The Cranbrook Bucks couldn’t get past the Salmon Arm Silverbacks Saturday, despite a great effort in the 2-1 loss.
The Bucks, who had yet to beat Salmon Arm in two prior attempts, got off to a good start in the first period. A Julian Frias goal within the first two minutes put the Bucks in a 1-0 lead. Cranbrook maintained their lead through intermission, and outshot the Silverbacks 14-10 through the opening frame.
Second period action provided another tug-of-war between the two teams through the first half, though Salmon Arm began to take the edge in play. The Silverbacks were rewarded with the tying goal from JJ Monteiro at 14:59 to square up at 1-1. The Bucks were outshot 10-6 in the second period, the score was deadlocked at 1-1 at intermission.
The Silverbacks struck early in the third period, Monteiro’s second goal of the night came at 1:26 and put Salmon Arm in a 2-1 lead. Both teams had their share of chances through the remainder of regulation time, but the Bucks were unable to gain any ground on the defensively sound Silverbacks, and settled for a 2-1 loss to head into the BCHL’s holiday break.
Saturday’s loss falls Cranbrook’s record to 13-15-1, both teams finished with 30 shots. On special teams, the Bucks and Silverbacks both finished 0/3 on the power play.
The Bucks are off for a few weeks to observe the BCHL’s holiday break. They’re back in action December 30 to start a home and home in Trail versus the Smoke Eaters.
Buck Tracks:
- Julian Frias scores 9th goal of the season.
- Braedyn McIntosh stops 29 of 30 shots.
- Happy holidays from the Cranbrook Bucks!
