The Cranbrook Bucks fell victim to a late strike from the Vernon Vipers Saturday and wound up on the business end of a 3-1 final.
The Vipers took an early first period lead after converting on a power play, returning veteran Isaac Tremblay had the tally at 6:10 to put Vernon up 1-0. Cranbrook threw twelve shots on Vipers goalie Ethan David in the first period, but all were to no avail and Vernon maintained their 1-0 advantage through twenty minutes.
Cranbrook converted on a power play of their own to pull even in the second period. Newly minted assistant captain Bryce Sookro scored his first of the season at 10:02 to pull his Bucks into a 1-1 tie. Neither team budged the rest of the way through the middle frame, and the game held at a 1-1 deadlock at the second intermission.
It appeared as though it would be a second straight overtime finish for the Bucks, some late double minor penalty proved fortuitous for Vernon’s power play unit. The Vipers took over with goals from Adam Csabi at 17:03 and Hank Cleaves at 18:53 to secure a 3-1 win for Vernon.
Saturday’s loss drops Cranbrook’s record to 1-1. The Bucks finished 1/4 on the power play and 3/6 on the penalty kill, the Vipers outshot Cranbrook 30-25.
Cranbrook returns to action Friday on the road versus the West Kelowna Warriors.
Buck Tracks:
- 1st goal of the season for Bryce Sookro.
- 120th BCHL game for Jarrod Smith.
