A weekend road trip to the west coast for the Cranbrook Bucks is finally underway, albeit one day late, and the road warriors grinded their way back into the win column Saturday night in a photo finish versus the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
The Bucks got off to a quick start with a goal from Jack Silich at the thirty-second mark to take an early 1-0 lead. Cranbrook’s Nathan Airey was able to hold the door shut in the Bucks crease, turning aside all 12 Bulldog shots to preserve a 1-0 lead into the second period.
The middle frame was a defensive battle, neither team had many chances. The Bucks outshot Alberni Valley 8-7 in the second period, but they were unable to add to their 1-0 lead by intermission.
The Bulldogs finally found the net with a Will Elger goal at 4:08 in the third period to pull even at 1-1. It appeared overtime was on the horizon as the game reached the final minute, but the Bucks had other plans. A scramble deep in the Bulldogs zone led to Donovan Frias getting a couple of whacks at a loose puck in the slot, he was able to beat Alberni Valley goalie Campbell Arnold with just fifty-four seconds left in regulation time to take a late 2-1 lead. The Bucks were able to hang on for a 2-1 win to snap their three-game winless streak.
Saturday’s win improves Cranbrook’s record to 8-5-1. The Bucks outshot Alberni Valley 31-29. Cranbrook’s road trip continues Sunday afternoon versus the Coquitlam Express.
Buck Tracks:
- The make-up game for Friday’s postponed matchup between the Bucks and Nanaimo Clippers is happening Monday.
- Frias twins link up for game-winning goal (Donovan scores, assist for Julian).
