Storm’s Evan Clark signs with AJHL’s Crusaders

 

Evan Clark of the Kamloops Storm has signed with the Sherwood Park Crusaders of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

A Kamloops native and product of the Thompson Blazers program, the 6–0, 180 pound centre will make the jump to Junior A after a season in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League.

“It’s very exciting and I have been working towards this goal for a while. It’s nice to see it happen,” said Clark, who put up nine goals and 20 points in 36 games and added an assist in 13 Teck Cup playoff games.

Clark liked the fit with the Crusaders program because the coaching staff is focused on moving players to the next level and that is something Clark wants to continue doing.

There was an adjustment for Clark entering the KIJHL as he found it more physical coming from midget. 

“I enjoyed it, I thought I had a pretty good year,” he said. “I didn’t put too many points up, but I’m more of a system player – I’m a 200-foot player. I can make some good plays, I play really physically.”

Playing with the Storm and in the KIJHL helped Clark improve his hockey sense and gain confidence with the puck. He also improved his two-way skills. He signed with the Storm because after speaking with General Manager Matt Kolle, he found the program to be really good.

Clark said playing with older players, especially 20-year-olds, made him step up his game because of their knowledge and skills. He also said his teammates helped a lot because they were very skilled.