FINAL SCORE: Crusaders 8 Whitecourt Wolverines 5

The Crusaders continued their three-game win streak with a solid performance against the top team in their division, the Whitecourt Wolverines. The boys really came out to play, getting off to a comfortable lead in the first which they never gave up. Despite a few soft goals given up, the Crusaders still found a way to keep the score in their favor.  Along with a thrilling offensive game, both teams really threw around their bodies tonight, a couple of big physical hits from Wilson and McLeod.

Other teams should take notice of what the Cru did here tonight.

Az̧ Z̧āhirīyah THE UP

• Crusaders racked up four goals in the first which lead to Whitecourt switching goaltenders with just over nine minutes left.
• The Cru dominated the shot count at the end of the first with 14 shots as compared to two from Whitecourt.
• On the first period powerplay, the team generated plenty of scoring chances. The Wolverines goalie made some great saves to keep them out.
• The captain showed great hustle to get back and break up a two on one on the powerplay.
• Maltby assisted Readman on the powerplay, he showed great patience by holding onto the puck and dragging a couple of the defensemen along with him leaving Readman wide open.
• After the Wolverines third goal, Crusaders forward Tanner Younghans immediately responded with his 12th goal of the season. They also did this again after conceding a fourth goal, scored by Ty Readman.
• On a penalty kill during the third, the line of Younghans, Zaharichuk, McLeod and Wilson didn’t allow anything on goal, blocking everything that was put in front of them.
• After Morrissey left the game, Klassen stepped in and shut the door despite the pressure from Whitecourt.
• Once again, Ashton Casault played his role excellently for the Cru, as he got under the skin of his opponents on many occasions.

THE DOWN

• Despite being up by four after the first, the Crusaders allowed the Wolverines to come out the gate strong. This was Whitecourt’s only highlight of the first.
• Morrissey gave up a couple of juicy rebounds, he was fortunate not to be scored on.
• Two turnovers on the opponents blue line gave the Wolverines two clear cut goal scoring opportunities that led to them getting a couple of easy goals.
• Despite being on the powerplay, the Crusaders gave up way too many chances.
• Too many goals were allowed the get past Morrissey even though the team only allowed 21 shots on net.

THE TURNING POINT

The turning point for  today’s game has to be the first goal scored by Alex Rotundo. The Crusaders didn’t look back after that and went on to score three more goals in the period. This was the strongest period of hockey I have seen from the Crusaders this far into the season.

UP NEXT

Next game for the Cru is tomorrow afternoon against the Drayton Valley Thunder. The Thunder have had a rough season so far with their record sitting at 3-12-4. The last time these two teams met the Crusaders came out 4-1 winners. Puck drops at 2:15 at the Sherwood Park Arena.