We are on the hunt to find out who our fans think our best players have been from the past 20 years. Fans can select two goaltenders, six defensemen and 12 forwards from a pool of 50 players. Once the votes have been counted, the final roster will be announced.
Today, we are going to be taking a look at the goaltenders. There are eight nominees which we need to narrow down to two. Below you will find a bio for each goaltender and once you’ve decide who you want vote for click on the link below.
Next week, we’ll be voting for six defencemen and then the following week will be the forwards.
Vote Here: https://forms.gle/SQHu3ivD6GF9t7bi8
Matt Berlin
Matt Berlin played 41 games for the Sherwood Park Crusaders and helped backstop them to one of their best seasons in franchise history. After a brief three-game stint in 2017, Berlin returned to the Crusaders for the 2018-19 season. He finished with a 28-9-1 record along with a 2.57 GAA and a 0.917SV%. Berlin now plays with the University of Alberta Golden Bears in the CIS.
Chris Denman
Chris Denman put together the best statistical season by a Crusaders goaltender in 2003. Denman held a 1.90 GAA in 34 games, which is the franchise record, and had seven shutouts. That season, the Crusaders finished first in the North Division with a 43-13-8 record and made it to the North Division final. Following his junior career, Denman spent time with the University of Lethbridge.
Matt Esposito
Matt Esposito spent three seasons in Sherwood Park after joining them from the Chilliwack Bruins of the WHL. In his first season, Esposito played in 12 games posting a 2.03 GAA and a 0.930 SV%. He returned to the WHL for the 2008 season but then spent the remainder of his junior career with the Crusaders. In his final two years, the Edmonton native played 85 games and posted a 2.87 GAA and a 0.911SV%. His save percentage during the 2008 season, 0.916 SV% currently sits 8th all-time in the Crusaders record books.
Carter Gylander
Carter Gylander was the starter for the Crusaders most historic team. During his two seasons in Sherwood Park, Gylander held a 0.920 SV%, a 2.10 GAA and had six shutouts. He also finished with a 50-9-0 record. Last season, he was named the AJHL Top Goaltender, was a member of the All-League team and was a finalist for the CJHL Top Goaltender award. Gylander represented the AJHL over in Russia for the Junior Club World Challenge and also played for Team Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge. In 2019, Gylander heard his named called at the NHL Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings in the seventh round. He is currently playing with Colgate University in the NCAA.
Tommy Nixon
Tommy Nixon was a fan favourite in Sherwood Park. He was a star on and off the ice putting in great performances between the pipes and hosting shows on Crusaders TV. Nixon spent two seasons in Sherwood Park before heading to the NCAA to play for the College of Holy Cross Crusaders. He finished his junior career with 62 games played and a 33-18-4 record. Nixon?s best numbers came in 2015 when he posted a 2.23 GAA and a 0.923 SV%. The Sherwood Park native was named to the AJHL All-Rookie team in 2014 and then the following year was nominated to be part of the AJHL All-League team. He also represented Team Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge.
Shannon Szabados
Before becoming a two time Olympic gold medalist, Shannon Szabados played 79 games for the Sherwood Park Crusaders. Szabados played in the AJHL All-Star game and was named co-MVP of the 2004?05 game. After the season, she was named co-MVP of the Sherwood Park club as well. She went on to have a very successful career with the Canada Women’s hockey team, winning two Olympic gold medals, one Olympic silver medal, one World Championship gold medal, four World Championship silver medals, and one World Championship bronze medal. She most recently played for the Buffalo Beauts.
Patrick Terriss
Patrick Terriss was a member of the Sherwood Park Crusaders from 2009 to 2012. Over those three-seasons, Terriss played in 93 games and held a record of 50-31-6. He finished his Crusaders career with a 2.77 GAA, 0.916 SV% along with seven shutouts. In the 2010 season, Terriss finished with a 0.926 SV% which is the second best percentage in franchise history.
Matt Tomkins
Matt Tomkins played in 97 games for Sherwood Park including 20 playoff games – the most by a goaltender. In his rookie year, Tomkins was named to the All-Rookie team after playing 33 games and finishing with a 3.41 GAA and a 0.894 SV%. In his second and final year, he was fantastic for the Crusaders after holding a 2.56 GAA and a 0.924 SV% in 44 games. After the 2012 season, the Sherwood Park native was selected 199th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks. Tomkins went onto play for Ohio State University in NCAA for four seasons and now plays for the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL.