The Calgary Canucks won the AJHL championship

The Calgary Canucks were crowned Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) champions after defeating the Whitecourt Wolverines 4-0 on Wednesday night.

The Canucks defeated the Whitecourt Wolverines 3-2 at Ken Bracco Arena at Max Bell to snap a four-game sweep of the seven-game AJHL championship series.

Gavin Garland scored the game-winning goal in the third to break a 2-2 tie, give the Canucks the win and send the thousands of Canucks fans jammed into Max Bell's Ken Bracco Arena into a frenzy.

The Canucks got a second period goal from Cody Pisarczyk, who also set up Ryle Bracco in the first period to account for another Canucks goal.

After the game, an incredible Garland struggled to put into words what it felt like to be an AJHL champion.

“I just pumped so hard,” Garland said. “What the guys did was obviously unreal. I know we've got the Centenary Cup coming up and that's what everyone's going through, but right now we're really excited.”

Garland said winning the Inter Pipeline Cup was a huge deal for the Canucks after more than two decades since the last time.

“It's massive for the organization,” he said. “Especially with the arena being packed and loud, it's amazing for everyone, from the staff.”

Canucks coach Brad Moran said the playoffs really brought the players together and it showed.

“I'm really happy for these guys,” Moran said. “They've come together and they're a real team. They're there for each other and I'm proud of what they've done.”

As for the long wait between championships, it made Wednesday night's victory even sweeter.

“It has a deep history,” he said. “Hopefully we can keep it there now. It's very special.”

The Canucks will continue to compete for the Centennial Cup starting May 9 in Oakville, Ontario.