A valiant effort from the Cranbrook Bucks in game two Saturday night got them close to getting even in their second round series with the Penticton Vees, but the BCHL heavyweights eeked out a 3-1 win thanks to some late game heroics.
Neither club made a dent through the first period. Both goalies were in fine form with Penticton outshooting Cranbrook 11-7. A 0-0 deadlock carried on through intermission.
Penticton snatched the lead early in the second period. A goal from Ben Merrill at 2:13 put the Vees up 1-0. Cranbrook was able to square up a few minutes later with a goal from Jacob Fletcher on a 2-on-1 rush at 4:21 to make it a 1-1 score. The Bucks managed just four shots on the Penticton side, but Jaden Cholette was having another good night in the Cranbrook crease and kept the game at a 1-1 tie after forty minutes.
Third period action was at a stalemate, and overtime appeared to be on the horizon for game two. However, the Vees wanted to finish in regulation, and they found a way. With less than three minutes remaining, Penticton’s Caton Ryan tallied his second of the series, to put the Vees up 2-1 late in the game. Another goal from Brock Reinhart on an empty net in the final minute secured a 3-1 victory for Penticton.
Saturday’s loss puts Cranbrook at a 2-0 deficit in their second round series. Round two shifts to Cranbrook for games three and four Wednesday and Thursday.
Buck Tracks:
- Jacob Fletcher earns his first goal of the playoffs.
- 35 saves for Jaden Cholette.
