Cranbrook Bucks launch 2022-23 BCHL season Friday

The boys are back!

The Cranbrook Bucks are beginning the 2022-23 BCHL regular season this weekend with two games on the road.

The Bucks begin their season Friday versus the Merritt Centennials, they’re back on the ice Saturday versus the Penticton Vees.

Bucks coach Ryan Donald says his group will be coming into the season with more experience and size.

“We’ve got a lot more experience, we’ve got guys a little bit older that have gone through the battle of a full season,” Donald says. “That was the biggest thing that we missed going into last year, the travel, the different arenas, playing three games in forty-eight hours and how you have to manage your body.”

Cranbrook is icing a roster with a strong mix of returning veterans and new recruits.

Local fans will recognize names like Rhys Bentham, Nathan Airey, Jarrod Smith, Kellan Hjartarson, Cam Kungle, Luke Pfoh, Noah Quinn, Carsyn Good, Bauer Morrissey and others.

New blood on the Bucks roster includes twin brothers Julian and Donovan Frias, Ethan Sundar, Jack Silich, Jack Henry and more.

Donald expects both of this weekend’s games to provide plenty of good early tests for his Bucks.

Merritt appears to be vastly improved compared to last year’s squad which was only able to muster three wins through the season, the Centennials posted a 4-2 record in the preseason and will have a full year with Curtis Tonneff behind the bench – the former Trail Smoke Eaters assistant coach joined Merritt halfway through the 2021-22 season.

Saturday’s clash features the defending Fred Page Cup champions – the Penticton Vees.

Like most seasons, the Vees walk into the upcoming BCHL season as championship contenders. Several players from last year’s championship are returning including Jackson Nieuwendyk, Josh and Brad Nadeau, Ryan Hopkins and Josh Neidermayer to name a few.

D0nald says opening weekend will be a good chance to get an early read on this year’s edition of the Bucks.

“We expect a good test out of Merritt, they had a really good run in the preseason, they beat some good teams and they’re ready to play some solid hockey,” says Donald. “We’ll get to Penticton on Saturday night. Obviously they’re a good team. They’re a team that sets the bar for where this league normally is.”

You can stream all Cranbrook Bucks games on BCHL TV.

– Ryan Donald – Head Coach/General Manager, Cranbrook Bucks