Congratulations to Alumni defenseman Redford SWAN on being the lone recipient for this year's Al McDONALD Memorial Scholarship. The Al McDonald Memorial Scholarship recognizes long-time Sherwood Park General Manager and Co-Owner Al McDonald.
Al McDONALD joined the Crusaders in 1983 and went on to become their General Manager, a position he held with the club for 12 years. During that time he saw 27 players receive scholarships to US Colleges, 13 players graduate and go on to the NHL or other pro leagues, and an additional 19 players further their education while playing hockey at the University of Alberta or NAIT. Al was named the Alberta scout for the Vancouver Canucks in 1988 and his efforts helped to promote a number of AJHL players to the NHL team or their affiliates.
Al loved junior hockey and he was very proud of the relationship he had with the young players whose dreams were to play the best hockey their talents would allow. He also had a great respect for the many volunteers that game so generously of their time to see that junior hockey could remain in Sherwood Park.
With fond memories and deep appreciation of an exceptional man, the Sherwood Park Crusaders have placed a banner in his memory in the Sherwood Park Arena. The Crusaders have also dedicated a trophy in Al's name, rewarding the Crusader that best combines academic and athletic excellence.
Redford played 215 regular season games with the Bonnyville PONTIACS from 2010 to 2014. He played another 20 play-off games. He was voted as the team's Most Valuable Defenseman in his past two seasons and scored 13 goals, 52 assists and 347 penalty minutes in a PONTIAC uniform.
Redford moved on from the Bonnyville PONTIACS to play for the ACAC Champion NAIT Ooks last season and transferred over to the Grant McEWAN Griffens this season where he currently plays.