What a difference a week makes.
In last week’s three stars, it was all about the offence. Three wins and 25 goals in four games — the herd was scoring, winning, and feeling good.
One week later, however, a tough road trip against Interior Conference rivals proved to be too much for a Bucks offence that scored just four times in three games — going winless in an 0-2-1 trip.
Cranbrook suffered a 4-3 overtime loss in Penticton on Wednesday, a 2-1 loss to Salmon Arm on Friday, and wrapped up the trip with a 1-0 defeat in Vernon on Saturday.
That being said, it’s not much of a surprise that the goaltenders made the headlines, after giving the team a chance to win in three difficult matchups.
So let’s get to it — here are the Cranbrook Bucks three stars of the week!
First Star — Nathan Airey
Airey was nothing short of spectacular in Wednesday’s overtime loss to Penticton, stopping 51 of 55 shots in a narrow defeat.
He then made 20 more saves in the tight loss to Salmon Arm on Friday.
All tolled, the busiest member of the herd posted a 2.94 goals-against-average and a .922 save-percentage in his two appearances, en route to being the first star of the week.
Second Star — Carter Capton
Capton suffered his first career BC Hockey League loss in Vernon on Saturday, despite giving up just one goal on 28 shots.
His impressive 1.01 GAA and .964 SV% last week only improved upon his career numbers, which now include a 3-1-0 record, a 1.00 GAA, a .960 SV%, and one shutout.
Third Star — Carsyn Good
Good has been known as a sturdy, physical, two-way defender in his two seasons with the Bucks, but he’s added a bit of an offensive side as he’s gained experience in the league.
That offensive side stood out last week, as Good picked up a goal and an assist on the road trip.
Even while pitching in some offence, Good still didn’t give anything on the defensive side, continuing to be a force on the Bucks backend in three tough road games.
Unsung Hero of the Week
A former familiar face as a frequent unsung hero of the week, Jarrod Smith has elevated himself to an offensive weapon this season.
However, Smith was one of many players held pointless on the road trip, forcing him back to his dependable, responsible habits, earning him the unsung hero of the week.
Honourable Mentions
Jack Silich continued his rampant pace, picking up a goal and an assist on Wednesday in Penticton to extend his goal-scoring streak to five games.
Veterans Rhys Bentham and Kellan Hjartarson each continued their strong seasons with a goal on the trip.
Cam Kungle picked up an assist in Penticton for his eighth point during a four-game point-streak, while Noah Quinn picked up a helper on the tour as well.
The Bucks will look to get back in the win column on Friday night when they start a three-game Coastal Conference road trip in Nanaimo against the Clippers.
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