The Sherwood Park Crusaders are looking to cap off month that can see a better finish than start. The Crusaders have rifled off four wins in a row after starting January 1-3 and are showing no signs of slowing down.
“In this league, you can’t just rely on one way or a couple of ways, you have to different ways to win.” Says Crusaders GM and Head Coach Tim Fragle.
The Crusaders were in a close battle this past Sunday as it was a one goal game between them and the Canmore Eagles heading into the 3rd Period. Sherwood Park was able to pull away much like they’ve done amidst this four game winning streak, winning 6-3.
The attention this weekend shifts to both of the AJHL’s Calgary teams as the Crusaders travel to the Max Bell Arena Saturday to take on the Canucks and the Father David Bauer Arena on Sunday afternoon to clash with the Mustangs.
Although both teams are the cellar dwellers in the Viterra South Division, Canucks in seventh and the Mustangs in 8th, these weekend games cannot be taken lightly.
“The Canucks have been playing some pretty good hockey of late, it will be a tough test for us.” Notes Fragle.
The Canucks upset the Crusaders last year with a 5-4 victory of Sherwood Park at the Max Bell Arena. Sherwood Park does lead the season series 1-0 after defeating the Canucks 4-0 on October 11th.
Sunday afternoon Sherwood Park travels cross-town to take on the Calgary Mustangs, a team that has seen its fair share of disappointments this season including a league record 29 straight losses.
Sherwood Park defeated the Mustangs 10-4 early on in the 2015-16 Regular Season on September 27th.
Heading into this weekend the Crusaders remain in fifth place in the Viterra North Division seven Points back of the Bonnyville Pontiacs for fourth spot with 67 Points.
Players to watch: For the Crusaders, Forward Devon McAndrews has been involved in the last two game winning goals for Sherwood Park, both Forwards Tyler Maltby and Ryan Kruper are on a four game point streak, Kruper has also scored in his last four games.
-Story By Taylor Medak