‘A winning culture’: Calgary Canucks goaltender Noah Nelson off to a good start

The Calgary Canucks are heading to Olds to take on the Grizzlys Friday night. For hometown boy Noah Nelson, it's been a great start to the season.

Calgary Canucks goaltender Noah Nelson is enjoying playing in front of the hometown fans.

Nelson played community hockey in McKnight, then went on to play with the Calgary Northstars, so he’s very familiar with the Max Bell Centre.

He was also familiar with the Calgary Canucks.

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That’s why it meant so much to him when the Canucks named him their starting goaltender.

“It’s always been something that’s kind of in the back of your head,” he said.

“You’re never too sure where you might end up in junior, but I couldn’t be happier where I am.”

He earned it

Head coach Mat Robinson says Nelson gives his team a chance to win every night when he’s between the pipes.

Robinson says Nelson earned the starter job.

“You know, we had a lot of guys come through,” Robinson said. “He’s shown he can play at this level and that he can be successful – and we’re glad to have him.”

Off to a great start

It’s been a great start to the season for the 20-year-old netminder.

Nelson is 7-3 with one shutout and a 2.62 goals against average.

He’s helped lead the Canucks into first place in the AJHL’s south division, but he wants more.

“I think it’s going well, but I think we’re really looking to keep making a push,” he said.

“We want to play that full 60 minutes and we’re trending upwards, so that’s good.”

Learned a lot last season

Although he didn’t play any games, Nelson spent some time with the Canucks last season as they owned his rights.

He says he learned a lot from the Centennial Cup-winning team.

“I think it’s a winning culture,” Nelson said.

“It was big for me to be part of that last year, and to see the work that it takes to really truly be a winner – and I think we’re taking that and really building for this season.”

The Canucks are back in action on Friday night when they travel to Olds to play the Grizzlys.