The Cranbrook Bucks are heading home after a Shuswap Lake-sweep in Salmon Arm Saturday and Sunday.
The Bucks took momentum from a big 4-0 win over the previously-unbeaten Silverbacks on Saturday night into Sunday afternoon’s matinee rematch.
Cranbrook’s top line led the way in the first period, cashing in twice with goals from Noah Quinn at 5:01 and Tyson Dyck at 13:55. Salmon Arm outshot the Bucks 13-7 in the opening period, but goaltender Evan Gartner was in fine form once again.
Salmon Arm broke Gartner’s bid for a second-straight shutout at 8:49 with Simon Tassy’s 12th goal of the year. But Cranbrook did not bend any further, allowing only five shots against in the middle frame.
The third period was tightly contested, but neither team gave an inch and the Bucks were able to hold on to earn their second win in as many nights in Salmon Arm, taking a big 2-1 victory to cap off a busy weekend.
Cranbrook’s penalty kill was impressive once again, finishing 4/4 while the power play went 0/1. The Bucks were lifted to victory largely due to goaltender Evan Gartner and his 31 saves, Cranbrook lost the shots battle 32-21. Gartner was recognized with first star honours for the game.
Sunday’s win vaults the Bucks into 4th in the Interior Conference standings at 8-5 with a .615 win percentage. Cranbrook will have a chance to push their winning streak to three when they return to Western Financial Place to face the Chilliwack Chiefs.
Buck Tracks:
- Tyson Dyck with 2 points (1g, 1a) extends team leading point total to 19 points, 7th overall in BCHL. He is currently on a six-game point streak (4g, 8a).
- Evan Gartner improves record to 3-1 (2-0 vs Salmon Arm this weekend).
- Cranbrook’s road record improves to 3-3.
- Bucks earn 4 of 6 available points over busy, three-game weekend.
