SHERWOOD PARK, AB: The Sherwood Park Crusaders are proud to announce the acquisitions of forward Ryder Matter (’04) and defenceman Jett McCullum (’04) from the Fort McMurray Oil Barons.
“I am super excited to come to the Crusaders organization and joining the group of guys they have,” said Matter on the move to Sherwood Park. “[I’m] looking forward to meeting all of them and getting to work right away to reach our end goal of bringing a championship to Sherwood Park.”
“My time in Fort McMurray was fantastic and I am very grateful for that experience!” echoed McCullum. “I am now excited to join the Crusaders and Sherwood Park community. I have a strong appreciation for the Crusaders’ style of play and believe that I will fit in perfectly! In addition to meeting the players and staff, I am eager to compete for a Crusaders title.”
Matter, a native of Beaumont, Alberta, has played the last two-and-a-half seasons with the Oil Barons. In 117 games with the MOB, the 6’1 forward has collected a total of 69 points (29 goals, 40 assists). Additionally, Matter was on the board for 10 points (8 goals, 2 assists) through 18 playoff games with Fort McMurray. Matter is committed to Michigan Tech (NCAA, Div. 1).
“Ryder solidifies our centre position and will raise our standard of willingness and details,” stated Crusaders head coach Evan McFeeters. “I witnessed Ryder’s passion and ability up close at the World Junior A Challenge and we are fortunate to be adding another everyday contributor to the core group.”
McCullum, originally from Moncton, New Brunswick, spent his only season with Fort McMurray in the 2022/2023 campaign. In his sole season with the MOB, the left-shot defender potted a total of 19 points (6 goals, 13 assists) in 43 games, with an additional 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists) in Fort McMurray’s seven playoff games. Prior to joining the MOB, McCullum was a part of the Aurora Tigers of the OJHL, scoring 3 goals and 17 assists in his 45 games with the organization.
“Jett is mobile and proved in our playoff round against Fort McMurray that he is willing to engage in the tough areas of the ice,” McFeeters commented. “He is a veteran defender who transitions plays up ice quickly.”
Going the other way in the trade are forwards Evan (’03) and Ryan Arnold (’05), as well as defenceman Cody Nordstrom (’05).
“I would personally like to thank Evan, Ryan, and Cody for their sacrifice and commitment over the past year,” commented McFeeters on the departing players. “Each of these players made positive contributions to our team and in our community.”
“We had to make challenging decisions with a trade this substantial. The opportunity to add Ryder Matter and Jett McCullum to our group is exciting as they each will add different elements we believe will help evolve our team.”
The Crusaders would like to welcome Ryder, Jett, and their respective families to the organization.
For more information, please contact Crusaders marketing & media director Spencer Love (spencerlove@sherwoodparkcrusaders.com).