SHERWOOD PARK, AB – The Sherwood Park Crusaders responded emphatically after Wednesday’s 7-4 loss to Bonnyville with a 7-2 Win over the Grande Prairie Sunday afternoon at the Sherwood Park Arena.
The Crusaders played almost a perfect Period in the first 20 minutes, scoring three Goals courtesy of Ty Readman, Matthew Dykstra and Jesse Zaharichuk, who all played on a line together in Sunday’s victory combining for eight Points.
The Storm who came into the game with a depleted lineup due to suspensions didn’t fold after the first as they were able to get on the board early in the second Period off a Short Handed marker from Alec Grollman to get within two.
Sherwood Park would regain their three Goal lead on their second Power Play Goal of the day 10 seconds after Grollman’s tally thanks to Brandon Wallis.
Grande Prairie would get within two once more after leading scorer Michael Clarke buried his 24th of the season from high in the slot.
The Crusaders would have their leading scorer take over near the 15 minute mark of the second Period, as Tyler Maltby potted two Goals within 14 seconds. The two Goals were Maltby’s league leading 31st and 32nd of the year.
The Storm wouldn’t go away in terms of generating opportunities, as they threw 36 pucks on Goaltender Zac Klassen, including 28 shots in the second and third Periods.
Four players picked up multiple Points in the 7-2 victory, including Tanner Younghans who score the Crusaders seventh Goal.
Ty Readman and Jacob Thomas extended Point Streaks, Thomas with his fourth Assists in the last four Games while Readman picked up four Points giving him 11 in his last six Games for the Crusaders.
The Crusaders were 2/6 on the Power Play and mustered 45 shots on Storm netminder Arik Weersink.
Sherwood Park will have five days to prepare for the biggest road trip of the season as they will head to Fort McMurray and take on the Oil Barons for two Games next weekend starting on Friday.
Sherwood Park will head into next week’s matchup against the MOB with a record of 26-17-1 and 53 Points sitting in fifth place in the Viterra North Division.
-Story By Taylor Medak