The Cranbrook Bucks have taken a decisive win in the BCHL’s 2022-23 Kootenay Rivalry after sweeping their season series with the Trail Smoke Eaters following Saturday’s 4-3 victory.
The Bucks got off to a strong start, with goals from Rhys Bentham and Cam Kungle within the first five-minutes of the first period to jump out to a 2-0 lead. Cranbrook’s two-goal advantage held steady through the first twenty minutes while the outshot Trail 14-9.
The Smokies were able to pull a little closer in the second period, Brody Juck capitalized off a turnover in the Cranbrook zone and was able to tally on an open net to make the score 2-1 at 5:39. The Bucks were able to strike back at 13:29 when Jaxon Fuder converted on a passing play deep in Smoke Eaters territory to build a 3-1 lead which would last into the third period.
Trail got a quick goal thirty-five seconds into final frame, a Brady Hunter shot beat Nathan Airey to lift the Smoke Eaters back into striking distance at 3-2. The Bucks made it a two-goal lead once again thanks to Bentham’s second goal of the night at 11:16 to lift Cranbrook to a 4-2 lead. Trail managed to get one more goal at 17:45 when Adam Marshall batted a loose puck into the Cranbrook net off a scramble, but 4-3 was as close as Trail would get. The Bucks managed to fend off Trail’s late chances and took a 4-3 victory, and a 7-0 win in their season series.
Saturday’s win lifts Cranbrook’s record to 29-10-1-1, they are second in the Interior Conference standings. The Bucks won the shots battle 35-25.
The Bucks return to action Friday in Wenatchee to begin a three-game road trip over Family Day long weekend.
Buck Tracks
- Rhys Bentham (2g) extends point streak to 7 games.
- 3 assists for Noah Quinn Saturday night.
