Warriors, Bucks take series to Game 7
Vees, Vipers, Silverbacks are already through to the next round
The West Kelowna Warriors and the Cranbrook Bucks were slated to play the seventh and deciding game of their BC Hockey League first-round playoff series Tuesday night at Royal LePage Place.
The opening faceoff took place after this edition of the Westside Weekly went to press.
The Warriors looked to have the series well in hand after winning the first three games, but the Bucks clawed their way back, winning three in a row, including an overtime victory in Game 6.
West Kelowna opened the series with two home wins – an 8-2 drubbing in Game 1 and a 4-3 overtime win in Game 2.
In Cranbrook for midweek action, the Warriors also took Game 3 by a 3-2 score, but the Bucks prevented a sweep with a 4-3 win in Game 4.
The visiting Bucks took Game 5 Friday by a 6-5 count and were 4-3 overtime winners Sunday in the East Kootenays.
On Sunday, Jaden Fodchuk was the overtime hero for Cranbrook just 3:13 into the extra session – and just nine seconds after his hooking penalty expired.
The clubs were tied 1-1 and 2-2 at the intermissions.
Noah Urness, Samuel Lyne and Julian Frias also tallied for the Bucks. Sean Keohane, Trent Wilson and Felix Caron replied for the Warriors.
Shots were 39-38 in favour of Cranbrook, which had Carter Capton between the pipes. Matthew DellaRusso was in net for West Kelowna.
On Friday, the second period was the difference in Cranbrook’s 6-5 win as they outscored West Kelowna 4-1 in the middle frame.
The Warriors appeared headed for a series sweep in Game 4 as they led 3-1 early in the third period, before surrendering three consecutive goals to the Bucks. Shane Baker, Tyler Wishart, Jack Silich and Luke Sodergren scored for Cranbrook, while Dylan Krayer, Felix Caron and Viggo Nordstrom replied for West Kelowna.
The Warriors-Bucks series was the only Interior Conference series to go to seven games.
Penticton Vees, Vernon Vipers and Salmon Arm Silverbacks were all awaiting the results for seeding of the second round, which begins Friday,
Penticton completed its fourgame sweep of the Prince George Spruce Kings on April 10.
Vernon eliminated Trail on Friday night with a 6-2 win to claim that series 4-1.
Salmon Arm knocked out Merritt on Saturday night with a 4-1 win in Game 6.
In the Coastal Conference, the Chilliwack Chiefs swept the Langley Rivermen 4-0. The Surrey Eagles beat the Cowichan Valley Capitals 4-1; the Victoria Grizzlies topped the Nanaimo Clippers 4-1; and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs were tied 3-3 with the Coquitlam Express.