Bucks Drop Game 1 of Interior Division Final to Silverbacks
The Cranbrook Bucks fell 4-2 to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in the opening game of the BCHL Interior Division Final on Friday night at Rogers Rink in Salmon Arm.
Despite a strong effort and taking a brief lead in the second period, the Bucks were unable to hold off a late push from the Silverbacks, who scored three times in the third period to take a 1-0 series lead.
The game started evenly, with both teams trading goals in the first period. Salmon Arm opened the scoring at 12:04 when Booker Toninato (#28) notched his first career playoff goal, assisted by Richard Wonyeneh and Scott Miner. The Bucks responded quickly at 14:43 as Mitch Patrick (#26) scored his first career playoff goal (assisted by Konnor Bissell) to tie the game at 1-1.
Cranbrook carried the momentum into the second period and took their first lead of the night at 5:55. Mitch Patrick struck again, tipping in his second goal of the game (assists: Jeremy Poirier and Konnor Bissell), giving the Bucks a 2-1 advantage heading into the final frame.
The third period belonged to the Silverbacks who tied the game on the power play at 6:47 with a goal from Anthony Preskar (#23), assisted by Tanner Walos and Anthony Cardilli. Keifer Miller (#26) then gave Salmon Arm the lead at 13:11 with an unassisted even-strength marker. With time winding down and the Bucks’ net empty, Tanner Walos (#13) added an empty-net goal at 18:35 to seal the 4-2 victory.
Goaltending Battle Jason Tremblay (#29) started for the Bucks and made 28 saves on 31 shots (.903 save percentage). For the Silverbacks, Daniel Dirracolo (#31) earned the win with 28 saves on 30 shots (.933 save percentage).
Key Stats
- Final Score: Salmon Arm Silverbacks 4, Cranbrook Bucks 2
- Shots on Goal: Bucks 30 – Silverbacks 32
- Period Scoring: 1st (1-1), 2nd (1-0 Bucks), 3rd (0-3 Silverbacks)
- Power Play: Bucks 0-for-2 | Silverbacks 1-for-2
- Three Stars: 1. Keifer Miller (SA), 2. Tanner Walos (SA), 3. Mitch Patrick (CRA)
Mitch Patrick was a bright spot for Cranbrook, leading the team with two goals, while Konnor Bissell contributed two assists.
The series now continues with Game 2 in Salmon Arm. The Bucks will look to even the series at 1-1 before the action returns home to Western Financial Place for Game 3 on Tuesday, April 21 at 7:00 PM MDT.
