Calgary Canucks draft pick Easton Hewson has his sights set on the AJHL

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Easton Hughson has long-term plans to play in the National Hockey League.

But forgive him, if you will, for putting such dreams on the back burner for the next few weeks.

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The Calgary Canucks defenseman is busy chasing short-term goals like the Alberta Junior Hockey League crown and the Centennial Cup.

“I'm trying not to focus too much on the long term,” Hewson said, hours after learning he was named to the NHL's center scouting's final list of draft-eligible talent. “I'm going to do my best every game and every shift and try to be the best teammate I can be right now.

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“Exciting news,” Hewson continued. “It's definitely a good shot, but I want to finish this series with this group and win the championship.”

Indeed, his Canucks are very close to one championship.

With a win in Game 4 Wednesday night at the Max Bell Center (7 p.m.), they can clinch the AJHL title — something they haven't done in 25 years.

It made it three straight to open the best-of-seven final with a 5-4 win over Whitecourt Wolverines on Tuesday night.

“We're fired up,” Hewson said after Game 3. We'll take it one shift, one period and one game at a time.”

Meanwhile, the 18-year-old Hewson has stood out every shift.

6-foot-4, 200 lbs. The Edmonton native is ranked No. 183 on NHL Central Scouting's latest list of North American skaters released Tuesday.

The 2024 NHL Draft will be held at the Sphere in Las Vegas, with the first round on June 28 and rounds 2-7 on June 29.

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Hughson is the only AJHLer and among the draft-eligible talent on the roster with Calgary ties. Others: Kelowna Rockets center Tej Iginla (ninth), Calgary Hitmen guard Carter Yakemchuk (11th), former Edge School star winger Prince George Cougars Terik Paraskak (15th), Hitmen forward Carson Vetch (50 -th place) ); Hitmen wing Keith Fawcett (138th), Hitmen center Chase Valliant (179th) and Hitman guard Dax Williams (204th).

“I think he's ranked because of his size,” Canucks GM/head coach Brad Moran said of Hughson. “He has that presence on the ice and he can skate really well for a big defenseman. Not only that, but he's trying to make plays and he's learned to make plays without making risky decisions.”

In those playoff games, Hughson leads all Canucks defensemen with nine points in 13 games.

NCAA Minnesota State-Mankato had 29 points, including six goals, in the 54-game regular season.

“Easton has been a stabilizing force on our blue line all season,” Moran said. “He plays in every situation and has been able to raise his game as the season has gone on and now in the playoffs.

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“He plays like a pro and controls the middle of the ice and the front of the net very well.”

He can score several goals.

He gave the Canucks a 2-1 lead Tuesday night after picking up the puck and firing past Wolverines goaltender Nicholas Avakian.

Hewson's goal was part of the tally in the second period after the first period.

Shane Tibbles opened it for the Wolverines by beating Canucks star goaltender Julian Molinaro.

But Ty Hipkin fired low between his legs and Hewson answered for the Canucks.

Just 19 seconds later, Joey Melo pulled the visitors back with a high shot from Molinaro. And teammate Colby Brown put the Wolverines in first with a score of 14:12.

It remained 3-2 for the Whitecourt club before the break.

And the Wolverines' Brown added another early in the third period.

However, the home team stayed calm and composed, getting a goal from Julian Gervais minutes later, followed by a goal from Gavin Schmidt with 3:30 left.

Then it was Chris Kobelka, whose first playoff game was a late power-play rebound for the Canucks. The winner came with 43 seconds left in regulation.

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“It was great,” said Hewson of the three-goal third-period rally. “The boys did not give up. We have a lot of characters in the room and it showed. Looking forward to closing the series as soon as possible.

“We know that Whitecourt will not surrender. They fight back, so we have to match it.”

With a guy named “Easton” in battle, the Canucks have just that and more. seems to have a chance.

“Yeah…legend has it that name was between Easton and Bower when I was born,” Hewson said. “It's just a legend, so I don't know. But…yeah…it's a hockey thing. My father grew up a hockey player. Hockey family.

“I think I've always been a latecomer to hockey,” added Hewson. “I've been working for many years and every year I seem to be getting better. Now the dots are connected and everything seems aligned. It was a great year for me. But I think it's a reflection of our coaching staff, my teammates and the program we're building here.

“The whole year is going well. There are other guys that could be on that list.”

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