The Sherwood Park Crusaders are pleased to announce the naming of 1996 Born Defenseman Ben Sowa as the team’s Captain for the 2016-17 season.
The Edmonton, Alberta product enters his fourth year in the AJHL all with the Crusaders and is coming off a career year in 2015-2016, where he posted career highs, 12 Goals and 25 Assists for a total of 37 Points.
“I’m extremely honoured to be named Captain of the Crusaders. This my fourth year with the team, I live and breathe Crusader hockey.” Said Sowa.
“The [players] really respect Ben as a leader and a guy that is going to take this team to the next level. He does it in all the aspects on the ice, he’s tough to play against, the [opposition’s] top line doesn’t like to go against him and he can contribute offensively. We are very excited to have him take the reigns.” Says Crusaders Head Coach Adam Manah.
The 6’2 Defender was fifth on the team in scoring and eighth among Alberta Junior Hockey League Defenseman.
“It is a very exciting time to a member of the Crusaders, as we will be a force to be reckon with coming out of the North Division.” Added Sowa.
Rounding out the leadership core as Alternates are Forwards Tyler Maltby, Darcy Zaharichuk and first year Crusader Tanner Younghans. Defenseman Ben McLeod will also be an Alternate Captain for the 2016-17 season.
“We wanted to spread the leadership group around a little bit because we do have so many leaders on the team. When you not only have a deep team on the ice but it’s also nice to have group of guys that can lead off the ice as well.” Added Manah
The Crusaders open up the 2016-17 AJHL Regular Season Friday September 16th at home against the Spruce Grove Saints.
-Story By Taylor Medak