#9 Angus Crookshank – Belleville Sens

With the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs well underway and the Belleville Senators wading into the offseason, David Foot sat down with the players to reflect on a year filled with challenges, growth, and standout moments. In this exclusive series of year-in-review interviews, players open up about their personal journeys, team milestones, and what it meant to represent Belleville and the Bay of Quinte this season. From locker room highlights to on-ice battles, these conversations offer a behind-the-scenes look at the season that was — and a glimpse at what’s ahead.

Today, we check in with forward Angus Crookshank, who became the Belleville Sens’ all-time leader in goals scored this season.

DF: An eventful season for this group as a whole and a really good one for yourself as well. How did you feel about the campaign?

AC: Obviously, the end goal is disappointing, not to make the playoffs and be where we need to be, and I thought we were built for that. But I think we have a lot to be proud of. There was a lot of adversity that this team had to overcome, but the way guys have been able to handle it and even watching them during my time in Ottawa, it was a pleasure to be with these guys, and it was a good year.

DF: You did get eight games up in Ottawa, not quite as many as last season, but was the experience any different than last year when you went up there and made your debut?

AC: Yeah. I think you’re a little more used to the pace and the level of execution required. The adrenaline is still pumping, it’s the NHL, you want to be there full-time, and it’s your dream to play, but it was good. I thought I proved myself that I’m an everyday NHLer and can play different roles or whatever is needed from me, so at the end of the day, I thought I showed that, and that’s all I can hang my hat on.

DF: A third consecutive 20-goal season in the AHL, which is no small feat. What were the keys to that consistency for you, and getting into 62 games with Belleville?

AC: From a health standpoint, it’s making sure I’m sticking to my routine and staying dialled. When it comes to goals, don’t get me wrong, I think it’s the best feeling in the world to score a goal, but I think knowing what works in this league is one thing you have to figure out. So, figuring out what’s worked for me and trying to sprinkle in a couple more things, always trying to be better.

DF: It was a bit of an injury-riddled season for the group, and you have some…