The Sherwood Park Crusaders are pleased to announce key additions to the future of the organization. At the Sherwood Park Arena today, six players made their commitment to the hockey club.
Three of the players carded do so with previous experience with the hockey club. Forwards Quinton McAndrews, Ryan Anderson and Koletrane Wilson combined for 18 Games Played in the Regular Season and six in the 2016 Gas Drive Cup Playoffs. Quinton is the younger brother of former Crusader Forward Devon McAndrews and played with Anderson on the South Side Athletic Club Midget AAA program of the AMHL. Wilson, was a second year member of the Knights of Columbus Pats of the AMHL and was a fourth round pick of the Lethbridge Hurricanes in the 2014 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft.
“When I was 15 I had a tough decision to make between Sherwood Park and Spruce Grove, like any kid from Edmonton has had to do. Former Head Coach Tim Fragle really encouraged me to come here and now with Adam as the Head Coach it’s still my number one choice.” Says Wilson.
The Edmonton, Alberta product appeared in nine Regular Season Games last season with the Cru.
The Crusaders also locked up another member from the South Side Athletic Club Midget AAA program. Defenseman Jacob Thomas commits to the Cru with two years of Midget AAA experience with 31 Points in 65 Games Played.
Sherwood Park also received commitments from two local players. Brandon Wallis and Brendan Stafford. Wallis was a key member of the Sherwood Park J.Ennis Kings Midget AAA program, scoring 13 Goals in 34 Games last season. While Stafford played for the Bantam AAA Sherwood Park Flyers in 2014-15, the 16 year old spent last season at Shattuck St. Mary’s in Minnesota, playing with the Midget AA team and putting up 38 Points in 51 Games.
“I’m super excited to be here at such a young age, it’s an excellent program and from past experiences I know of it’s been great for young players such as myself.” Said Stafford.
Brendan is the nephew of long time Edmonton Oilers trainer Barrie Stafford and hopes he can use his experience of playing away from home to help the Cru.
“I had an amazing time down there. It’s a real old school program that teaches you how to work hard and it’s helped me a lot to get me to here, I was really fortunate.” Notes Stafford.
The Edmonton, Alberta born is a 200 foot player that will look to contribute both defensively and offensively.
The Crusaders would like to congratulate these players and their families.
Below is the list of players carded by the hockey club (NAME – POSITION – BIRTH YEAR – LAST YEARS TEAM and LEAGUE).
Koletrane Wilson – Defense – 99 – Knights of Columbus Pats (AMHL/Midget AAA)
Ryan Anderson – Forward – 99 – South Side Athletic Club (AMHL/Midget AAA)
Quinton McAndrews – Forward – 98 – South Side Athletic Club (AMHL/Midget AAA)
Jacob Thomas – Defense – 98 – South Side Athletic Club (AMHL/Midget AAA)
Brandon Wallis – Defense – 98 – Sherwood Park J.Ennis Kings (AMHL/Midget AAA)
Brendan Stafford – Forward – 00 – Shattuck St. Mary's (Midget AA)
Picture courtesy of Lawrence from Target Photography