Canes goalies thriving off each other

By Lethbridge Herald on December 18, 2024.

Herald Photo by Justin Seward Lethbridge Hurricanes Jackson Unger attempts to get over to make a save off a shot from Zach Olsen of the Saskatoon Blades during recent WHL action. Both Unger and Cleaver are building off each other as of late.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The Lethbridge Hurricanes got a boost in goal couple of weeks ago when they acquired goalie Jackson Unger from the Moose Jaw Warriors.

The 19-year-old Unger won a WHL championship with the Warriors last season and brings  that experience into mentoring his new goaltending partner in 17-year-old Koen Cleaver and is looking forward to battling alongside him.

“We watch each other and it’s a new set of eyes on you and you’re always learning from your goalie partner no matter who they are,” said Unger.

“So yeah I think we’ll learn from each other this year and thrive off each other.”

Unger said he’s a good goalie.

“He’s a solid back-up goalie that’s going to be great in this league. I think he plays big,” said Unger.

Unger spoke about how he approaches his relationship with Cleaver.

“Just be easy to talk to,” said Unger.

“I think we’re already getting along and yeah we’re going to be a strong tandem this year.”

For Cleaver, he has not been afraid to ask the veteran Unger questions about his run last year with Moose Jaw, winning a championship and the Memorial Cup.

“I’ve learned a lot from him so far and I’m excited to keep learning from him and watching him play,” said Cleaver.

Cleaver has picked up on Unger’s plays in the crease.

“He’s just really simple in there and calm, and just knows how to play in the league and reads the plays really well, so it’s good to learn from,” said Cleaver.

Cleaver spoke about the practice battles.

“We’re both working hard competing against each other, so it’s going good so far, and yeah I’m looking forward to the future for sure,” said Cleaver.

“So looking forward to the future here.”

Brodan Salmond, Canes goaltending coach, gave his perspective on what Unger brings to the table for a young goalie like Cleaver.

“I think the biggest thing that he (Cleaver) can learn from him (Unger) is just the consistency and what it takes to be an everyday guy,” said Salmond.

“Things like preparation, things like bouncing back from maybe an off night, those are things Jackson’s learned over the course of his last four years in the league (and) I think it’s something he does really well.”

Salmond said in the net, Jackson plays a really calm game.

“I think that’s something we’re working on with Koen and just letting pucks come to him,” said Salmond.

Salmond talked about Unger being Cleaver’s third goaltending partner this season.

“It’s a unique situation for sure,” said Salmond.

“It’s not very often that you have three different partners in a season but I think he’s been able (to) take things away from every guy.”

Unger is a perfect 5-0 with a 1.80 goals against average and a .922 save percentage.

Cleaver has a 4-6 record in 10 games with a 3.38 goals against average and an .893 save percentage.