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Game Recap: Bucks Go The Distance in OT Loss to Penticton

The Cranbrook Bucks can hold their heads high after going the distance with the BCHL-leading Penticton Vees Wednesday night.

The Bucks gave Penticton all they could handle, largely thanks to an amazing performance from goaltender Nathan Airey, but the Vees were able to outlast Cranbrook for a 4-3 overtime win to continue their twelve-game winning streak to start the season.

The Vees were firing from all angles in the first period, and Airey was up to the task. The Cranbrook goalie turned aside 26 of 27 first period shots, and he got a bit of run support. Bucks defender Carsyn Good opened the scoring near the halfway mark of the opening frame with on a Cranbrook power play to go up 1-0. The Vees were able to pull even at a 1-1 tie with less than two minutes left via Thomas Pichette’s 5th tally of the season. A Jack Silich penalty shot goal gave Cranbrook a 2-1 lead after one period despite being outshot 27-8.

Cranbrook captain Rhys Bentham extended the Bucks lead to 3-1 early in the second period, cueing a Penticton comeback. The Vees were able to reply with goals from Josh Nadeau and Frank Djurasevic to tie the game at 3-3 ahead of third period action.

Both goalies pitched perfect games through the third period, neither team was able to tally despite separate looks on the power play. This set up overtime as the Bucks and Vees were deadlocked 3-3 after regulation time.

Overtime produced great chances on both ends of the ice. Penticton was able to capitalize on a power play following a goaltender interference penalty to Cranbrook’s Nick Peluso. Vees forward Bradley Nadeau was able to net the overtime winner at the 2:40 mark.

Wednesday’s overtime loss moves Cranbrook’s record to 7-3-1. Nathan Airey was stellar in the Cranbrook net, the Bucks were outshot 55-25 by Penticton. On special teams, Cranbrook’s power play finished 1/3 while the Vees were 3/5 with the man-advantage.

Cranbrook continues their six-game road swing Friday in Salmon Arm versus the Silverbacks.

Buck Tracks:

  • Nathan Airey stops 51 of 55 shots.
  • Jack Silich continues hot streak with 2 point night (1g,1a)
  • Cam Kungle picks up 1 assist, extends point streak to 4 games (1g,7a)