After an injury to Andy McCallum, Crawford took over as the Powell River Regals new player/coach, helping guide the team to a provincial championship and eventual National Championship in 1970.

Following the Regals 1970 Championship run, Crawford became the head coach for the program, running hockey schools and other development programs. Crawford was also heavily involved in coaching softball, and along with Coree, he volunteered for cystic fibrosis charities.