All good things come to an end, as is the case with the Cranbrook Bucks’ lengthy winning streak over the Trail Smoke Eaters following Saturday’s 3-1 loss on the road.
The Bucks, who had not lost to Trail since late-2021, were looking to build off momentum from Friday’s victory in the first half of their home-and-home. A power play goal from Cranbrook captain Donovan Frias opened the scoring at 16:31. However, Trail was able to net a response in short order with a goal from Christian Kim just over one-minute later to put the game at a 1-1 tie heading into the first intermission.
Trail took over the pace of play in the second period, outshooting the Bucks 14-7. The Smokies added a pair of goals in the first half of the middle frame to extend their lead to 3-1. Cranbrook was unable to tally a response through the latter half of the period and found themselves at a 3-1 deficit after forty minutes.
Third period action took more of a defensive turn. The Bucks managed to kill off a few penalties through the final frame, but could not find an answer for Smokies goalie Teegan Kendrick, and fell 3-1 to their West Kootenay rivals.
Saturday’s loss drops Cranbrook’s record to 3-6-1. Trail outshot the Bucks 38-25, Cranbrook’s power play finished 1/2 and their PK unit went 6/6.
The Bucks head south of the border for their next couple of games as part of the 2023 BCHL Showcase, this year’s event is being held in Seattle. The Bucks face the Chilliwack Chiefs Tuesday morning, followed by a meeting with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs Wednesday afternoon.
Buck Tracks:
- 2 game goal streak for Donovan Frias.
- 1st two BCHL games for AP Jack Turowsky
