Wednesday’s game against the Bonnyville Pontiacs will mark the half way point of the season for the Sherwood Park Crusaders in 2013-14. A season that has already seen many highs and many lows, this past weekend down south was a low for the Cru.
“We were playing catch up hockey.” Said Crusader GM and Head Coach Tim Fragle.
That catch up hockey was a result of bad starts in 3 games over the weekend.
The Crusaders dropped a 7-2 descision against the Brooks Bandits last Friday to kick off the 3 game road trip.
“I thought we were good for 40 mins. We fell apart in the 3rd period giving up 4 goals.” Fragle said.
The goals against didn’t fair much better the next night in Drumheller against the Dragons.
“We were down 2 to 0 early and tried to play catch up.” Fragle added about the 6-3 loss.
Sunday’s game against the Calgary Canucks seemed like a game the Crusaders would’ve been able tonight. But as we know, there are no easy games in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
“We went down 3-0 8 mins in and again could make up the difference.” Fragle said about his team’s 3rd straight loss, losing 4-2 to the Canucks.
In all 3 games the Crusaders allowed 2 goals within no longer than a minute and forty one seconds.
“We are a fragile team and need to learn how to deal with adversity better.” Fragle on his team allowing close back to back goals and recovering from them.
The Crusaders will look to avoid getting behind the 8 ball when they take on the Bonnyville Pontiacs for the 2nd time this season. A 3-2 win back in September. Fragle expects a close game between the 2 rivals.
“They are a hard working team that never quits, thats their culture.” Says Fragle of his Wednesday opponent.
The Crusaders will also have to deal with a fast team that likes to activate their Defensemen off the rush.
“The key will be playing smart, Forwards need to be smart on the back check and be prepared to block shots in the Defensive Zone.” Fragle said.
Sherwood Park enters Wednesday's game 2 points back in the standings from Bonnyville, a regulation win would put the Cru in sole possession of 6th spot in the North Division.
For tickets to Wednesday’s game please contact the Sherwood Park Crusaders Box Office at 780-417-1175 or purchase your tickets at the Sherwood Park Arena in time for the 7pm puck drop.