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Saints Sign 5 New Recruits for 2018-19 Season

Saints Sign 5 New Recruits for 2018-19 Season

The Spruce Grove Saints are pleased to announce they have signed five new recruits to Letters of Intent for the upcoming 2018-2019 season.

General Manager Rob Sklaruk announced the signing of Kris Bladen, Jaxsen Wyatt, Ryan Harker, Alex Marrocco, and Bruce MacGregor.

“It is a great day for the Saints organization. Getting this group of players and their families to commit to our program is a huge win. Our scouting staff has done an excellent job of identifying and recruiting the right type of players that we feel will be essential to the continued success of the Saints.” Exclaimed GM Rob Sklaruk. “We are excited to see what this group of recruits has in store for the Saints.”


Kris Bladen hails from Edmonton, Alberta where he is playing Midget AAA for the South Side Athletic Club. In 26 games this season, Bladen has compiled 4 goals, 17 assists and 21 penalty minutes. Kris has also chipped in an impressive 2 goals and 2 assists in his 2 affiliate appearances with the Saints this season. 


GM Rob Sklaruk gave his evaluation on the recent commit. “Kris is a smart, very competitive 2-way player that will give us versatility in the line up. He is a powerful skater, with high hockey IQ and great vision. He has shown this by having an immediate impact the Jr.A level in the 2 games he has played for our club this season.” 


Jaxsen Wyatt joins the Saints organization from the Northern Alberta Xtreme Midget Prep team of the CSSHL. A native of Sherwood Park Alberta, Jaxsen has scored 2 goals, 6 assists and 10 penalty minutes in 23 games this season. He’s also played 7 strong games in a Saints uniform this year while adding 2 assists to his stat line. 


Head Coach Bram Stephen likes what he has seen so far in Wyatt. “Jaxsen is a smooth skating defenseman with an immense amount of upside. He sees the game at a high level, comes highly regarded from previous coaches and already looks comfortable in the games he has played with our team this season. We have high expectations of him.”


Local talent Ryan Harker grew up playing locally in the Spruce Grove minor hockey system. Now currently playing for the St. Albert Raiders Midget AAA program, in 27 games this season, Harker has 1 goal and 11 assists followed by 10 penalty minutes. 


“Ryan is an honest hard-nosed defenseman that defends well, makes a solid first past and has great composure with the puck. He is driven to be a successful player in our league. We are excited to have a local product like Ryan on board.” Stated Sklaruk on the Spruce Grove minor hockey product.


Alex Marrocco, brother of former AJHL standout P.J Marrocco, looks to forge his own path within the league by joining the Saints organization. Marrocco, also from Edmonton, currently patrols the blue line for the Knights of Columbus Pats Midget AAA team. In 27 games this season, Marrocco has tallied 3 goals, 19 assists, and 36 penalty minutes.


“Alex is another agile defenseman, traits that we highly covet. He makes a really good first pass and is highly competitive. He excels on the powerplay with his ability to find seams and create offense. His leadership and commitment has helped revitalize the KC Pats Midget AAA program this year. He is a welcomed addition to the Saints future.” remarked coach Bram Stephen.


Bruce MacGregor, a forward from Sherwood Park, Alberta, is also a member of the Northern Alberta Xtreme Midget Prep team. Bruce comes from a strong local hockey family that has deep ties to both the professional and NCAA level. The natural centreman has posted 7 goals, 18 assists and 19 penalty minutes in 25 contests for the Xtreme this season.


“Bruce MacGregor plays the game the right way. He plays a methodical 200 ft. game and competes for the puck in all 3 zones. His attention to detail in his game is advanced for his age but also has some offensive flare. The Saints are thrilled that he has chosen our program over the others that were chasing him.”


The Saints organization would like to welcome the Bladen, Wyatt, Harker, Marrocco, and MacGregor families to our organization. We look forward to seeing you all at the rink.


For more information please contact
Chad Hohmann
chohmann@silentice.com
780-916-3446