One more to go.
The Cranbrook Bucks took a 4-3 loss to the Prince George Spruce Kings Friday in the first half of a season-ending double header.
The Bucks got an early first period lead thanks to a Kellan Hjartarson power play goal at 4:32, but their 1-0 lead did not last long. Prince George replied with goals from Jake Schneider and Ben LeFranc to take a 2-1 lead into the first intermission, shots were tied 9-9 after twenty minutes.
Prince George tallied the lone goal in a tame second period, Kilian McGregor-Bennett converted on a shot from the slot on a Spruce Kings power play to put his team up 3-1 at 11:59. The Spruce Kings were able to carry their two-goal lead into the third period.
The Spruce Kings extended their lead to 4-1 just before the halfway mark of the third period when Austin Fraser converted a 2-on-1 rush, then the Bucks started a comeback bid. Cranbrook replied with a goal from Bryce Sookro to quickly cut Prince George’s lead to 4-2. The Bucks had a pair of late power plays and nearly completed the comeback. Nick Peluso came close, but hit a goal post on one of the power play attempts. Cranbrook did get a late goal from Donovan Frias with the man-advantage, but the Spruce Kings were able to fend off a late gauntlet from the Bucks to preserve a 4-3 win.
Friday’s loss drops Cranbrook’s record to 35-14-1-3.
Saturday’s rematch with Prince George is the final game of the regular season, playoffs start next week.
Buck Tracks:
- 3 assists for Noah Quinn
- Bauer Morrissey’s point streak ends at 8 games.
- Congrats to Nathan Airey on winning this year’s Fan’s Choice award.
