The Cranbrook Bucks played a trio of games last week, offering ample opportunity for some top-notch performances.
First, Cranbrook hosted the Salmon Arm Silverbacks on Thursday in a game that the home-side earned a 2-1 overtime decision.
Then the Bucks travelled to Wenatchee for two more intense matchups with the Wild.
They were able to pick up their first win south of the border in a 4-2 triumph on Saturday, but had to settle for a stateside split after being shutout 3-0 by Wenatchee on Sunday.
Through it all, Cranbrook once again received contributions from up and down the lineup, including a couple recognized at the league level.
Here are the Cranbrook Bucks three stars of the week.
First Star — Tyson Dyck
Not only is Dyck the Bucks first star of the week, he was named the second star in the entire BC Hockey league for his play last week.
Dyck scored five of Cranbrook’s six goals — including both tallies in the overtime win against Salmon Arm, and a third period hat-trick in the win over Wenatchee.
The Bucks leading-scorer now has 31 goals and 33 assists for 64 points through 48 games this season.
Second Star — Nathan Airey
Cranbrook’s 18-year-old goalie was outstanding last week, going 2-0 with 1.49 goals against average and a .956 save-percentage in two starts.
Airey joined Dyck in being recognized by the BCHL, as he was given an honourable mention in the league’s three stars of the week.
He is now 17-11-4 on the season with a 2.76 GAA, a .909 SV%, and three shutouts in 34 games.
Third Star — Liam Hansson
Hansson kept up his production last week registering two assists in the Bucks three games.
On Sunday night when Cranbrook was shutout in Wenatchee, Hansson even dropped the gloves and tried giving his team a lift with a fight.
The 20-year-old forward’s leadership abilities continue to shine through as the games get more meaningful down the stretch.
Unsung Hero of the Week
This week’s unsung hero is defenseman and alternate captain Cam Kungle, for his contributions that don’t show up in the boxscore.
Kungle was once again a force from the Bucks blueline in the trio of important games for his team.
Defending, battling, and starting Cranbrook’s offense from the defensive zone are some of Kungle’s contributions last week.
Honourable Mentions
Forward Kellan Hjartarson was one of the Bucks best players last week, despite contributing just an assist to the offense.
Hjartarson’s grit, strength, and determination were a key part in the team’s success, including this individual effort to set up Thursday’s overtime winner.
Another outstanding forward last week was 20-year-old Brendan Rogers, who was elevated in the lineup and took his game to another level.
The Bucks continued to get contributions from Rhys Bentham who had two assists, while defensemen Bauer Morrissey, Carsyn Good, and Declan Ride added helpers as well.
Evan Gartner was the starting goalie on Sunday and despite allowing three goals on 23 shots, he made several big saves to keep Cranbrook in the game.
The Bucks are back in action this week when they host the Merritt Centennials on Thursday and Friday, before heading to Vernon on Sunday to complete another three-game weekend.
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