Fort McMurray, AB: Arjun Atwal and Carter Savoie had three points each as the Sherwood Park Crusaders defeated the Fort McMurray Oil Barons in a 5-4 shootout victory.
The Cru?s top line continues to lead the way in scoring, and they did so in Fort McMurray. Arjun Atwal scored after 85 seconds to open the scoring, with Will Zapernick (University of Alabama – Huntsville) and Michael Benning (University of Denver) assisting. Hunter Lamb equalized halfway through the first period after he rounded Carter Gylander (Colgate University).
The Cru then used the power play to regain the lead. Carter Savoie (University of Denver) slotted under Evan Fradette?s legs to silence the Casman Centre.
Rookie Michael Hodge tied the game in the second period, and former Crusader Brendan Stafford got the helper. The Crusaders responded with two goals; Michael Benning fired home from long range, and Zapernick scored to give Sherwood Park a 4-2 lead.
The lead was not safe, though, and Fort McMurray cut the lead by one soon after thanks to rookie Kabore Dunn. Sherwood Park native Konrad Belcourt tied the score in the third period to send the game to overtime.
Overtime produced no goals, so both teams headed to a shootout. Arjun Atwal and Will Zapernick converted to give the Cru a 3-2 win the shootout and a 5-4 victory.
The Crusaders are back in the Park on Monday to face the Lloydminster Bobcats. Puck drops at 2:15 P.M.