Sherwood Park, AB: The Sherwood Park Crusaders are pleased to announce that Crusaders defenceman Cale Ashcroft (2004) has committed to the University of Denver for the 2021-22 season.
“We are extremely excited for Cale to be taking the next step in his hockey career,” said General Manager and Head Coach Adam Manah. “Denver is a terrific program and they are getting an incredible young man and hockey player. When we recruited Cale we knew he was going to be a special player. He prepares like a pro whether it’s on or off the ice.”
“He is an elite skater that sees the ice well, is dynamic when escaping from pressure, and has a tremendous shot from the point,” continued Manah. “His leadership skills and qualities ooze out of him on a daily basis. That, along with his character has earned Cale this opportunity with Denver. We are very proud of him and happy for the Ashcroft family.””¨
The University of Denver, located in Denver, Colorado, is an NCAA Division I program that play in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference and finished with a 10-13-1 record. The Pioneers are coached by David Carla, who has been the head coach for three seasons. Ҭ
Ashcroft is in his first season with the Crusaders after joining them from the NAX program. In his first eight junior hockey games, the St Albert native has one goal and seven points. His first career goal came against the Bonnyville Pontiacs on March 13th in a 4-1 victory. Ashcroft is currently second amongst rookie defencemen in scoring in the AJHL.
“¨”We would like to congratulate the Ashcroft family on Cale signing in Denver,” Assistant General Manager and Assistant Coach Jeff Woywitka. “Cale (Ashcroft) is the ultimate pro who takes the game seriously and his prep day in day out is miles ahead of kids I have seen at that age. He has a bright future and makes coming to the rink easy for the coaching staff.”
Ashcroft is now the fourth Crusader from the 2020-21 roster to commit to post-secondary, joining Ty Mueller (University of Nebraska-Omaha), Mathew Shatsky (College of Holy Cross), and Ty Ettinger (Red Deer College).Ӭ
The Crusaders organization would like to congratulate Cale and his family on this accomplishment.