Tonight’s game against the Drayton Valley Thunder will mark a very special occasion for one Crusader. Five years ago, Crusaders assistant captain, Darcy Zaharichuk, began his junior hockey career and now tonight we celebrate his 200th career game. Darcy has had a successful career, so far, from making his WHL debut with the Prince Albert Raiders to returning home and becoming a captain of his hometown team. However, despite the accomplishments he’s had on the ice Zaharichuk told us what he believes has made his junior career successful are the moments off the ice. He expressed to us that meeting new friends and building up relationships with people was big for his hockey career.
It all began for number 39 at the same place he is at now. In the 2012-13 season, a teenage Zaharichuk made his AJHL debut for his hometown Sherwood Park Crusaders, only making three appearances that season but still came away with two points. The following season, Darcy moved over a province to play in the WHL for the Prince Albert Raiders. During his time with the Raiders, he racked up 21 points over two seasons and went on to play in one playoff series where they were unfortunately swept by the Edmonton Oil Kings.
It wasn’t long though until Darcy moved back home to rejoin the Sherwood Park Crusaders. After two years away from the organization, he came back with a bang putting up career numbers across the board. His goals were up, assists were up, it was clear that the centreman was glad to be back home. The 20-year old was a big factor in why the Crusaders had such a successful season that year, helping them make it to the north division semifinals before losing to the Spruce Grove Saints.
Now we are in Darcy’s final season of junior where he and his teammates are hoping to make a run for the cup. The team is well equipped with talent all over the ice and Darcy is a big believer in his teammates.
“None of us believe we have a ceiling”, Darcy also went on to say, “We have one of the best rosters in the league and I think it’s just up to us to execute”.
He made not be putting up the best numbers on the ice but you can see every night that he leaves it all out there. He clearly is a huge believer in his teammates after comments like that and if you want to win championships you need players like Darcy on your roster.
So finally, from all of us here at BTI and from the Sherwood Park Crusaders, congratulations Darcy on 200 games and splendid junior career.
