The Cranbrook Bucks are looking to build momentum with the playoffs coming up in a matter of weeks, and they’re hoping Thursday’s 6-1 win over the Merritt Centennials is a launching pad for a season-ending hot streak.
Merritt appeared to have the better start out the gate, and they were rewarded with the first goal of the game. Cents forward Levi Carter was able to find a loose puck on a Merritt rush, and he directed it past Bucks goalie Nathan Airey to give his squad a 1-0 lead at 8:08. Cranbrook tied the game just past the halfway mark of the period, Johnny Johnson ripped a one-timer from the slot past Merritt goalie John Hicks. Minutes later, Cranbrook took the lead after Carter Schmidt turned on his jets and snuck a breakaway backhander past the Centennials goalie to put the Bucks up 2-1 at 14:48. Cranbrook was able to maintain their 2-1 lead through the opening twenty minutes.
Centennials goaltender John Hicks stole the spotlight in the second period. Cranbrook vastly outplayed Merritt through the middle frame, outshooting the Cents 22-5. However, the Bucks ran into a wall named ‘Hicks’, who was able to hold the road team off the scoreboard through the period. The Bucks’ maintained their 2-1 lead through the first forty minutes.
The Bucks were able to put the game on ice in the third period. Cranbrook exploded for four goals in the third period. Tyson Dyck, Zeth Kindrachuk, Kellan Hjartarson and Hayden Gelbard all found paydirt in the third period to give the Bucks a 6-1 win to begin their double-header.
With Thursday’s win, Cranbrook’s record improves to 26-19-2-2. The Bucks finished 1/3 on the power play while their penalty kill finished 1/1. Cranbrook was able to vastly outshoot Merritt at 54-18.
The Bucks meet the Centennials again Friday night in the bottom half of their double-header.
Buck Tracks:
- 3 assists for Cam Kungle (1st 3-point game in the BCHL).
- Carter Schmidt scores first goal with Bucks.
- 1 goal for Tyson Dyck, 65 points this season.
- Nathan Airey has won each of his last six starts.
Photo Credit: Tim Matwey
