The Cranbrook Bucks secured their first win of the regular season tonight (Sept. 25) at Western Financial Place.
Forward Ty Ross scored twice, while rookie goaltender Keegan Carswell stopped 31 of 33 shots in a 4-2 home win over the Okotoks Oilers.
Ross opened the scoring 4:43 into the first period, assisted by Luc Trevors and Matthew Gilmore.
Eleven minutes later, Wilson Watson scored on the power play to pull the Oilers even.
Bucks defenceman Cole Willard restored Cranbrook’s lead on a pass from Gilmore, but Okotoks’ Matthew Hikida tied the game again minutes later.
Cranbrook kept pressing, and forward Gryphon Watson-Bucci scored with assists from Mitch Patrick and Cadel Gourlay.
Early in the third period, Ross added his second goal of the night, assisted by Lucas Husted-Edwards and Trevors.
(Photo Credit: Simone Joseph)
Head coach Roshen Jaswal said the first win felt good, though the team remains focused on process over results.
“I think it showed the hard work that we’ve been putting in and the guys have been putting in since they got here almost a month ago now. Just really, really proud of how they worked,” said Jaswal.
“There were some ups and downs in the game, but they really stuck to our game plan. I thought our third period really showed where these guys are at right now. Good building block for us.
“Nice to enjoy the win tonight and then get back to work tomorrow.”
Jaswal also praised the players for blocking shots, closing lanes and sacrificing for one another.
“When you see that in September, obviously everyone does it in the playoffs, but when you see that in September, it shows you that this group has really bought in to playing the right way and playing for each other.”
Forward Ty Ross was named the first star of the game and said it was special to earn the group’s first win together.
“Just with the group we have, and putting in the work every day, finally seeing some results come through, it’s pretty special to enjoy it with the guys. And just a lot of fun,” said Ross.
With the season’s first home game complete, Ross said playing at Western Financial Place was unmatched.
“The building was a lot of energy. Fans were really into it. Super special place to play,” he added.
Looking ahead to tomorrow’s game against Trail, Ross said the Bucks must keep things simple, especially in their own zone.
(Photo Credit: Simone Joseph)
“Just playing direct, putting puck to the net, getting bodies in front, screens, just simple details like that that often pay off. And you saw that tonight.”
Jaswal said the Bucks must stick to their style of play and avoid overcomplicating things against the Smoke Eaters.
“There was a way that we played when we were playing well and obviously, we tried to complicate things and then it gets a little bit messier.
“So just sticking to how we want to play in our game plan and I think if we can do that we should have some success.”
The Bucks return to action tomorrow night (Sept. 26) against the Trail Smoke Eaters at Western Financial Place.
Puck drops at 6 p.m.
Tickets are available at cranbrookbucks.ca/tickets/.
(Photo Credit: Simone Joseph)
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