Exit Interviews 2024-25: #9 Angus Crookshank

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 experience with going through the rehab process. Are you able to pass any advice along to players who are dealing with the same thing?

AC: I try to. Obviously, I had a pretty tough situation in my first year of pro, and I know that feeling. So, letting guys be able to rant about it, get things off their chest, it’s completely normal and a part of it, so I try to be there. But what I saw with everyone who, unfortunately, did get hurt was the resilience that guys had and how bad they wanted to get back in the lineup. That’s a kudos to them, but also to the doctors and the training staff here in Belleville in getting guys ready. They just want to push so hard to get back on the ice because they care so much about this team.

DF: It’s a contract year for you, which is never an easy thing for a player. How do you approach the summer and what’s to come for you?

AC: To be honest, that’s my agent’s thing. I just go on the ice and play. I love the community here. I’ve been here for the last three years, and it’s been pretty amazing. So, we’ll see where it goes, but all I can do is prepare like I’m coming back.

DF: Outside of that, how else will you spend your time?

AC: A lot of golfing. I’ll be up in the interior of BC with my parents when I get back for a bit and will definitely abuse the golfing privileges up there. I’ve got a couple of weddings this summer, which will be fun, because it’s my first summer where I’ve got multiple weddings, and I’m a groomsman for one of my best friends growing up. So, that kind of stuff and training. It’s a bit of a grown-up summer.

2025-26 Belleville Sens Season Seat Memberships are on sale now by contacting the Belleville Sens office at 613-967-8067, emailing tickets@bellevillesens.com, or visiting the Belleville Sens website.

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