SHERWOOD PARK, AB – The Sherwood Park Crusaders are proud to announce defenceman Brendan Kallis as the club’s captain for the 2017/2018 season. Kallis, 20, was acquired from the Steinbach Pistons of the MJHL earlier in the offseason for future considerations. A product of St. Albert, Kallis played last season with the Grande Prairie Storm, registering two goals and twenty assists.
“It's a great honour to be named captain of the Crusaders,” said Kallis in his first interview as captain. “We have an good group of guys this year, and I am excited to get the regular season started.”
“(Brendan) brings experience, leadership, and is just a fantastic person to lead our hockey team this season. We acquired him because he's a solid, steady d-man, but also brings those important qualities a Captain should,” said Crusaders head coach Adam Manah of the selection.
In addition to naming Kallis captain, the Crusaders named four alternates for the year. Joining Kallis in the leadership group for the 2017/2018 season are veteran forwards Ty Readman and Brandon Wallis, as well as recent Crusaders additions Dylan Stewart and Ryan McKinnon. Readman and Wallis, both 19, join as full time alternate captains for the season, while Stewart and McKinnon join as home and away alternates, respectively.
“I'm very proud and excited to be part of the leadership group this season,” said Readman of the honours. “I look forward to showing the younger players the right way to do things and lead by example. Our true leadership group is 23 strong, but it is an honour to be an assistant captain for the Cru.”
On the leadership group, Manah stated “We are very happy with the leadership group that will help lead our team this season. We are a young group so our veteran guys that have been in the league can help, and guide them in the right direction with how we practice, play, and conduct ourselves on a daily basis.”
Kallis and the new-look Crusaders begin the season tomorrow, September 15th as they take on the Drayton Valley Thunder in their regular season home opener.
Photo courtesy of Target Photography