Achi news desk-
Calgary Canucks goaltender Julian Molinaro knows what it takes to reach the Centennial Cup.
He did that last year with the Collingwood Blues of the Ontario Junior Hockey League. He is a big reason why the Canucks acquired him during the offseason and Molinaro says he believes the Canucks have the team to get there this year.
“We have a great group,” said the 20-year-old.
“Definitely, very good coaches who have put in a good system and something that feels right about our group. It feels like we’re going to get something so we just want to keep going and continue the wave we’re on.”
Big time playoff performer
Molinaro has come as advertised. He is a goalkeeper who makes a difference, especially on playing time.
He has played in all 13 Canucks playoff games and has a 10-3 record with a 2.50 goals against average.
Head coach Brad Moran says he’s a big reason why his team is just two wins away from winning the AJHL Championship.
“He’s our MVP,” Moran said.
“The best goalkeeper in the league and he has shown it. That’s his demeanor I think. His approach is everyday and that rubs off on the guys. They are confident that when we make a mistake he is there for us and if he makes a mistake we are there for him. I think that’s the feeling and the experience he can bring at this stage of the season is the main reason we brought him here.”
He changed his ways
Molinaro is counting on his leadership but says he has changed a lot this season.
He says he had a lot of superstitions in the past but has broken down on those in a big way.
“I have a really good mental coach, Dr. Alicia Naser, and when I started with her we went through everything I do before a game and it was like three pages of superstitions,” Molinaro said.
“I’ve changed my ways and cut it down. I have started to become much more relaxed before games. I used to talk to nobody on game days, kind of like Billy Smith (former New York Islanders goaltender) but now I’m a lot looser I’d say and a lot less weird,” he laughed.
“Yes, I think it’s better for my team-mates because they can talk to me now on match days instead of being intimidated. It makes it easier around the room and I can joke a little before games and not worry about the result on the ice because I’m ready to go.”
In the driver’s seat
The Canucks have reached two games to nothing in the series after two impressive wins to start the series at Whitecourt.
Molinaro says he and his teammates won’t get too far ahead of themselves.
“I’d say we’re confident because we’ve won two but we’re not changing the way we’re starting tonight,” he said.
“We’re going to play like we’re down two and continue to have that desperation and that fire inside us and keep going and not worry about the score of the series. Take it one game at a time like every other game in this series.”
Game three is Tuesday night at Max Bell’s Ken Bracko Arena. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 pm Game four is Wednesday night, also at the Ken Bracko arena.
