It’s a return to the win column for the Cranbrook Bucks following Sunday’s 2-1 win over the Vernon Vipers.
The Bucks, who entered Sunday’s contest on a five-game winless streak, got off to a good start in the first period. The Bucks outshot Vernon 18-9 in the opening frame, though Vipers goalie Colin Reay kept Cranbrook off the board. The first period ended in a 0-0 tie.
Cranbrook continued to press in the second period, and they were rewarded with goals from Jack Silich and Sam Belanger to take a 2-0 lead. Vernon got one back via a Julian Fachinelli power play goal at 15:12 to cut the Bucks’ lead to one goal. The game was in Cranbrook’s hands after forty minutes with the home team maintaining a 2-1 lead.
The focus switched to the goalies in the third period, particularly Cranbrook’s Braedyn McIntosh. The Vipers pushed through the third period with chance after chance, but McIntosh shut the door. A miraculous save from McIntosh in the final minutes, robbing Vernon of a sure fire empty net goal, preserved Cranbrook’s 2-1 win.
Sunday’s victory brings Cranbrook’s record to 15-22-2. On special teams, Cranbrook’s power play went 0/3 and they finished 3/4 on the penalty kill.
The Bucks return to action on the road for a pair of games versus the Prince George Spruce Kings Friday and Saturday.
Buck Tracks:
- 90th career BCHL game for Bucks captain Donovan Frias.
– Article includes photo from Trevor Crawley
