After a slow start to January the Crushers ramped up their game last week and won three in a row, including a 4-2 win in Woodstock, handing the nationally ranked Slammers their first regulation home loss of the season.  But now all that is in the past as the Crushers must refocus and look ahead to this weekend which sees them play yet another three games in three nights, all of which are against divisional rivals.  On Thursday at the JBM stadium, the Crushers host the new look Truro Bearcats who currently sit only one point behind the Crushers in the standings.  Following Thursday's game, the Crushers travel to Dartmouth to take on the division leading Metro Marauders.  The Marauders have had the Crushers number this year and after improving their team at the deadline, the Crushers will have to bring their "A" game. Saturday night sees the Crushers heading into the "Jungle" as they head to Amherst to take on the Ramblers, who currently sit in 2nd place in the Bent Division.  This is a very important weekend for the Crushers with 6 big divisional points up for grabs.  If the Crushers stick to the game plan and they play the style of hockey that makes them successful, it should be a very entertaining weekend of hockey!!

The Reebok CCM Player of the Week is Jamie MacIntyre of the Weeks Crushers. MacIntyre had a strong weekend, helping the Crushers earn six important points. On Thursday night, he scored in a 4-3 win over the Timberwolves in New Glasgow. Then on Friday night he earned an assist in a big 4-2 win over Woodstock. Finally, on Sunday he earned three assists in a 5-4 win over Dieppe. Jamie was plus five over the three games. 
Since joining the Crushers from the University of Guelph, Jamie has earned eight points in seven games. He hails from Evangeline, PEI. Congrats on a great week, Jamie!

The Weeks Jr. A Crushers have a big week coming up with three Bent divisional games in the Maritime Hockey League. The Bent Division standings are extremely close with only 5 points separating 1^st and 5^th place. The Crushers are in the midst of the pack and host the Truro Bearcats on Thursday at the John Brother MacDonald Stadium with a 7:30 pm puck drop. They continue their “three games in three nights” by heading to Dartmouth on Friday to play the division leading Metro Marauders and then to Amherst on Saturday to play the Amherst Ramblers.

The Crushers are off to a solid start in January with four wins, shootout loss and loss in six games. Head coach Jason Malone is pleased with his roster changes and comments – “the addition of Jamie MacIntyre in December provides us with a veteran centreman and his strong two way play gives us great depth down the middle. We also added Kyle Kavanaugh, an 18 year old defensemen who is a very good puck moving d-man that will assist our transition game. Finally we solidified our goal tending position with the addition of Mark Foley and Jean-Sebastien Boucher, they, with Dylan Frank who put together great effort in wins over Miramichi and Woodstock last week, have put us in great position to challenge anyone in our division.”

The Crushers are also shooting to maintain top spot in league attendance where they are presently in second. “The players feed off our crowds and the community support so we hope to see more fans at the game as it gives us extra energy”, says Captain Mitchell Taylor.  "Coming from Ontario and sometimes playing in front of thirty people, to a situation where your community gets behind you 100 percent, it’s a very good feeling.  It was no secret that our December was a disappointing one, but we've turned the page and are off to a pretty good start in the second half".

As well at Thursday’s game Atlantic Dodge will be conducting a shoot to win for a 2012 Dodge 1500 4WD valued at $45,000. People are encouraged to come early and fill out a ballot for the chance to “Shoot for The Truck”.

Advance tickets can be purchased at Big Al’s, Woody’s Variety and the Tartan Blade Barber Shop.

The Weeks Crushers were active on trade deadline day bringing in a good balance of talent. 

20 year old forward Jamie MacIntyre from Charlottetown, PE adds offence and solidifies the Crusher Center.  He has a nose for the net and brings experience from both the QMJHL and CIS ranks.

19 year old Rob Izsak from Maple Ridge, BC brings a strong work ethic and a gritty style of play to the Crushers. Rob is a defensively responsible player and has an offensive upside to his game.

19 year old goalie Mark Foley comes from London, ON. Foley is very competitive in his net and plays a conservative style of game.  In 2009, he back stopped the Notre Dame Hounds to a National Major Midget title.