Despite a late game push, a comeback effort fell just short as the Bucks dropped a 3-2 loss to the Sherwood Park Crusaders on Friday night at Western Financial Place in Cranbrook.
Bryce Sookro scored two quick goals late in the game, but The Herd couldn't find the equalizer before the buzzer sounded.
Both teams held each other scoreless in the opening frame.
However, the Crusaders drew first blood on the powerplay just over a minute into the middle period on an effort from Chris Battaini. Laate in the frame, Tristen Buckley doubled up the lead for Sherwood Park.
Less than five minutes into the final period, Nicolas Beaudoin found the back of the net for a 3-0 lead for Sherwood Park.
However, the Crusaders got into some penalty trouble and the Bucks powerplay went to work.
Sookro scored at the 7:41 mark, and added his second of the night a few minutes later on separate powerplay opportunities to make it a one-goal game with 10 minutes to go.
The Bucks put 35 shots on Crusaders goaltender James Venne, while Cranbrook netminder Jaden Cholette made 28 saves in goal.
