2024/2025, Game Recaps, News

Crusaders get Back in the Win Column With a Pair of Wins at Home

by asergerie

The Sherwood Park Crusaders had a successful weekend, picking up back-to-back wins in their BCHL matchups against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks and Trail Smoke Eaters. Depth scoring and strong goaltending played pivotal roles, with key contributions from players like Matthew Croxall, Tristen Buckley, and James Venne. The Crusaders, now riding a wave of momentum, are gearing up for their next challenge as they prepare for a home-and-home series against the Spruce Grove Saints.

Game 3 vs. Salmon Arm Silverbacks

The Crusaders found some depth scoring on Friday night against the Silverbacks, with the third-line trio of Matthew Croxall, Tristen Buckley, and Hudson Landmark combining for six points in a 4-1 win. Croxall got the scoring started, putting home Buckley’s rebound after he drove to the net courageously with speed. Only 15 seconds later, the Crusaders scored again from a Chris Battani snapshot. Salmon Arm answered back in the second, but a couple of goals from Buckley and another from Croxall secured the Crusaders two points.

Game 4 vs. Trail Smoke Eaters

James Venne played a significant role in the Crusaders’ 6-3 win over the Trail Smoke Eaters on Saturday night. The Saskatoon native was named the first star of the game after stopping 33 of the 36 shots he faced, including two penalty shots within minutes of each other. The Crusaders’ forwards gave him run support too, with Jeremy Loranger adding a pair, his first coming 26 seconds into the contest. Christian Chouha scored two goals, including a superb solo effort on the power play. Nicolas Beaudoin and Cooper Sharp each found the net, helping the Crusaders secure their second win of the weekend.

Notes:

  • Matthew Croxall and Tristen Buckley each scored their first BCHL goals against the Silverbacks on Friday night.

  • Cooper Sharp opened his goalscoring account on Saturday night with the third Crusaders goal against the Trail Smoke Eaters.
  • Stevie Grumley made his BCHL debut on Friday night against the Silverbacks. He also picked up his first point with an assist on Croxall’s opening goal.
  • After scoring a pair of goals and an assist over the weekend, Jeremy Loranger is now fourth in league scoring.

  • Kale Dach is first in the BCHL in assists with six.

Coming Up:

The Crusaders have a home-and-home series against the Spruce Grove Saints next weekend. The Friday night matchup takes place at the Randy Rosen Rink, which is the Crusaders’ annual Pink the Rink night to help raise money for breast cancer research. Sherwood Park then travels across the city to Spruce Grove for a Saturday night matchup against the Saints. Tickets for Friday night’s game in Sherwood Park can be purchased at tickets.sherwoodparkcrusaders.ca.