Cranbrook, BC: The Vipers battled hard but couldn’t overcome another early deficit as the Cranbrook Bucks skated to a 4–1 victory in the second game of the weekend series.
First Period
Cranbrook struck quickly once again. Just 22 seconds into the game, Jack McMinn fired a shot from the slot for his seventh of the season to give the Bucks the early lead.
Both teams had power-play opportunities shortly after but were unable to capitalize. Cranbrook extended its lead later in the period when a defensive-zone turnover led to Matthew Gilmore finishing a setup from McMinn for his eighth of the season to make it 2–0.
Vernon responded while shorthanded. A miscommunication between Jason Tremblay and Adam Csabi behind the Cranbrook net allowed Thomas Duhamel to pounce on the loose puck and tuck it into the empty net for his first BCHL goal.
Discipline became an issue as the period continued, with both teams combining for seven power-play opportunities in the frame. Shots favoured Vernon 12–5 after one.
Second Period
The Vipers began the middle frame killing off a carry-over penalty, but Cranbrook maintained possession afterward and extended the lead. Shane Tronoski scored his fifth of the season to make it 3–1.
Penalties continued to pile up for both sides, but the penalty-kill units held firm as neither power play could find momentum.
Shots in the period favoured Cranbrook 10–5.
Third Period
The game tightened defensively in the final frame. Vernon pushed with 10 shots on goal in the period but couldn’t find a way past Tremblay to cut the deficit.
Adam Csabi sealed the win with an empty-net goal late, giving Cranbrook the 4–1 final.
Final Shots
Vernon 27 – Cranbrook 17
Three Stars
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Jack McMinn (1G, 1A)
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Matthew Gilmore (1G – GWG)
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Jason Tremblay (26 saves, win)
FortisBC Energy Player of the Game: Samuel Lyne
The Vipers now turn their attention to a key matchup Friday night in Salmon Arm when they face the Silverbacks at Rogers Rink.
📸 Photo Credit: Martin Ross
