On December 1st all CJHL teams had to be down to 25 players on their roster. With room to work with, the Sherwood Park Crusaders added to their lineup.
General Manager Kyle Chase was busy as he completed a deal with the Drumheller Dragons by acquiring the CHA rights to '97 born Forward Jesse Zaharichuk in exchange for Future Considerations.
The 5'8, 154lbs Right Winger began his Junior career with Drumheller Dragons in 2013-14 and has appeared in three seasons in the Western Hockey League with Kamloops, Kootenay and most recently the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
The Sherwood Park product has amassed 73 Points in 125 Games in the WHL, 23 Goals and 50 Assists. In 13 Games with Lethbridge this season, Zaharichuk was a Point Per Game player with 17, eight Goals and nine Assists.
“Jesse is a high octane, skilled guy. He's a fantastic offensive threat and he is certainly going to round out our Forward group.” Says GM Kyle Chase on bringing in Zaharichuk.
Chase wasn't done on the day as he added to the Crusaders blue line by signing '97 Born Defenseman Cameron Reagan.
Reagan, also hailing from Sherwood Park has spent parts of the last four seasons in the Western Hockey League with Kamloops and Prince Albert.
In 117 WHL Games, the 6'1 212lbs Blueliner chipped in with 10 Points, all Assists and 29 PIM's.
“[Cameron] is a very good defender, he's got a heavy shot and bringing in a guy of his quality is going to be huge for our back end. Not only from a shutdown perspective but help our Power Play as well.” Noted Chase on adding Reagan.
The Crusaders feel that both players can make immediate impacts for the team, and hope that playing in their hometown will add fuel to their fire.
“Having guys like this is a huge coup for us, it's one thing to get guys coming back from the Western Hockey League, but getting two guys from Sherwood Park that are local, is absolutely huge for us. We're ecstatic to have both players, who should be in our lineup this weekend.” Says Chase.
Sherwood Park opens up December by wrapping up a six game home stand with games against Okotoks and Brooks Saturday and Sunday.
Chase feels the newest additions will go a long way with the rest of his team.
“We feel we've got a group that can push this year and give us a chance to maybe come out of the North and perhaps the league and we're more than happy having those two players come into our organization.”
-Crusaders Staff