Huskies celebrate decisive win against Fairview to take series lead

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The Fort St. John Huskies opened up their 2025 Strike Group North West Junior Hockey League playoffs with a decisive victory on Wednesday evening.

Two first-period goals proved the difference, as the Pups prevailed with a score of 3-1 over the Fairview Flyers to take a 1-0 in their best-of-five Caliber Energy East/West division semi-final.

Overall, head coach Todd Alexander was pleased with his team’s performance. The Pups controlled the flow of play with 50 shots on net and scoring three power-play goals.

“Our bench energy and our positivity towards each other was good,” said Alexander. “[However] some of our passes and some of our pass pickups were a little bit off.

“We might need to do a bit better job of screening the goal. But we made the adjustment in the third period.”

Ashton Underhill got the scoring underway five minutes in, assisted by Carver Lequiere. Ryan Ungstad doubled the lead five minutes later, with assists from Underhill and Connor Cozens.

Moe Fayad pulled the visitors back within a goal about a minute into the third. But captain captain Grayden Alexander installed the two-goal lead over four minutes later.

Underhill, who had an assist alongside Jordan LaGreca, had a three-point night and earned the game’s home star. 

This was Underhill’s first game back after nursing a shoulder injury,  with Alexander calling it a “bonus”.

“It was great to have Ash back,” said Alexander. “You can see how effective he is when he’s playing his game.”

Alexander was just as impressed with Flyers goaltender Kalib Minnes, who had a remarkable 47 saves. Minnes was selected to play in last month’s all-star game.

“You can’t say enough good things about him,” said Alexander. “The way he’s able to keep it competitive and give them an opportunity to stay in, it is all you can ask for.”

The Huskies will next travel to Fairview to take on the Flyers in game two, scheduled for February 7th at Fairview Arena.

More information is available at the Huskies’ Facebook and Instagram pages or website.