SHERWOOD PARK, AB – The Crusaders were active at the AJHL Trade Deadline, acquiring forward Tyson Gruninger from the Spruce Grove Saints and goaltender Josh Brindza from the Olds Grizzly's in separate deals. As part of the deals, the Crusaders will send future considerations to Spruce Grove, with Tyler Pang and additional futures heading to Olds.
Gruninger, a '98 forward, comes to Sherwood Park after splitting this season with the Saints and the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL. In 16 games with the Saints this season, Gruninger scored 9-3-12. In addition to his time in Spruce Grove, the 6'0 Gruninger spent three seasons with the Oil Kings, scoring 21 points in 119 games for the WHL squad.
“(Tyson) is a player we've liked for a while, and will fit in well with our forward group” said Crusaders GM Kyle Chase. “He's a '98 forward, so we'll have him for next season as well. He's a player we're excited to have.”
Brindza joins the Crusaders in the midst of his first season in the AJHL. In 14 games this season, Brindza holds a 3-5 record, including a 4.58 GAA and an .874 save percentage. An Edmonton product, Brindza played last season for the Maple Leafs AAA Athletic Club, registering a 3.60 GAA and .907 save percentage.
“Josh is someone who has experience goaltending in the league, and that's something we were looking for with (Crusaders goaltender) Josh Dechaine being recalled by the Oil Kings for the rest of the season,” continued Chase. We've had him in our camps before, so he's a player we have some familiary with.”
Both Crusaders are expected to be in the lineup this weekend, as the Crusaders take on the Calgary Mustangs and Canmore Eagles in back-to-back games. Tickets can be purchased at tickets.sherwoodparkcrusaders.ca or at the box office one hour prior to game-time.
– Story by Spencer Love