What a year it’s been for Calgary Canucks forward Jack Plandowski.
The 19-year-old was the top scorer in the AJHL with 34 goals and 45 assists for 79 points.
He’s also up for forward of the year and is in the final four for league MVP.
Huge congratulations to Jack Plandowski on winning the 2024-25 AJHL Scoring Champion title and Leading Goal Scorer award! 79 points, 34 goals, and a season full of standout performances! https://t.co/D7sNY8F0ng pic.twitter.com/6mwm6sgTiD
— Calgary Canucks (@Calgary_Canucks) March 17, 2025
Plandowski says he couldn’t do it without his teammates.
“I think I’ve been pretty fortunate with some really good linemates this year,” he said.
“It helps that we play a really offensive game,”Plandowski added. “Obviously we shut down in the defensive zone but I think the power play., good linemates and the offensive style we play has helped a lot.”
Nathan Maloney up for pair of awards
Defenceman Nathan Maloney is in his first year with the Canucks and did he ever make an impression.
The 18-year-old scored 13 goals and added 27 assists for 40 points. Not only is he up for rookie of the year, he’s also in the running for defenceman of the year in the AJHL.
Maloney says his teammates broke the news to him.
“It was pretty cool,” he said.
“I had no idea and then I came into the dressing room and the boys were telling me, so I was pretty surprised -- but (it) definitely (was) a good feeling.”
Playoffs are here
As nice as the award nominations are, Maloney is just as excited to get the playoffs started.
The Canucks finished first in the South Division with 78 points. They’ll take on the Camrose Kodiaks in the first round of the playoffs.
The Kodiaks were fourth in the south with 68 points.
Maloney says the Canucks just have to play their game.
“I think it’s good but I think we go into it not worrying to much about them,” he said.
“Just make sure that our craft is perfected going into the playoffs and just focus on our systems and what we do best and then we can play against anybody.”
Should be a hard-fought series
Plandowski loves this time of year and says he can hardly wait for Game 1 Friday night at the Ken Bracko Arena at Max Bell.
“We’ve had some really good games this year and I’m excited. It’s going to be fun and I think this is the time of year where it gets really fun.”
His team is ready
Head coach Brad Moran believes the Canucks are motivated to repeat as AJHL champs and ready for round one.
“I think it’s a long season and I think our guys have played well,” said Moran.
“I think they’ve picked up towards the end of the season and I think we’re excited to get at these really meaningful games and the playoff excitement and try to build on what we’ve done all year.”
Post-season schedule:
Here’s a look at the Canucks/Kodiaks opening round playoff schedule
Game 1: March 21st, 7 p.m.
Game 2: March 22nd, 5 p.m.
Game 3: March 25th, 7 p.m.
Game 4: March 26th, 7 p.m.
Game 5 if necessary, March 28, 7 p.m.
Game 6 if necessary, March 30, 7:00 p.m.
Game 7 if necessary, April 1, 7 p.m.
