It was a one that got away.
The Cranbrook Bucks’ first visit to Chilliwack (outside of the BCHL Showcase) drew a record-setting crowd Saturday night, however the hometown fans were treated to a 4-3 comeback win at Cranbrook’s expense.
The Bucks got off to just about as good of a start they could ask for in the first period, they jumped out to a 3-0 lead with a three-goal outburst through a 1:14 span – Jaden Fodchuk, Donovan Frias and Nick Peluso were the goal scorers. The Chiefs cut Cranbrook’s lead to 3-1 with a goal from Nathan Morin at 11:17. Cranbrook’s 3-1 lead held steady through intermission while they outshot the Chiefs 9-3 in the first period.
The Chiefs turned the tables on Cranbrook in second period action. A goal from AJ Lacroix pulled Chilliwack to within one-goal at 3-2 just before the three-minute mark. Lacroix added another goal at 16:43 to tie the game at 3-3, giving the teams a fresh slate for the third period.
Cranbrook had the edge in play for most of the third period, but a late power play for Chilliwack proved to be costly for the Bucks. Despite outshooting Chilliwack 13-6 in the final frame, the winning goal came on the man advantage from Chiefs defender Abram Weibe at 17:32 – securing a 4-3 victory for the home team in front of more than 5,000 fans.
Saturday’s loss drops Cranbrook’s record to 22-10-1, they finished 1-2 on their three-game road trip. The Bucks outshot Chilliwack 28-19.
Cranbrook returns to action at home Friday, January 13 versus the Wenatchee Wild.
Buck Tracks:
- 1g for Nick Peluso, extends point streak to 6 games.
- 99th career BCHL game for Cam Kungle.
- Saturday’s game drew 5,008 fans, the largest crowd ever for a BCHL game.
