The Prince George Spruce Kings played the role of spoiler on Teddy Bear Toss night in Cranbrook Friday, staging a late comeback to steal a 3-2 win over the Bucks.
The Bucks had the early jump, and Sunday’s overtime hero Bryce Sookro netted the teddy bear goal early, on the power play, to lift Cranbrook to a 1-0 lead. Cranbrook added to their lead when Luke Pfoh converted a nice passing play at 13:41 to go up 2-0. First period action ended with the Bucks’ 2-0 lead intact and a 12-9 shots edge for the home team.
Second period action failed to produce any goals, though the Bucks controlled the pace of play. They outshot Prince George 13-7. Cranbrook held a 2-0 lead after forty minutes, signaling a need for Prince George to make some adjustments at intermission.
The Spruce Kings hit the ice on a mission in the third period. A goal from Luca Primerano less than one-minute into the final frame put Prince George on the board, and cut Cranbrook’s lead to 2-1. A scramble deep in the Bucks zone led to the Spruce Kings’ tying goal from Alexis Cournoyer at 7:31 to deadlock the game at 2-2. It appeared a fourth straight overtime finish was on the horizon for the Bucks, but Prince George had other plans. With less than ninety seconds left in regulation, the Spruce Kings spurred a 2-on-1 rush, and Owen Goodbrand finished the play to lift Prince George to a 3-2 lead. The Bucks attempted a push through the final minute, but were unsuccessful, and the Spruce Kings completed their third period comeback for a 3-2 win.
Friday’s loss drops Cranbrook’s record to 11-14-1, the Spruce Kings outshot the Bucks 31-29. The Bucks finished 1/1 on the power play. The loss brings Cranbrook
The Bucks and Spruce Kings meet again Saturday night in Cranbrook to finish their double-header.
Buck Tracks:
- 3 goals through last 2 games for Bryce Sookro.
- 6 game point streak for Joseph Blackley (6 assists)
- Thank you Bucks fans for your amazing showing at our annual Teddy Bear Toss game!
