RED DEER – Round 1 of the AEHL U18 AAA Playoffs is complete, and the second-round matchups are now set.
All four best-of-three series wrapped up with decisive results, including three sweeps and one hard-fought three-game battle. With the division byes now entering the picture, the intensity is set to rise as the race for the AEHL championship continues.
North Division
St. Albert Raiders sweep Lloydminster Lancers (2–0)
The St. Albert Raiders wasted no time establishing control in their series against the Lloydminster Lancers.
A commanding 5–0 shutout in Game 1 set the tone, followed by a disciplined 3–1 victory in Game 2 to complete the sweep. Structured defensively and opportunistic offensively, the Raiders looked every bit like a team ready for a deep playoff push.
They now advance to face the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers, who earned a first-round bye after finishing second in the North Division during the regular season.
Sherwood Park Kings sweep Edmonton Jr. Oilers Orange (2–0)
The Sherwood Park Kings showcased their offensive depth and composure in a two-game sweep of the Edmonton Jr. Oilers Orange.
Game 1 featured a high-scoring pace before the Kings tightened things up in Game 2 to close the door and punch their ticket to the next round.
Awaiting them are the top-seeded Edmonton Jr. Oilers Blue, who received a bye after finishing first in the North Division during the regular season.
South Division
Calgary Buffaloes sweep Red Deer Chiefs (2–0)
The Calgary Buffaloes made an offensive statement in their Round 1 matchup against the Red Deer Chiefs.
An 8–4 victory in Game 1 gave Calgary early momentum, and they followed it up with a 5–2 win in Game 2 to secure the series in two straight.
The Buffaloes now prepare for a second-round showdown with the Calgary Northstars, who earned a bye after finishing second in the South Division.
Calgary Royals rally past Okotoks Oilers in three (2–1)
The tightest battle of Round 1 belonged to the Calgary Royals and the Okotoks Oilers — and it went the distance.
After falling 6–2 in Game 1, the Royals flipped the script with a dramatic 5–4 overtime win in Game 2 before closing out the series with a 5–2 victory in Game 3.
Calgary now advances to face the first-place Calgary Flames, setting up one of the most anticipated matchups of the second round.
Round 1 Top Performers
Points Leaders
- Braxton Alaric, Calgary Buffaloes — 2 GP | 3G | 4A | 7PTS
- Landon Horiachka, Sherwood Park Kings — 2 GP | 2G | 4A | 6PTS
- Sullivan Hookey, Red Deer Chiefs — 2 GP | 4G | 1A | 5PTS
- Chace Turchak, Calgary Buffaloes — 2 GP | 3G | 2A | 5PTS
- Kaden Hayes, Okotoks Oilers — 3 GP | 2G | 3A | 5PTS
Goaltending Leaders (GAA)
- Seth Brady, St. Albert Raiders — 0.00
- Kai Zurowski, St. Albert Raiders — 1.00
- Hayden Rinas, Sherwood Park Kings — 2.00
- Ayden Hoza, Calgary Royals — 2.92
- Max Hartel, Calgary Buffaloes — 3.00
Round 2 begins Tuesday, March 3. All games will be streamed live on FloHockey.
