Evan McFeeters continues to climb the coaching ranks in junior hockey.

The former Cochrane Generals goalie turned coach has been named the head coach of the Sherwood Park Crusaders of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), after serving as an assistant coach with the Brooks Bandits for the last two seasons. The Bandits recently repeated as the national Centennial Cup champions.

He was head coach of the Generals from 2013-2016, taking them from a team that didn't make the playoff cut in the 2013-14 season to one that won the HJHL South Division championship in his final season before moving on to become assistant coach of the AJHL Canmore Eagles.

“I am thrilled for the opportunity to be the head coach and associate GM of the Sherwood Park Crusaders,” says McFeeters. “I want to thank the ownership group as well as President/GM Adam Sergerie for putting trust and confidence in me to progress the Crusaders organization. I appreciate the responsibility and I am eager to get started and work with this group to build a successful team that the community will be proud of."

McFeeters is focusing on building a team that can contend in the north division and for an AJHL Championship. He wants to advance the team's program for players aspiring to play at the next level.

Crusaders president Adam Sergerie says the team is excited to have McFeeters onboard.

“Right from the first conversation I had with Evan it was clear we were aligned and had the same vision," says Sergerie. "Evan is young but has a lot of experience, and success in our league. It is very clear in speaking to him how knowledgeable he is. He is always learning and seeking ways to grow."

"He’s very popular around the league, is held in high regard and we’re very lucky to have the opportunity to get to work with him moving forward.”

McFeeters, 34, was also head coach of the U18 Bow Valley Timberwolves for 2011-12 and 2012-13.

mcfeeters and hurlbert When the Gens won the HJHL South Division Championship, McFeeters wouldn't touch the cup and wasn't particularly fond of looking at it. He's here with then Gens General Manager Jacqueline Hurlbert, who is currently marketing and community manager with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. (file photo)