The Sherwood Park Crusaders look to wrap up the 2012 calender year with a second straight win. Something the Cru have not done since October 20th beating Olds 5-2 at the Sherwood Park Arena. It won’t be an easy task as the Cru are on the road Friday night in Whitecourt to battle the Wolverines.
Sherwood Park is coming off a big win this past Sunday at home against the Canmore Eagles, a 5-1 victory that saw a close contest between the two clubs up until the third period.
“[We] finally kicked when they were down.” Crusader Head Coach Tim Fragle said of his team that netted three goals in the third period in Sunday’s game.
A big key in Sunday’s victory was second year forward Bowen Croft who had two goals in the third for a 3 point afternoon. Croft will need to continue the offense in Friday’s game. Fragle agrees.
“[Bowen] has big potential. He just needs to be more consistent.”
The Crusaders and Wolverines have met once so far this season. It was a game to forget for the Cru, and 8-2 thrashing at home at the hands of the Wolverines. Big reason was the penalties in the October 12th game, Whitecourt went 5 for 11 while the Cru went 0 for 2 with the man advantage.
“Keys will be playing tough and discipline. Getting after their top guys and playing a solid road game.” Fragle said.
The Cru will go up against 2 of the top 3 scorers in the AJHL in Mathieu Guertin, who is number one in scoring, and Jerome Raymond, number 3 in the league. With no last change, it will be hard to get the ideal match up to shut Guertin and Raymond down.
“We will try and match up as best we can.” Fragle added.
Sherwood Park will begin the 2013 calendar year January 6th as they host the Fort McMurray Oil Barons at 2:15pm.