Bucks Drop Game 5, Trail Series 3-2
The Cranbrook Bucks fell 4-2 to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in Game 5 of the BCHL Interior Division Final on Friday night at Rogers Rink in Salmon Arm. The Silverbacks now lead the series 3-2, with Game 6 scheduled for Sunday, April 26 at 6:00 PM MDT at Western Financial Place.
Salmon Arm got off to a strong start, scoring twice in the first period to take a 2-0 lead. Anthony Cardilli opened the scoring by batting a rebound out of the air at 15:19, and Jared Rothman added to it at 19:56. The Bucks responded in the second period with a goal from Kaslo Ferner who picked the top corner at 7:58 (assisted by Camden Charron), but Chase Campbell replied for the Silverbacks at 3:18 to restore the two-goal advantage on a back side feed.
In the third period, Adam Csabi narrowed the gap to 3-2 at 17:37 (assisted by Kaslo Ferner), giving the Bucks late life. However, Aidan Shirey scored an insurance goal for Salmon Arm at 19:12 (assists: Landon Mackie and Mateu Späth) to seal the 4-2 victory.
Goaltending Battle: Josh Scully made 33 saves on 36 shots for the Bucks in a strong effort. Daniel Dirracolo earned the win for the Silverbacks with 32 saves on 34 shots.
Key Game Stats
- Final Score: Salmon Arm Silverbacks 4, Cranbrook Bucks 2
- Shots on Goal: Bucks 34 – Silverbacks 37
- Power Plays: Bucks 0-for-2 | Silverbacks 0-for-1
- Three Stars:
- Chase Campbell (Salmon Arm) – 1G, 1A
- Daniel Dirracolo (Salmon Arm) – 32 saves
- Josh Scully (Cranbrook) – 33 saves
The Bucks showed resilience by battling back in the third period, but Salmon Arm’s timely scoring and solid goaltending proved to be the difference on home ice.
Game 6 returns to Western Financial Place on Sunday, April 26 at 6:00 PM MDT. This is a must-win game for the Bucks to force a Game 7 and keep their season alive.
