It was not the start to the BCHL playoffs that the Cranbrook Bucks were looking for on Friday night versus the West Kelowna Warriors.
The Warriors were able to take control of the game in the first period. A goal from Jack Pridham got the scoring started just after the eight minute barrier, the Warriors would add another pair of goals to take a 3-0 lead into intermission.
The Bucks held steady with the Warriors through the second period. A Jacob Fletcher goal in the dying minutes cut the home team’s lead to 3-1, and it appeared the Bucks might have a chance to get back into the game when second intermission arrived.
Any Cranbrook comeback hopes were quickly dashed by West Kelowna. The Warriors outscored the Bucks 5-1 through the final frame to secure an 8-1 win in game one.
The Bucks trail the series 1-0 after Friday’s loss, the Warriors outshot Cranbrook 38-26. On special teams, Cranbrook finished 1/4 on the power play while West Kelowna went 4/6 with the man advantage.
The Bucks will have a chance to pull even in the best-of-seven in game two Saturday night.
Buck Tracks:
- Jacob Fletcher and Noah Urness each tally 2 points.
