Saints V Crusaders November 21, 2021
By Terry Martin
The Saints came into this afternoon’s tilt against the Crusaders winners of 14 in a row and looking to continue their winning ways. Spruce Grove started their 3-game road trip in Sherwood Park today, having already beat them 4 times this season. Sherwood Park is winless in their last two games and sits 7th in the North with 19 points. Evan Sundar was called up from the St. Albert Raiders AAA program for his AJHL debut with the Saints in this afternoon’s game. The 16 year old forward has compiled 15pts through 14gp this season in the AEHL.
Luigi Benincasa would be the one to open the scoring, pouncing on the rebound in front of the net to score his 15th goal of the season. The Saints would be close to scoring on both their power play opportunities but would be unsuccessful. Zac Onyskiw would keep the 1-0 lead for the team with a few key saves. The Saints would lead in shots 14-9 through the 1st heading into the 2nd period.
No goals would be scored for either team throughout the second period as the Saints defense would hold off the Crusaders attack, while the Sherwood Park goalie would stop all Spruce Grove shots. The Saints would be the only team shorthanded in the period, killing it off successfully. The Saints would hold the Crusaders to just 1 shot in the period, while the Saints would fire 14 heading into the final frame.
Carter Chorney would finally break the ice for the Crusaders as he would tie the game 1-1 with 16:16 left in the game. Ewan McPherson would then put the Saints back on top as he slides the puck five-hole just after their power play opportunity expired. Brett Pfoh would then steal the puck and would battle through a couple Crusaders defenders and score on a shorthanded breakaway to put the Saints up 3-1. Nikola Jovanovic would add the dagger as he would score on the empty net from the neutral zone. The Saints would hold on to win 4-1 and dominate in shots 40-23.
Spruce Grove continues their road trip in Lloydminster on Wednesday when they take on the Bobcats as they chase their 16th win in a row.