The Sherwood Park Crusaders came from behind twice to defeat the Calgary 5-4 in what proved to be an entertaining game at Ken Braco Arena.
The Canucks have struggled to find the net for most of the season, but they opened the scoring 32 seconds in thanks to Matthew Brunton. The home side doubled the lead with under seven minutes played after Max Mazur fired past Jordan Frey.
The Cru needed a spark, and it came through Will Zapernick (University of Alabama-Huntsville), who deflected Carter Savoie?s (University of Denver) shot into the net. Zapernick then provided for Savoie to tie the game at 2-2.
Arjun Atwal completed a comeback to give the Crusaders a 3-2 lead in the second period, but Calgary would not go quietly. Dylan Clark tied the game up, and Carter Gylander (Colgate University) took to the ice. Matthew Brunton?s second goal of the game regained the Canucks? lead.
Missed chances seemed to be costing the Cru, but they managed to put the puck away in the third. Savoie wrapped around Jay Thomson, and Tanner Fincaryk scored the game-winner with six minutes to go.
Savoie ended the night with two goals and two assists, taking his goal total for the season to 44.
The Crusaders now prepare for back-to-back road games with the Grande Prairie Storm, on January 31st and February 1st. The two teams meet in Sherwood Park February 8th.