The Cranbrook Bucks are finding their groove after pushing their winning streak to three games following Friday’s 5-2 win over the Merritt Centennials.
The Bucks were able to essentially put the game away with a strong offensive display in the first period. Cranbrook got goals form Donovan Frias, Noah Quinn, Nick Peluso and Jack Silich to take a 4-0 lead after twenty minutes. The Bucks outshot Merritt 20-8 in the first period.
Merritt found their stride in the second period, firing 11 shots on Bucks goalie Nathan Airey. Meanwhile, a goalie change for the Centennials seemed to breathe new life into the squad as Johnny Hicks stepped in for Conor Sullivan to begin the middle frame. The Cents got an early power play goal from Walker Erickson to reduce their deficit to 4-1. Merritt added one more goal from Connor Farren to make it a 4-2 score at the second intermission.
The third period didn’t produce much in the way of chances for either club, which proved to be advantageous for the Bucks. The Centennials pulled their goalie for an extra attacker in the dying minutes, but that led to an empty net goal from Donovan Frias in the final minute to secure a 5-2 win for the home team.
Friday’s win pushes Cranbrook’s record to 11-6-1. The Bucks outshot Merritt 44-24. On special teams, Cranbrook’s power play finished 0/3 and their penalty kill went 3/4.
The Bucks return to action Saturday night at home versus the Wenatchee Wild.
Buck Tracks:
- Donvan Frias extends point streak to 5 games.
- 4 goals through last 2 games for Noah Quinn.
- 2 points for Nick Peluso (1g,1a).
Lead photo by Martin Ross
