The Sherwood park Crusaders look to build off their first half of a 4 game road trip as they head into Friday’s action against the arch rival Bonnyville Pontiacs. The Cru picked up 3 out 4 possible points last weekend in a 2 game set up north in Fort McMurray. It was the Cru’s first victory in the last 6 games, however Sherwood Park is now undefeated in regulation in their last 3 games. The latter, is how Tim Fragle’s squad is looking at things.
“We are trying to take the glass half full approach, 3 points on the road [was] a success and we are headed in the right direction with our offensive game and as well on the PP.” Fragle said.
The Cru went 66% on the man advantage in last Saturday’s 5-4 shootout loss, while scoring 9 goals over the weekend games prior to scoring 11 goals in the previous 7 games before taking on the MOB.
Fragle noted that Ben Carroll and Josh Healey were big parts in the Crusaders games over the weekend, while new comer Ryan Luiten had 3 assists against Fort McMurray.
Looking ahead to this weekend’s action, the Cru meet the Pontiacs for the second time this season, the first game was a 4-3 loss at home to Bonnyville, while Drayton Valley have clashed with the Cru 3 times so far with Sherwood Park leading the season series 2-1.
Both games this weekend will be a physical test, in the 2 games, Fragle expects big things from the likes of Eric Liknes and Defenseman Mike Berry.
The Cru will look for big outings from goaltender Matt Tomkins, who, since returning from a lower body injury has gone 2-2-3.
The Crusaders return home Wednesday, December 5th against the Fort McMurray Oil Barons.