SHERWOOD PARK, AB – The Sherwood Park Crusaders are pleased to announce the acquisition of '00 defenseman Jayden Platz, as well as the return of '00 forward Garrett Clegg to the lineup.
Platz, 6'4, last spent time in the WHL with the Edmonton Oil Kings. In his 65 games with the organization over the past three seasons, Platz scored 1-2-3 while excelling in a shutdown role for the squad. Prior to his sting in the WHL, Platz spent time with the Northern Alberta X-Treme and the Northern Alberta Elite 15's.
“(Platz) is really difficult to play against,” said Crusaders general manager Kyle Chase. “He's got a great stick, and he's solid on the PK. He's a guy who can eat a lot of minutes, and that's something we were looking for after trading (former Crusaders defenseman ) Aiden Yakimchuk to Drumheller. We're really happy to add a guy like Jayden to our lineup and we'd like to welcome him to our program”.
Clegg, 18, returns to the organization after a stint with Omaha of the USHL. Clegg suited up for the Crusaders last year for his inaugural season in the AJHL. The 5'11 winger was exceptional in his first season with the organization, scoring 19-13-32 and being named to the AJHL All-Rookie Team. A product of the St. Albert Raiders AAA program, Clegg marks a valuable addition to an already-deep forward corps for the team.
“Clegg's a big part of our hockey team; with 19 goals as a 17-year-old last season, he's a huge addition to the team and we're thrilled to have him back”.
Both Platz and Clegg are expected to be in the lineup on Sunday, September 23 as the Crusaders take on the Olds Grizzlys.