Vernon Vipers vs. Cranbrook Bucks – Pre-Game Report

Vernon Vipers (2-6-1-0) vs. Cranbrook Bucks (8-1-0-0)
Location: Western Financial Place, Cranbrook
Puck Drop: 7:00 PM MST
Broadcast: 5:45 PM PST on 107.5 Beach Radio, Vernon Matters, or watch live on FloHockey.

The Vernon Vipers head to Cranbrook tonight to kick off their Interior East weekend, looking to build on momentum after a 6-4 victory over the Blackfalds Bulldogs at the BCHL Showcase. The Vipers are hungry for back-to-back wins as they face the high-flying Cranbrook Bucks, who come into the game riding a five-game win streak.

Vernon Vipers:

The Vipers currently sit with a 2-6-1 record. Their latest outing saw them come out on top in a thrilling 6-4 win against Blackfalds, where forward Shea Busch put on a show, scoring a hat trick. Erik Pastro also came up big, contributing two crucial third-period goals, while Charlie Kresl and Will Schumacher chipped in with multi-point efforts. Goaltender Colin Reay was steady between the pipes, making 21 saves on 25 shots.

On special teams, the Vipers’ powerplay is converting at a rate of 19.4%, while their penalty kill stands at 75.0%. These units will need to be sharp against a dangerous Cranbrook squad.

Cranbrook Bucks:

The Bucks have been dominant to start the season, sitting at 8-1 and tied for second in the BCHL standings. Last night, they secured a dramatic come-from-behind 4-3 victory over the Trail Smoke Eaters, erasing a 3-1 deficit in the third period. Blake Cotton was instrumental, posting two goals and an assist, while Kaslo Ferner netted the game-winner with just 66 seconds remaining in regulation.

Miles Roberts was stellar in goal for Cranbrook, turning aside 34 of 37 shots. Jaden Cholette has been rock solid in net this season, boasting a perfect 5-0 record with an impressive 1.62 GAA and a .948 save percentage.

The Bucks have the top-ranked powerplay in the BCHL, operating at a lethal 41.7%, and their penalty kill is also formidable, sitting second at 88.9%. The Vipers will need to be disciplined and cautious of giving Cranbrook too many opportunities on the man advantage.

Cranbrook’s special teams have been dominant, leading the league with a 41.7% powerplay efficiency and holding the second-best penalty kill at 88.9%.

Players to Watch:

• Shea Busch (Vernon): Coming off a hat trick performance, Busch will be looking to stay hot and lead the offensive charge.
• Erik Pastro (Vernon): With two goals in his last outing, Pastro provides a reliable scoring punch for the Vipers.
• Kaslo Ferner (Cranbrook): The Bucks’ leading goal scorer with 8 goals on the season, Ferner is a key offensive catalyst for Cranbrook.
• Blake Cotton (Cranbrook): Fresh off a 3-point night against Trail, Cotton has been a dynamic playmaker for the Bucks.

Final Notes:

This is the Vipers’ second and final trip to Cranbrook this season, and they’ll need to be at their best to compete against the red-hot Bucks. Solid goaltending, sharp special teams, and minimizing mistakes will be key for the Vipers as they aim to slow down Cranbrook’s high-powered offense. Catch all the action tonight as the puck drops at 6:00 PM PST!