Unger standing tall in Canes net

By Lethbridge Herald on April 22, 2025.

Herald Photo by Justin Seward Lethbridge Herald photo by JUSTIN SEWARD Lethbridge Hurricanes goalie Jackson Unger smothers the puck with two Calgary Hitmen defenders around him during Game 4 of the second round of the WHL playoffs on Saturday.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

Lethbridge Hurricanes goalie  Jackson Unger has been nothing short of spectacular for his team so far in the playoffs.

The Calgary product  has sported a 7-2-2 record a .91 3 save percentage and 2.51 goals against average and the netminder talked about what he has drawn from last year’s WHL championship run with the Moose Jaw Warriors and coming in with that mindset  to the Canes post season run this season.

“It’s all about experience and (the Warriors)  obviously went deep last year and I’ve played in Game 7s before,” said Unger.

Unger will have that experience of another Game 7 tonight versus the Calgary Hitmen.

“The pressure’s on but it’s really just another game,” said Unger.

“We know how to play, we know what it takes to win.”

Unger doesn’t change his approach much when it comes to getting ready for  post season runs.

“Everything’s just a little bit more intense,” said Unger.

“It’s really nothing too drastic, it’s just another hockey game, and we’ve prepared for this all year.”

Unger thought the job of his defencemen  in front of him as great with blocking shots, taking up lanes and managing to get sticks on pucks.

“They’ve been doing a great job,” said Unger.

Unger has saved 282 of the 390 shots that he has faced in the postseason going into Wednesday’s Game 7 and his calm demeanour has helped him with that high save percentage.

“Just staying calm in there and just making the save one shot at a time is kind of my mind set and how I approach the game,” said Unger.

Unger was asked about any resemblance from last year’s Warriors and the Canes of this year.

“They both have the winning mentality and each group is just as special in their own way, “ said Unger.

Canes goaltending consultant Brodan Salmond has had a front seat to what kind of impact Unger has had in the playoffs.

“We know he’s a proven winner, a guy who’s been in the league a long time (and has) seen a lot of different situations  and he does a great job in there,” said Salmond.

Salmond thinks how Unger has shone through his championship play is with his ability to lead by example.

“He’s a guy who’s never rattled,” said Salmond.

“He understands the playoffs and how it works. If you lose one, it’s something that you put behind you and you’re on to the next. That’s what he’s done for us so far. He’s been really solid in both rounds and he’s given us a chance to win.”

“He’s been real good for us,” said defenceman Logan McCutcheon.

“He’s been so solid making saves that he needs to make (and) making some that he shouldn’t make but finds a way.”

McCutcheon thinks Unger gives them confidence with him back there.