The Sherwood Park Crusaders have acquired 1998-born forward Ryan Cox from the Fort McMurray Oil Barons in exchange for 1998-born forward Merritt Oszytko.
Cox, 19, is now in his third season of AJHL competition and has played in 111 games scoring 80 points (35G, 45A). Last season he hit a career high in the three major offensive categories producing 50 points (21G, 29A) in 52 games for the Oil Barons.
“We felt like it was a good opportunity for us to get a player similar to Ryan Kruper, who we had a few years ago. He (Cox) players well at both ends of the ice and adds more grit and heaviness to our lineup,” said General Manager Kyle Chase. “To get a good player you have to give up a good player. Merritt (Oszytko) was great teammate and player; we’d like to thank him for his services”.
This season, the St Albert product has produced 15 points (9G, 6A) in 17 games and is currently on pace to have a career year. Prior to playing in the AJHL, Cox played in the AMHL for the Midget-AAA St Albert Raiders were he played alongside now teammates Kole Bryks, Brendan Kallis and Josh Dechaine.
The Crusaders have also traded 1997-born forward Ryan McKinnon to the Camrose Kodiaks in exchange for future considerations.
“We’d like to thank Ryan (McKinnon) for all he did for this team. He was a great leader for us and set a good example for our younger guys,” said General Manager Kyle Chase. “Right now, we want to get younger and by moving Ryan it opens up more ice time for our younger players”.
The organization would like to thank both Merritt and Ryan for their time spent in Sherwood Park and wish them all the best in the future.
Sherwood Park will be back in action this Friday against the Fort McMurray Oil Barons at 7 PM. Beat the box office and secure your tickets online by clicking here.
Story by Liam Horrobin