ST. PAUL - It was the battle of Alberta on Sunday at the Clancy Richard Arena as the Central Canada Cup wrapped up, and the hometown St. Paul Canadiens took on the Wetaskiwin Icemen to win their second consecutive Central Canada Cup trophy.
The Canadiens earned their spot in the finals after beating the Saskatoon Royals 5-4 in the semi-finals. The Royals were the only team to beat the Canadiens in round robin play. The Icemen beat the Current River Storm 10-2 in their semi-final game.
The first period of the gold medal game on April 20 proved to be a battle, with the Icemen finding the net twice, and the Canadiens being kept off the scoreboard. But, the Canadiens regrouped and tied the game 2-2 in the second period.
A third period goal scored by Aiden Ma from Kolby Miller sealed the game for the Canadiens.
Head Coach Corey deMoissac said the Central Canada Cup was an "amazing tournament," and the community really stepped up to make it a success.
"The final [game] ended up being a classic, with the [Canadiens] finding their legs and turning it around to win it all," said deMoissac.
He noted there has been a lot of time and details put into the team over the season, and the team was able to put it all together to win the championship.
After many years working with the Canadiens' organization, deMoissac will be stepping away from his role, and the team will be looking for a new coach for the 2025/26 season.
"I am privileged to have worked with so, so many young men," said deMoissac.
And while the focus of the five-day tournament was the action on the ice, hosting the Central Canada Cup in St. Paul also provided an opportunity for the community to recognize some long-time supporters of the Canadiens' organization.
Ceremonial puck drops were held on Wednesday before the Canadiens hit the ice for their first game and honoured the memory of three people who were connected to the Junior Canadiens' organization.
Stan Erasmus
Stan Erasmus was represented by his three grandchildren, Bryce, Nicole and Madison, on the ice during the Wednesday night ceremony. The Canadiens wanted to dedicate the opening ceremonies to Erasmus' memory.
Erasmus as known as "an avid Junior Canadiens fan who will be greatly missed by all. We will cherish the smiles, laughs, and friendships that Stanley’s presence created around the arena and throughout our community. Our sincerest condolences go out to Stanley’s family and friends and our thoughts are with them during this time of loss," reads information from the Canadiens.
Erasmus passed away on March 16 at the age of 79. He could often be seen in the stands at the Clancy Richard Arena, cheering on the team.
Jeff Yopyk
Jeff Yopyk was represented on the ice on Wednesday by Ryan Yopyk, Dan Mahe, Shawn Germain and Harvey Smyl.
According to information from the Canadiens' organization, "Jeff was born and raised in St. Paul. He played for St. Paul Minor hockey and was affiliated with the Canadiens when he played for the St. Paul Midgets. He played forward. He then went on to play with the Saddle Lake Warriors where his position switched from forward to defence and remained that way for the rest of his hockey career."
At the time, Dean Smyl was his coach.
Jeff then played with the Bonnyville Pontiacs for the '96/97 '97/98 seasons. He then went on to play Jr. A with the Chilliwack Chiefs. Yopyk was a 1999 trade deadline acquisition for the Chiefs, coming over from the Lloydminster Blazers of the AJHL.
"Yopyk scored five goals and 14 assists in his short time in Chilliwack. He will forever be famous in Chilliwack for scoring the overtime winner for the Chiefs against the defending back-to-back BCHL champions, South Surrey Eagles in the 1999 playoffs," reads information from the Canadiens.
Jeff attended the University of Calgary, then played for the Stony Plain Eagles and went on to play in the Allan Cup.
"He was a financial advisor up until his passing in March 2025. Jeff was married to Jana and together they had three beautiful daughters - Juliette, Amelie and Elodie."
Daniel Jean
Daniel Jean was represented on the ice by his dad, Conrad Jean and daughter Mercedez.
Daniel played with the Canadiens for three seasons and was coached by Dean Smyl in '93/94, Pierre Demoissac in '95/96, and Leighton Grey in '96/97. Daniel also played for Saddle Lake Warriors coached by Dean Smyl and Jr. A with Williams Lake, coached by Harvey Smyl.
According to information from the Canadiens' organization, “Daniel's sister said that he was a gritty player who could throw punches and score goals. Growing up, hockey was Boone’s outlet and he loved the game."
Daniel had two daughters - Mercedez and Teanna, and a grandchild Messiah. Daniel passed away in March 2025.
Wrapping up five days of hockey
The five teams that took part in this year's Central Canada Cup were: champions St. Paul Jr Canadiens, Wetaskiwin Icemen (second place), Saskatoon Royals (third place), Current River Storm and OCN Storm.
Central Canada Cup tournament director Chantal Sadlowski took some time to share her thoughts after the five days of hockey wrapped up.
"The town was busy, the restaurants were busy, hotels were full, and the hockey was amazing to watching," said Sadlowski. "This event brought so much buzz to our community, and everyone I spoke to that was visiting was very pleased with our small town and our local restaurants."
For the past three months, Sadlowski has been busy planning, finding sponsors and doing all things related to hosted the Central Canada Cup in St. Paul. She noted the community and the surrounding area stepped up in a big way to help make the tournament a success.
"I am so happy with how smoothly the tournament ran, the crowds were big, the fans were loud, the volunteers always showed up and did everything we asked. Thank you to everyone for being a part of this amazing tournament," said Sadlowski, adding a congratulations to the Canadiens for defending their title as Central Canada Cup champions.
