The Sherwood Park Crusaders showcased their determination and ability to overcome adversity this weekend, securing back-to-back wins in thrilling fashion. After a gritty comeback victory on the road against the Blackfalds Bulldogs, the Crusaders returned home to outlast the Penticton Vees in a high-scoring showdown. Here’s a look at how the action unfolded in Games 10 and 11.
Game 10 @ Blackfalds Bulldogs
The Sherwood Park Crusaders had to battle from behind to earn two points against the Blackfalds Bulldogs on Friday night. They did hold the first lead of the game when Robin Benoit made it 1-0 in the opening frame. However, three unanswered Bulldogs goals gave the home team a 3-1 lead. Matthew Frost responded for the Crusaders just before the intermission with his second of the year. In the third period, despite being outshot 16-13, the Crusaders got goals from Cooper Sharp and Kale Dach, giving them a 4-3 victory.
Game 11 vs. Penticton Vees
The team returned home on Saturday night, ending their five-game road trip. Waiting for them were the Penticton Vees. Similar to when they met earlier in the season, Nico Beaudoin opened the scoring less than two minutes into the game. This time, the Crusaders added to their lead sooner, with Christian Choudu making it 2-0. The Vees got one back in the second, but Sherwood Park responded, adding two more to their total after Malachi McKinnon and Jordan Gudridge each scored their first of the season. Penticton tied the game with three minutes left in the third period. However, the scoring wasn’t over—Cooper Sharp secured the two points for Sherwood Park, regaining the lead less than 30 seconds later. Poul Anderson scored on the empty net to make it a 6-4 final.
Notes:
After signing earlier in the week, Malachi McKinnon picked up a goal and an assist in his first two games with the team.
Jeremy Loranger leads the BCHL with 21 points and has a point in all 11 games.
Kale Dach’s point streak ended at 10 after going pointless in Saturday’s win over the Vees. He has 17 points in 11 games.
Goaltender Logan Kennedy picked up an assist on Robin Benoit’s goal against the Blackfalds Bulldogs for his first junior hockey point.
James Venne made 50 saves against the Vees on Saturday.
Coming Up:
The Crusaders are back in action next weekend with a home clash against the West Kelowna Warriors. Then, they’ll head south for a Sunday afternoon contest versus the Brooks Bandits. You can purchase tickets now at tickets.sherwoodparkcrusaders.ca.