While the weekend didn’t start the way the Crusaders would have liked, they were able to get back on track and finish off on a high note.
Friday’s contest against Brooks was a game to forget. Dario Beljo opened the scoring just 2:49 into the first, and Aiden Fink added another just 57 seconds later to extend the lead. Gus Bylin made the start, stopping 29 shots sent his way, but the Bandits proved to be too much and Brooks walked away with a 6-0 victory.
Drumheller awaited the Cru on Saturday, and this was a much more favorable outcome. Ashton McNelly got Sherwood Park out to an early lead, but Myles Hilman tied the game on a power play breakaway just 50 seconds into the middle frame. Halfway through the second, Cale Ashcroft regained the lead with a power play marker of their own, and Bruce MacGregor a couple minutes later gave the Crusaders a two goal lead. Bode Hagan tapped in a rolling puck for an empty net marker, and Sherwood Park went home with a 4-1 victory, sweeping the season series against the Dragons. Marek Pocherewny made the start, making 32 of 33 saves in the backup effort.
Sherwood Park now heads to Lloydminster on Wednesday, December 15 to close out the 3 game road trip, and host the Fort McMurray Oil Barons on the 17th for their last home game before the Christmas break.