BROOKS, AB (August 1, 2023) – The Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League have completed a trade with the Sherwood Park Crusaders, acquiring the CJHL rights to defenceman Tyler Miller, forward Carmelo Crandell and future considerations for forwards Tyler Blocha, Elliot Dutil and Luke Bibby.
Miller (Medicine Hat, AB) played three seasons with the Crusaders, tallying 47 points in 104 games. The 2004-born, left shot defenceman had 40 points (9G, 31A) in 58 games last season, which was ninth most in the AJHL amongst blueliners, and was third in scoring on the team. Miller, 18, previously for Northern Alberta U18 Prep and was a teammate of Aiden Fink. He’s committed to Michigan Tech (NCAA Division I) in Houghton, MI.
Crandell (St. Albert, AB) led the Crusaders in scoring during the 2022-23 Regular Season with 55 points (17G, 38A), and was 19th in assists in the AJHL. The 2005-born, right shot forward dressed in 104 games with the Crusaders over two seasons, helping Sherwood Park make the North Division Semi-Final last season with 11 points in 12 playoff games. He’s committed to Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ. He also represented Team Canada at the 2022 World Junior A Challenge in Cornwall, ON.
“Making this move gives our outgoing players an opportunity to attain roles we may not be able to provide them in Brooks. Their contributions last season were timely and all three played a part in the championship season,” said Bandits Head Coach and GM, Ryan Papaioannou.
“In terms of Tyler and Carmelo we don’t expect either to report to us in the short term, they both have plans on playing in the USHL. We are happy to acquire their CJHL rights and the transfer process that goes with that.”
Blocha (Bonnyville, AB) was acquired in October of 2022 in a trade with the Drayton Valley Thunder. He dressed in 48 regular season games with the Bandits, scoring 29 points (13G, 16A) with Brooks. The 2003-born, right shot forward is committed to Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI.
Dutil (Montreal, QC) was sixth in scoring on the Bandits during the 2022-23 regular season with 59 points (29G, 30A) in 57 games. The 2003-born left shot forward was acquired in the 2022 off-season in a trade with Notre Dame (SJHL). He’s committed to Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO.
Bibby (Brantford, ON) appeared in 24 games during the 2022-23 regular season for Brooks, scoring 9 points (2G, 7A). The 2004-born, left shot forward dressed in 3 Playoff Games.
Blocha, Dutil and Bibby were all part of the Bandits capturing the 2023 AJHL and Centennial Cup Championships. The Bandits thank them for their contributions to the team.
The Bandits are participating in the U20 Super Challenge in Karlstad, Sweden from August 15th to 20th. Training Camp will begin on August 26th, with the Exhibition Season opening on September 5th at the Centennial Regional Arena vs Okotoks.
2023-24 Season Tickets are on sale, call 403-501-0122 for more information.