It was only fitting that the Sherwood Park Crusaders opened up the 2013-14 home schedule in dramatic fashion.
With a 2 goal lead heading into the 3rd period, things looked promising for the Cru to get their first win of the season. The Whitecourt Wolverines, however, never gave up.
After tieing the game at 3 at 12:16, the Crusaders would have to kick into high gear to pull out a victory. Arthur Gordon and Whitecourt's Ryan Berlin traded goals 17 seconds apart with less than 5 minutes to go, it looked as if overtime loomed.
Andrew Taverner, would put the Cru up for good and not needing overtime with his Hat-Trick goal at 18:19 in the final frame.
Goaltender Tommy Nixon picked up his first AJHL victory making 24 save in the process.
The Crusaders return to action Wednesday night as they welcome the Grand Prairie Storm to the Sherwood Park Arena. The contest marks the first time Grand Prairie has played in the Park since they were eliminated in 4 games by the Cru in last year's opening round of the playoffs.
For tickets please call the Crusaders office at 780-417-1175.