The Cranbrook Bucks remain flawless to start the BCHL season thanks to Friday’s 3-2 comeback win versus the Okotoks Oilers.
The Bucks face a bit of adversity for the first time this season when the Oilers managed to jump to an early first period lead. Okotoks drew first blood with a goal in the first minute from Jacob Goudreau to lift the Oilers to a 1-0 lead. The lead was extended to 2-0 thanks to a Brett Wilson goal at 3:58. Cranbrook managed to gain a response via Matthew Gilmore’s second goal of the season at 4:46 to cut the Bucks’ deficit to 2-1, that score held steady through intermission.
The second period was more defensive-minded, with both teams clamping down in their zones. The lone blemish came early in the middle frame when Blake Cotton was sprung for a breakaway goal at the 43 second mark, lifting the Bucks to a 2-2 tie. The deadlock remained intact through forty minutes.
Both teams were hanging tough in the third period. The Bucks found the net at 11:46 via some soft hands from Rasmus Svartstrom to put the Bucks up 3-2. A late push from Okotoks fell short, and the Bucks managed to skate away with a 3-2 victory.
Friday’s win gives the Bucks a 3-0 record to start the season. On special teams, Cranbrook’s power play went 0/2 and their penalty kill finished 3/3 while the Oilers won the shots battle at 43-34.
The two teams meet again Saturday night in Okotoks to complete their home and home.
Buck Tracks:
- 1g, 1a for Blake Cotton.
- 1a for Tanner Fennell, 5 points this season
