Game Preview: The Blackfalds Bulldogs will search for their second straight win Friday night in Sherwood Park when they take on the Crusaders for the first time this season. The Bulldogs will be looking to build off their 6-4 victory in Camrose Sunday afternoon. Blackfalds is currently sitting in sixth in the AJHL South with its 14-22-1 record.
The Sherwood Park Crusaders will look for their second straight victory Friday night versus the Bulldogs. The Crusaders are coming off a 6-3 win Wednesday in Lloydminster. The Crusaders are holding down seventh in the AJHL North with their 16-22-1 mark.
Although Friday’s meeting between the Bulldogs and Crusaders is the first matchup of the regular season between the two clubs, Blackfalds and Sherwood Park did clash twice in the pre-season.
New Faces: The Blackfalds Bulldogs have added two new players. The Bulldogs acquired 2002-born defenceman Tyler Bates from the Sherwood Park Crusaders in exchange for 2001-born defenceman Juliano Santalucia and 2003-born forward Jace Benvie. The Bulldogs also signed 2001-born forward Deegan Mofford. The Rocky Mountain House, AB product has split the 2021-22 season with the Merritt Centennials in the BCHL and the Rocky Rams in the HJHL.
More Magic from Meerman: Bulldogs forward Brett Meerman had another two-goal performance Sunday versus Camrose. The Blackfalds, AB product scored the game-winner late in regulation and he also added an empty-netter to seal the victory. Meerman has five points in his last two games.
Looking Ahead: Following Friday’s game in Sherwood Park, the Blackfalds Bulldogs will host the Calgary Canucks Saturday at the Eagle Builders Centre. The Bulldogs will then get set for three games at home next week. Blackfalds host Brooks Jan. 12, Spruce Grove Jan. 14 and Fort McMurray Jan. 15.