Montana Hockey Player Patrick Crooks Secures NA3HL Junior Championship Win
The Helena Bighorns are the Champions of the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL).
Helena defeated the Northeast Generals 2-1 in the final game to give the Bighorns their first Fraser Cup Championship. Again, Patrick Crooks, a Montana local, was the hero, scoring the game's winning goal in the third period. He also scored a crucial goal in the semi-final game.
Crooks battling as a Helena Bighorn
(Photo:Kiera Marshall)
Crooks Started Playing Hockey in Billings, Montana
Crooks would be named the Fraser Cup's Most Valuable Player (MVP). The forward spent the majority of his career playing in Montana and rose through the Billings Amateur Hockey program ranks before playing in the NA3HL.
"Crooks left [Billings Youth Hockey] when he was young, and I think that was a good move for him, as most high school kids do try [to move up to junior hockey]," said Brad Federnko with Billings Amateur Hockey. "He was just starting to mature and understand his skill set and role, and it's cool to see where he has gone and ended up," Federnko said.
Crooks Embarks on Junior Hockey Career with Several Stops in Montana and one in Wyoming
After Junior Hockey stops in Gillette and Great Falls, Crooks joined the Butte Cobras (later Butte Irish) during the latter part of the 2021-2022 season. The next year, he netted 30 goals and 23 assists for 53 points in 47 games. This past season, Crooks was named an Alternate Captain, with the Butte Irish recording 59 points off 32 goals and 27 assists.
Crooks scores an OT winning goal as a member of the Butte Cobras
Play by Play Call by Merrick Parnell (@parnellpxp on Instagram)
"There isn't a better way to describe Patrick than to call him a pure goal-scorer. I had him playing almost 30 minutes a game, and he never once told me he was tired," said Butte Coach Marc Broduer.
Crooks with the Butte Irish
Photo: Tom Briscoe
Crooks was dealt at the trade deadline to Helena, where he would cap off his Junior Hockey Season with a Fraser Cup Championship.
"I was a leader in Butte and someone they relied on, and I feel like coming to Helena, I was able to jump right in as someone they can count on to put the puck in the net," said Crooks. "It [winning the Fraser Cup] was awesome; everyone dreams of getting a shot at a national championship," he continued.
Crooks is Proud of his Montana Hockey Roots
Crooks is proud of his Montana hockey roots and hopes it helps the next generation of players.
"Being from Montana and playing in Montana my whole life while going out on top with a Montana team is awesome for fellow Montana hockey players coming up," he said.
Crooks battling as a Helena Bighorn
(Photo:Kiera Marshall)
Patrick Crooks' journey from local Montana hockey to key player in the Helena Bighorns' Fraser Cup win shows his perseverance and talent. His efforts not only led to a championship but also earned him the title of Most Valuable Player. Crooks' story highlights the potential for success in Montana hockey, inspiring future players. By nurturing his roots and aiding in young athletes' development, Crooks leaves a lasting legacy that enhances the hockey spirit in Montana for years to come.
