.”
In these playoffs, Hewson leads all Canucks defencemen with nine points in 13 games.
The NCAA Minnesota State-Mankato commit had 29 points — including six goals — in a head-turning 54-game regular season.
“Easton has been a stabilizing force on our blue-line all season,” Moran said. “He plays in all situations and has been able to elevate his game as the season has gone on and now in the playoffs.
Advertisement 4
Article content
“He plays like a pro and controls the middle of the ice and the net-front very well.”
He can pop a few goals, too.
On Tuesday night, he put the Canucks up 2-1 after coming in off the point, taking a pass and firing it past Wolverines goaltender Nicholas Avakyan.
Hewson’s goal was part of a barrage of second-period tallies after a scoreless first stanza.
Shayne Tibbles opened it for the Wolverines by beating Canucks star goalie Julian Molinaro.
But Ty Hipkin — firing low between the legs of — and Hewson answered back for the Canucks.
Just 19 seconds later, Joey Melo drew the visitors back even with a shot high over Molinaro. And teammate Colby Browne put the Wolverines back on top at the 14:12 mark.
It stayed 3-2 for the Whitecourt club into the intermission.
And the Wolverines’ Browne added another early in the third period.
However, the home side stayed calm and composed, getting a goal from Julian Gervais a few minutes later and then the tying goal from Gavin Schmidt with just 3:30 remaining on the clock.
Then it was Chris Kobelka with his first of the playoffs jamming home a rebound on a late power play for the Canucks. The winner was notched with just 43 seconds left in regulation.
Advertisement 5
Article content
“It was awesome,” said Hewson of the three-goal third-period rally. “The boys didn’t give up. We’ve got a lot of character in the room, and that showed. Looking forward to closing out the series as soon as possible.
“We know Whitecourt isn’t going to give up. They’re going to battle back, so we’ve got to match that.”
With a guy named ‘Easton’ in the battle, it seems the Canucks have a chance to do just that — and more.
“Yeah … legend has it the name was between Easton and Bauer when I was being born,” Hewson said. “That’s just the legend, so I don’t know. But … yeah … it is a hockey thing. My dad was a hockey guy growing up. A hockey family.
“I think I’ve always been a bit of a late bloomer hockey-wise,” added Hewson. “I’ve put in the work over the years, and every year, I seem to get better and better. Now it feels like the dots have connected and everything’s aligned. It’s been a great year for me. But I think it’s a reflection of our coaching staff, my teammates our team and the program we’ve been building here.
“Everyone’s having a great year. There’s other guys that could be on that list.”
Article content
