The Sherwood Park Crusaders had a weekend of highs and lows, starting strong but ultimately facing two tough losses against the West Kelowna Warriors and the Brooks Bandits. Despite the setbacks, the team continues to build on individual successes, with players like Stevie Grumley and James Venne making significant strides.
Game 12 vs. West Kelowna Warriors
Sherwood Park got off to a strong start Friday night after last weekend’s big win against the Penticton Vees. The Crusaders held a 3-1 lead heading into the first intermission with goals from Stevie Grumley, Cooper Sharp and Christian Choudu. However, the Crusaders struggled in the next 40 minutes, allowing five unanswered goals to the West Kelowna Warriors, ending the game with a 6-3 loss.
Game 13 at Brooks Bandits
The Crusaders faced off against the Brooks Bandits on Sunday afternoon in southern Alberta. The Bandits took an early 3-0 lead, but Sherwood Park fought back. Poul Andersen scored late in the second period, his eighth goal of the season, bringing the game to 3-1 after 40 minutes. In the third period, Jeremy Loranger and Kale Dach each scored to tie it at 3-3. However, with just 44 seconds left, the Bandits scored the winning goal, taking a 4-3 victory in regulation.
Notes:
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Stevie Grumley scored his first BCHL goal on Friday night against the Warriors. He now has six points this season and is on a three-game point streak.
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Despite two losses over the weekend, the Crusaders remain third in the Interior East Division, two points behind the Cranbrook Bucks and five points ahead of the Spruce Grove Saints.
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James Venne has committed to Northern Michigan University, becoming the 21st member of the Crusaders’ 2024-25 roster to commit to an NCAA program.
Coming Up:
The Crusaders are on the road next weekend for two games, facing the Cranbrook Bucks on Friday night and the Okotoks Oilers on Saturday. They return to Sherwood Park on Nov. 13 to take on the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
Written by Liam Horrobin