A Saturday night setback for the Cranbrook Bucks at the hands of the Wenatchee Wild.
The Bucks had aims of expanding their winning streak to four games at Wenatchee’s expense Saturday night, following a dramatic overtime win versus the West Kelowna Warriors Friday, but it was not to be.
The Wild came into Saturday’s contest seeking their first win of the season, and veteran Ean Somoza gave them a 1-0 lead when he finished a nice passing play deep in the Cranbrook zone at 14:37 to point them in the right direction. The Bucks tied the game shortly after via a solo effort from Jaden Fodchuk. The game was tied 1-1 at the first intermission. Wild goaltender Andy Vlaha turned aside 14-of-15 Cranbrook shots in the first period.
Second period action yielded a goaltender dual, Bucks goalie Nathan Airey and Wenatchee’s Vlaha were both tested with some strong chances – but neither side was able to break the deadlock by the buzzer. The 1-1 tie would carry into the third period.
Near the four-minute mark of the final frame, Wenatchee’s patience paid off. A well-placed point shot from Damon Bickler found its way though a crowd and a redirection from Michael Valdez secured a 2-1 Wild lead. The Bucks continued to press, but Vlaha was dialed in from the Wild crease. A late empty net goal from Wenatchee’s Cade Littler put the icing on a 3-1 Wenatchee win.
With Saturday’s loss, Cranbrook’s record falls to 4-2 and their winning streak is snapped at three games. The Bucks were outshot 29-28, each team finished 0/2 on the power play
The Bucks are back in action Saturday, October 15 in Trail versus the Smoke Eaters.
Buck Tracks:
- Jaden Fodchuk scores his 1st goal of the season.
- 6 points in 3 games for Rhys Bentham (1g,5a).
- Cranbrook’s all-time record vs Wenatchee is 3-6.
Photo Credit: Martin
