The Penticton Vees appear to be in their familiar championship form in the early goings of the new season.
The Cranbrook Bucks finished the opening weekend of BCHL regular season action on the wrong end of a 7-1 final in Penticton Saturday night against the defending Fred Page Cup champions.
The Vees shocked the Bucks early in the first period with three goals in under three minutes (Dovar Tinling – 1:47, Thomas Pichette – 2:14, Ben Brunette – 2:52). Cranbrook was able to cut Penticton’s lead to 3-1 with a goal from Luke Pfoh at 5:01, but the Vees answered back at 7:50 with a power play tally from Billy Norcross to vault Penticton to a 4-1 lead. Cranbrook finished the opening frame seeking a reset after being outshot 17-6.
The Bucks failed to gain any ground on Penticton in second period action. The lone marker in the middle frame came from Vees veteran Josh Nadeau at 6:24 to put Penticton in cruise control with a 5-1 lead.
The third period was another strong twenty minutes for Penticton. The Vees tallied two more times, including a power play goal from Brad Nadeau, to secure the 7-1 victory and improving their record to 2-0.
Following Saturday’s loss, Cranbrook’s record falls to 1-1. Penticton outshot the Bucks 37-17, Cranbrook finished 0/4 on the power play while the Vees went 2/3 with the man-advantage.
The Bucks will look to shake off Saturday’s setback on Friday, September 30 in Trail when they begin a home-and-home with the Smoke Eaters. Cranbrook’s home opener goes Saturday, October 1 versus Trail.
Buck Tracks:
- Luke Pfoh extends goal scoring streak to two games (2g).
- Assist for Noah Quinn, 2 points to start the season.
