The return of Cranbrook Bucks fan favourite Noah Urness brought plenty of excitement for Friday’s game, but a similar trend unfolded with the Bucks taking yet another one-goal loss in a 3-2 setback versus the Coquitlam Express.
The Express opened the scoring early in the first period. Jacob Bonkowski converted for Coquitlam after a turnover in the Cranbrook zone to put the Express up 1-0 at 4:24. Both goalies stayed sharp the rest of the way through the first period, and Coquitlam’s 1-0 lead was maintained through intermission.
The Bucks bounced back with a second period power play. Bryce Sookro’s one-timer point blast evened the score at 1-1 at 7:33. Coquitlam netted a response about four minutes later from Cole Melady to restore their lead at 2-1 at 11:45. Just sixteen seconds later, Urness picked up where he left off with his twelfth goal of the season to tie the game 2-2. Coquitlam had the last laugh in the middle frame, a late goal from Nate Crema put the Express up 3-2 with the third period waiting in the wings.
Third period action was one for the goalies, Cranbrook’s Braedyn McIntosh and Coquitlam’s Eric Young stood their ground to hold the score steady. A late push with an empty net for the Bucks did not materialize any offence, and Coquitlam skated away with a 3-2 victory.
Friday’s loss drops Cranbrook’s record to 19-27-3, the Bucks are winless through their last five games. On special teams. Cranbrook’s power play went 1/3 and they were 2/3 on the penalty kill, the Bucks outshot Coquitlam 41-21.
Cranbrook is back in action Saturday night in Trail versus the Smoke Eaters.
Buck Tracks:
- Congrats to Julian and Donovan Frias on reaching the 100 game milestone.
- Welcome back Noah Urness!
