The Cranbrook Bucks are back in the win column after hanging on to outlast the Prince George Spruce Kings 4-3 Friday night.
The Bucks looked like they had the game well in hand after a strong first period. After building a hefty edge in shots on goal, the Bucks began reaping rewards in the dying minutes of the opening frame. A goal from Rhys Bentham at the 16-minute mark made it 1-0 for Cranbrook. The Bucks extended their lead to 2-0 off a Nick Peluso shot in the final minute to go up 2-0. Cranbrook’s 2-0 lead held steady through intermission.
The Spruce Kings used the intermission to make their necessary adjustments, and it appeared to have worked. Prince George was able to cut the rink in half through most of the middle frame, outshooting Cranbrook 13-4. Goals from Jack Stockfish at 13:28 and Amran Bhabra at 16:36 brought the Spruce Kings to a 2-2 tie at second intermission.
Cranbrook regained their step in the third period. A goal from Jarrod Smith at 6:36 vaulted the Bucks back in to a one-goal lead at 3-2. A pretty passing play low in the Prince George zone finished by Noah Quinn gave way to Cranbrook extending their lead to 4-2 at 8:41. The Spruce Kings pulled their goalie with about four-minutes remaining in the third period in an attempt to tie they game. They did manage to narrow the gap with a late goal from Ty Gagno to cut Cranbrook’s lead to 4-3 in the final minute, but that was as close as they would get. The Bucks managed to hang on for a 4-3 victory.
Friday’s win vaults Cranbrook’s record to 26-10-1-1, the victory comes despite being outshot 34-27.
Cranbrook returns to action Saturday when they host the Vernon Vipers.
Buck Tracks:
- Rhys Bentham scores 11th goal of the season, most among BCHL defencemen.
- Cooper Boulanger returns to action after missing 11 games due to injury.
- Congratulations to Bucks goalie Nathan Airey on his commitment to University of Minnesota.
Lead photo by Chuck Chin
