What a week for the Cranbrook Bucks.
First, they set a franchise record for goals in a single game on Monday when they marched to a 9-2 victory over the Cowichan Valley Capitals at the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack.
Just four days later, the Bucks turned their new franchise record into an old one by surpassing the previous high in a 10-3 win against Powell River on Friday night.
All said and done, Cranbrook went 3-1-0 in four games played between Oct. 15-21, which is the span I’ll use for this week’s three stars due to scheduling around the league’s annual showcase event.
The four games played and 25 goals scored during that time gave ample opportunity for Bucks players to showcase their skills — and here are the ones that stood out.
First Star — Jack Silich
What more is left to be said about the heater that Silich is currently on? Four games, seven goals, nine points, first star of the week in the BCHL.
Silich scored a goal and added an assist in Cranbrook’s come-from-behind 4-3 overtime win in Trail on Oct. 15 to begin his hot streak. He then notched a hat-trick in the Bucks blowout win over Cowichan Valley.
After adding another goal and assist on Tuesday against the Nanaimo Clippers, Silich scored a couple more times against Powell River on Friday.
His current goal-scoring streak has Silich up to nine goals and 12 points in 10 games this season.
Second Star — Cam Kungle
Like Silich, Kungle was recognized in the league’s three stars with an honourable mention.
He finished the week on a three-game point-streak, in which Kungle scored once and added six helpers.
Outside of offensive production, Kungle continues to be the Bucks most consistent two-way defender, while using his natural leadership abilities to help keep the herd on the right path.
Third Star — Rhys Bentham
In a similar fashion to his frequent defensive partner Kungle, Bucks team captain Bentham paired strong offensive production with a responsible, lead-by-example style of play.
Bentham tallied two goals and four assists for six points of production during the past four games, while continuing to lead his team by doing things the right way.
Unsung Hero of the Week
This week’s unsung hero is a player who recorded his first BCHL point in the Bucks last game on Friday — Matt Duarte.
The six-foot-four, 200-pound power forward has finally been rewarded for his relentless forechecking and physical yet responsible play.
Honourable Mentions
Defender Jack Henry returned from a three-game absence due to injury and picked up right where he left off. Henry had a pair of two-point efforts last week to bring his season total to six points in seven games, on the strength of three goals and three assists.
Forward Ethan Sundar scored his first goal of the season on Friday, and that coupled with his five assists last week gave him a total of six points.
Assistant captain and veteran forward Kellan Hjartarson continued his consistent play last week, scoring once and adding four helpers for five points through four contests.
16-year-old rookie forward Jaxon Fuder only played in three games last week, but he made the most of them with two goals and two assists for four points.
The Bucks are back in action Wednesday night when they kick off a three-game Interior road trip in Penticton.
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