The Cranbrook Bucks and Prince George Spruce King went the distance Friday night at Western Financial Place, with the home team holding on for a dramatic 1-0 win in overtime.
The spotlight was shining on both goalies in the first period. Cranbrook’s Nathan Airey and Prince George’s Jordan Fairlie both had some incredible saves to preserve a scoreless tie into the second period. Cranbrook failed to tally on the period’s lone power play attempt, both teams finished the first period with 9 shots.
The second period was more of the same between the two evenly-matched teams. Cranbrook held the edge in shots on goal through the period at 12-5, but failed to find the goal despite having a few good chances on a four minute power play. Both goalies stood tall, keeping the score at 0-0 to begin the third period.
Prince George finally got some looks on the power play in the third period, but the goalies were insisting on a photo finish. Two power play attempts for the Spruce Kings through the third period failed to produce any goals. Both teams did have great chances – Prince George struck the crossbar and goal post on separate instances, while Cranbrook’s Jarrod Smith had a great chance on a late breakaway. Neither team was able to crack the opposition through regulation, the score was 0-0 with overtime looming in the Key City.
The Bucks finally found paydirt in the extra frame. Noah Quinn provided the heroics with a solo effort at 1:21, crashing the net and beating Fairlie to secure a 1-0 Cranbrook overtime win.
With Friday’s win, the Bucks improve to 16-10-2 and move up to fourth place in the Interior Conference. The Spruce Kings move back to fifth place with the overtime loss, their record now stands at 14-9-2-1. The victory also served as the third shutout win of the season for Nathan Airey, and his second straight shutout win on home ice.
Cranbrook outshot Prince George 31-24, both teams finished 0/2 on the power play.
These two clubs play again Saturday night to conclude the double-header, the season series is now split at 2-2.
Buck Tracks:
- 3rd shutout of the year for Nathan Airey, 2 straight shutout wins on home ice.
- Cranbrook is 6-0-1 in their past seven games.
- Both of Cranbrook’s wins over Prince George this season have come via overtime.
- 1st OT goal of Noah Quinn’s BCHL career.
