For the second straight game, the Sherwood Park Crusaders exploded for 4 goals in the middle frame of a hockey game. Similar to Wednesday’s first period against Drayton Valley, even though Cody Bardock netted his first goal as a Crusader, Sherwood Park and Olds kept each other to the perimeter.
The Grizzlys coming off a late game Friday night in Fort McMurray, showed no signs of fatigue. Crusaders Head Coach Tim Fragle dismissed the notion of the Grizzlys being a tired bunch and re-stated that after the 5-2 victory.
“They are a hard working team, very tough to play against.”
The Crusaders definitely had to work hard for their goals Saturday night. Going to the dirty areas and paying the price. The Crusaders looked like they were going to run away with the game after scoring three goals in a span of just over two minutes. Two of those goals came on the Power Play.
“We’re a momentum team, we can get a couple of quick goals like that. Those are a result of us executing effectively.” Fragle added.
Olds put up a bit of a fight with Brandon Clowes scoring two straight goals just past the halfway mark of the second period. The Grizzly comeback was short lived, when Arthur Gordon fired a loose puck in the slot past Talor Joseph to give the Cru a 5-2 lead. Gordon’s goal was a result of an excellent zone entry by line mates Andrew Taverner and Dillon Massie. Gordon maintained excellent position on being the third forward high in the offensive zone.
Blair Mulder was named the Pro Hockey Life Player of The Game. The Cru Interim Captain netted the game winner, which was his first of the year, and picked up an assist in the process.
Sunday afternoon the Cru welcome another team that was in Fort McMurray the night before. The Calgary Canucks picked up a 4-2 victory over the MOB Saturday night and will look to knock of the Cru who have won two in a row and eight of their last ten. Jacob Suppes, who has continued to be solid in place of injured Matt Tomkins, will make his seventh straight start Sunday afternoon.