The past week for the Cranbrook Bucks featured a two-game trip up to Vernon to play the Vipers on Friday and Saturday.
Cranbrook suffered a 3-2 defeat on Friday — the third straight loss to Vernon and fourth in a row overall for the Bucks.
They were able to get back in the win column on Saturday, as the Bucks claimed a 3-2 victory of their own over the Vipers to snap their losing streak.
Cranbrook was led by a few of the usual suspects over the weekend, and there was a fresh face emerge as a difference-maker this time around as well.
Here are the Cranbrook Bucks three stars of the week!
First Star — Kellan Hjartarson
The big week for Kellan Hjartarson began last Wednesday when he announced his commitment to play NCAA Division I hockey at Bentley University.
He then wrapped up his week by scoring twice on Saturday night, leading the Bucks to victory in Vernon.
Hjartarson ranks third on the team in goals and points this season, having scored 15 times and adding 14 assists for 29 total points through 40 games.
Second Star — Noah Quinn
The only Bucks player other than Hjartarson to finish with a multi-point weekend was Noah Quinn, en route to being second star in consecutive weeks.
While continuing to be a leader for the Bucks, Quinn picked up a goal in the loss on Friday and then an assist in the win on Saturday.
He now has 17 goals, 19 assists, and 36 points through 39 games, trailing only Tyson Dyck for second on the Bucks in each of those offensive categories.
Third Star — Nathan Airey
Another repeat offender this week is goaltender Nathan Airey, who was solid once again for the Bucks to earn another third star nod.
Airey played both games on the weekend, picking up a win to accompany a 2.50 goals-against average and a .915 save-percentage.
He now owns a 13-11-4 record on the season with a 2.83 GAA, a .906 SV%, and three shutouts.
Unsung Hero of the Week
This week’s unsung hero is defenseman Cam Kungle, for his contributions that don’t show up in the boxscore.
While not contributing any points over the weekend, Cranbrook’s alternate captain was a force on the backend.
Some injuries caused everyone’s roles to be elevated on the Bucks blueline, and Kungle emerged as an unsung hero!
Honourable Mentions
Forwards Tyson Dyck and Liam Hansson both found the scoresheet again this weekend to continue their strong play of late.
On the backend, the Bucks got assists from Rhys Bentham and Carsyn Good.
Forwards Luke Pfoh, Jaden Fodchuk, and Andrew King also all contributed assists, to break out of varying pointless droughts.
Pfoh picked up his first point in six contests, King got his first in 17 games, and Fodchuk found his first career BCHL point.
The Bucks are back on the road this weekend, as they play in Merritt on Friday, West Kelowna on Saturday, and Penticton on Sunday.
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