PHOTO: Alexander Patton
The Spruce Grove Saints fell 8-4 to the Sherwood Park Crusaders in a game dominated by special teams.
The Crusaders jumped out to an early lead, scoring four unanswered goals in the opening period. The Saints broke through late in the first, with Max Seguin finding the back of the net to cut the deficit to 4-1.
Sherwood Park extended their lead in the second period with back-to-back power-play goals, making it 6-1. Grayson Niehaus responded for the Saints, scoring to bring the game to 6-2. Shortly after, Josh Polak further closed the gap, netting a goal to set the score at 6-3.
The Crusaders opened the third period with another goal, pushing their lead to 7-3. Despite Grayson Niehaus tallying his second goal of the night—this time on the power play—the Saints couldn’t mount a full comeback. A late power-play goal by Masun Fleece sealed the win for the Crusaders, 8-4.
Special teams were the story of the night. The Saints spent much of the third period shorthanded, limiting their ability to generate offensive momentum.
The Saints will look to bounce back tomorrow evening against the Vernon Vipers.
Final Score: 8-4 Crusaders
Shots on Goal: 43-35 Saints
Three Stars:
- Malachi Mckinnon
- Poul Andersen
- Grayson Niehaus
