The latest meeting of the BCHL’s Kootenay archrivals left no doubt that that rivalry will continue, with the Trail Smoke Eaters and Cranbrook Bucks splitting their two weekend games, home and away.
Friday’s tilt at Western Financial Place in Cranbrook proved to be on the razor’s edge, with the Bucks coming out on top 3-2, thanks to Donovan Frias’s third period power play goal, his first of the season, at the 1:14 minute mark. The Herd stayed strong on defence to close out the game.
The teams traded scores in the first two periods — Josh Schenk opened the scoring for Trail, Kaslo Ferner tied it, Adam Marschall scored for Trail in the second, Julian Frias made it 2-2.
Both teams recorded 38 shots on goal, on Danick Leroux in net for Cranbrook and Teagan Kendrick for Trail.
Just over 1,900 fans came out to take in Friday night’s game in Cranbrook.
The Smoke Eaters came out on top Saturday night at home at the Cominco Arena, posting a 3-1 win over the visiting Herd.
Donovan Frias opened the scoring with his second goal of the season late in the first period, but Christian Kim of the Smokies tied it up only one minute later to end the frame.
Two unanswered goals in the second gave the home side a 3-1 lead, and after a scoreless third, so it would remain.
Trail came out strong on offence, firing 38 goals in total at Carter Capton, who stopped 35 of them. The Bucks got 25 shots away on Teagan Kendrick in net for Trail.
The Bucks penalty kill was strong on Saturday, shutting down the Trail power play six times (four of those penalties were in the third). Trail got called three times in the first period, including a 10-minute misconduct to Nathan Dominici.
The Bucks now hit the road, travelling to Seattle for the BC Hockey League Showcase at the Kraken Community Iceplex. All 17 teams will play two games each, over four days for NHL and NCAA scouts. The Bucks will take on the Chilliwack Chiefs on Tuesday, Oct. 24, and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs on Wednesday. They return home to host the West Kelowna Warriors on Saturday, Oct. 28.
