Sherwood Park, AB: The Sherwood Park Crusaders head up North to face the Fort McMurray Oil Barons Friday night at the Casman Arena. The Cru hopes to shrug off a defeat to Lloydminster and get back to winning ways.
The venue will be familiar territory for some Cru players. Defenseman Ty Ettinger started this season as a member of the Oil Barons before he signed for the Crusaders in January. Forward Jarred White (University of Alabama – Huntsville) spent three years in Fort McMurray, scoring 25 goals and grabbing 33 assists.
The Oil Barons will play on home ice for the first time in three games, and they will hope to stop a heavy three-game losing run. The team has lost to Calgary, Brooks and Olds on the road, but they beat the latter on home ice earlier this month in a 6-3 win.
Fort McMurray?s top line has been leading the way. Forward Michael Hodge is having a strong rookie season and leads the team with 51 points (27G, 24A). Hunter Lamb leads the team in assists (32), and former Crusader Brendan Stafford has 37 points in 55 games.
Fans who wish to watch the game can do so at Average Joe?s on Baseline Road. Puck drop is at 7:30 P.M.