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Sherwood Park, AB – The Sherwood Park Crusaders Junior A Hockey Club is pleased to announce that 1996 born Forward Gage Joel has committed to the University of Central Oklahoma of the Western Collegiate Hockey League in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA).
The UCO Broncos, based in Oklahoma City, OK, are fresh off capturing their second ACHA Men’s D1 National Championship over Ohio University last week.
“I’m really excited to keep playing hockey as well as get an education. I’d like to thank the Sherwood Park Crusaders for everything over the past three months and most importantly, I’d like to thank my parents, who have undoubtedly supported me my whole Junior career,” said Joel.
Prior to being acquired from the Calgary Mustangs by the Crusaders in early January 2017, the Devon, AB product spent a bulk of his Junior career with three different teams in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
“I’m looking forward to studying Kinesiology and plan on one day using my degree towards a career in hockey,” Joel added.
Joel saw instant success with the Crusaders during his quick tenure with the club, appearing in 22 games, scoring 4 goals and adding 5 assists in a depth role for Sherwood Park.
“We are extremely happy to see Gage commit to UCO,” says Crusaders Head Coach Adam Manah. “When we acquired him in January, he was a great addition to our lineup and provided depth for us amongst our forward core. We wish him the best of luck and future success at Central Oklahoma next season.”
With the commitment to Central Oklahoma by Joel, the Crusaders now have three players committed to post-secondary institutions for the 2017-18 season as Forward Tyler Maltby is committed to Arizona State of the NCAA and Forward Tanner Younghans is committed to the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) of the ACAC.
For any questions or further information contact Taylor Medak at 780-995-9509 or email taylormedak@sherwoodparkcrusaders.com