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Cranbrook Bucks split weekend BCHL action

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Bucks’ defenseman Malachi Freh (#5) ties up Nanaimo’s Evan Brown (#19) in front of goalie Braedyn McIntosh (#1) who was playing his first game for the Bucks in Saturday night’s 6-3 loss to the Clippers. Martin Ross photo.

The Cranbrook Bucks split their weekend BCHL action during a two-game double header at Western Financial Place over the weekend.

On Saturday, the Bucks gave up a lead as the Nanaimo Clippers stormed back in the latter half of the game to win 6-3, led by a hat trick from Joel Plante.

The goals were fast and fierce in the first period.

Kalso Ferner opened the scoring for the Bucks, before Plante responded to tie it up just after the 10 minute mark. Blake Cotton and Jack Silich also tallied for a 3-1 lead after the first frame.

It was all Nanaimo after that, which scored five unanswered goals.

Bucks newcomer Braedyn McIntosh made his debut in goal with 34 saves, while The Herd got three pucks past Tyler Hodges in 45 shots.

The loss to the Clippers snapped a four-game win streak for the Bucks.

Earlier on Friday, the Bucks picked up a 3-1 win over the visiting Cowichan Valley Capitals, as Evan Brown led the way with a pair of goals and a helper.

The Bucks were also buoyed by Danick Reeves, a Kootenay Hockey Academy player who was called up to the big club for the weekend.

Evan Brown gave the Bucks the lead in the first period, as The Herd tripled up the Capitals on the shot clock for the first 20 minutes.

Bryce Sookro added to the lead in the second period with an absolute bomb from the top of the offensive zone faceoff circle, while Brown tallied his second after collecting a loose rebound in the slot.

Andrej Kovacevic put the Capitals on the board in the third period on a powerplay.

Cody Butikis had a busy night in goal for the Capitals with 38 saves, while Bucks netminder Dan Leroux earned the win with 24 stops.

The Bucks are on the road for the next five games, with a jaunt into Prince George and Salmon Arm next weekend, before heading to the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.



Trevor Crawley

About the Author: Trevor Crawley

Trevor Crawley has been a reporter with the Cranbrook Townsman and Black Press in various roles since 2011.
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