Having been unbeaten in regulation in 3 games, the Sherwood Park Crusaders are heading into Wednesday nights contest with a little momentum on their side. The Cru will need it as they will be heading to Bonnyville to take on the Pontiacs at the RJ Lalonde Arena.
Sherwood Park is coming off a 7-5 victory over the Canmore Eagles, a game where Nicholas Jones scored 6 points including a Hat Trick and the game winning goal.
Jones is tied with 2 others at the top of the AJHL’s Points Leader Board with. 45 points and was recently named the AJHL’s Player Of The Week.
“He’s clearly been good but I know he is focused being more consistent.” Said Crusader GM and Head Coach Tim Fragle.
Fragle recently juggled up the top 2 lines, for a better part of the season, Jones had been playing with Andrew Taverner and Sean MacTavish. Now Jones and MacTavish find themselves playing along side Bowen Croft, while Caleb Belter and Arthur Gordon are on the wing with Taverner.
In Saturday’s game against the Eagles, the line of Jones, Croft and MacTavish combined for 13 points.
“We made the move to somewhat spread out the scoring as this past week one line contributed Friday and the other on Saturday. With that said we would like to get both lines going with consistency.” Fragle said.
Had Jones not have the recent success, MacTavish may have been named Player Of The Week. The 2nd year Crusader had 6 points in 3 games last week, including 2 multi goal games.
“Sean has played well of late and has capitalized on his offensive chances.” Fragle noted about MacTavish.
The Cru will hope both MacTavish and Jones can continue their offensive prowess into Wednesday’s game against the Pontiacs.
The two teams met a week and a half ago in Sherwood Park with the Pontiacs edging out a 1-0 win.
“Bonnyville is strong on home ice, we need to be prepared for another tight game.” Fragle said of Wednesday’s game.
Sherwood Park played well enough to win that last loss to Bonnyville but were unable to beat Pontiacs Goaltender Stephen Klein.
“The start will be key for us, but also discipline and execution on our opportunities.” Added Fragle on facing the Pontiacs.
Heading into Wednesday night’s game, the Crusaders are only 2 points up on the Pontiacs for 5th spot in the AJHL’s North Division. A win for Sherwood Park would widen the gap between them and not only the Pontiacs, but the Grande Prairie Storm as well. The Cru trail Whitecourt by 4 points for 4th in the North, the Wolverines have 38 points.
Sherwood Park will look to get things rolling on the road, as the have only 2 wins away from the Sherwood Park Arena in their last 11 road games. Sherwood Park returns home Friday night to face the Fort McMurray Oil Barons.