Sherwood Park, AB: The Sherwood Park Crusaders are pleased to announce that defenceman Loeden Schaufler (2000) has committed to MacEwan University for the 2021-22 season.
“We are very excited for Loeden to be taking the next step in his hockey career,” said General Manager and Head Coach Adam Manah. “He was an outstanding person first and foremost when we acquired him late in the season but a terrific veteran defenseman as well. What he was able to bring to our room in terms of his leadership, his character, and how he taught the young guys how to prepare was invaluable for our group moving forward.”
MacEwan, located in Edmonton, Alberta, is a U Sports program that plays in the Canada West division. The Griffins are coached by Mike Ringrose, who has been with the program since the 2018-19 season.
Schaufler joined the Crusaders in the 2020-21 season after being acquired from the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in the BCHL. The DeWinton native played in 16 games for Sherwood Park scoring 13 points – all assists. Schaufler finished his junior hockey career with 146 games spread out between the Crusaders, Spruce Grove Saints, Edmonton Oil Kings, Prince Albert Raiders, Seattle Thunderbirds, Kootenay Ice and the Notre Dame Hounds.
“On the ice, he had great offensive numbers and was a player Jeff could lean on for big minutes and block bullets when needed,” continued Manah. “MacEwan is getting a player that will help a team win in the playoffs. We are proud of Loeden and wish him all the best moving into the next chapter of his career.”
Schaufler is the sixth Crusader from the 2020-21 roster to commit to a post-secondary program joining Ty Mueller (University of Nebraska-Omaha), Mathew Shatsky (Holy Cross), Ty Ettinger (Red Deer College), Cole Wyatt (UNLV) and Cale Ashcroft (University of Denver).
The Crusaders organization would like to congratulate Loeden and his family on his commitment.