It's official: the Sherwood Park Crusaders are back on top.
Following Saturday's victory over the Grande Prairie Storm, the Sherwood Park Crusaders have set a new franchise record for wins in a season with 44. The total eclipses the previously-set record of 43.
“The players deserve the accolades and credit for how hard they have worked and the time they have put in to get better throughout the season,” said Crusaders head coach Adam Manah of the record-breaking group. “Every player in our room believes in each other and we have terrific young men with a lot of character. We know this is a small step in our journey but it’s one to be proud of.”
Only two Crusaders teams had previously reached the 43-win mark, with the 2002/2003 squad the most recent to reach the milestone.
The 1986/1987 Crusaders are the only other team in the organization's history to reach the mark. In addition to the all-time wins record, for the first time since the 2002/2003 season, the Crusaders have clinched first place in the AJHL's Viterra North Division, earning a bye into the second round of the postseason.
“It’s a tremendous achievement for our group to finish in top spot in the (Viterra North Division),” continued Manah. “It’s been a long time coming for our organization, and the strides we’ve been able to make in the past three seasons shows we are on the right track with what we are doing. Now we look forward to the big challenge ahead heading into the playoffs.”
Crusaders Playoff Packs and single-game tickets are now available online, with the Crusaders first playoff action of the 2019 postseason taking place on March 15th and 16th at the Sherwood Park Arena.