Sherwood Park, AB: The Sherwood Park Crusaders hit the road on Saturday night for their first visit tot he Centennial Civic Centre Arena in Lloydminster. They were heading into the contest on the back of a 7-5 victory over the Bobcats the night before.
Well, the Crusaders couldn’t have got off to a better start. It took them 11 seconds to gain the lead after Jarred White (‘99) capitalized on a Bobcats turnover. White then found Kaden Bryant (‘01) who made no mistake scoring his first career goal. Bryant then pounced on another opportunity midway through the first doubling his goal tally on the night making it 2-0 Crusaders. Kevin Minnoch picked up the secondary assist on that goal, collecting his first career AJHL point.
Sherwood Park found their offence early, again, in the second period. Jacob Franczak (‘00) sprung White onto a clear breakaway with a fantastic tape to tape pass from the faceoff dot in his own end. White then made it 3-0 Crusaders with his second goal of the season.
In the third period, three quick goals in 59 seconds sealed the victory for the Sherwood Park. Ty Mueller (‘03) got the scoring start with an excellent solo effort sending the goaltenders waterbottle flying for his first in Sherwood Park. Franczak got in on the action shortly after completing a three point night for the third year forward. Finally, Bryce Bader (‘01) made it 6-0 at the 4:27 minute of the third period with his first of the season.
Jordan Frey did his job between the pipes making 15 saves for his first career shutout.
Next up, the Crusaders are on the road, again, on Tuesday night in Drayton Valley. Fans can watch that game live at Average Joe’s Sports Bar in Sherwood Park at 7:30 p.m. They return home on Friday and Saturday for games against the Whitecourt Wolverines and Fort McMurray Oil Barons. The puck drops at 7:00 p.m. for both games and tickets are available here.