The Cranbrook Bucks will carry momentum into tonight’s (Oct. 9) matchup against the Trail Smoke Eaters at Western Financial Place after earning back-to-back road wins.
The Bucks’ work ethic and attention to detail paid off last weekend with a 6-2 win over Sherwood Park and a 4-1 victory over Spruce Grove.
Head coach Roshen Jaswal spoke with Pattison Media this week and said he was impressed by how the team controlled both games and handled pressure.
“I mean, we went up early both nights, and were able to, I don’t want to say hold on to the lead, but we were able to control the game, and kind of maintain the lead, and build on it. So, yeah, that was very good,” says Rohsen Jaswal, Head Coach, Cranbrook Bucks.
For Jaswal, the most encouraging part of the team’s steady progress goes beyond the results.
“I just think the way the guys are bought into what we’re trying to do, and everything we’re trying to teach, and their ability to retain information and apply it,” says Jaswal.
“We’re getting better every day, and the guys are really bought in, and I’m hard on them at times, a lot of times probably, but they like it, and they want to get better, and they’re here for a reason.
“I’ve been really impressed with their work ethic, and their attention to detail.”
The Bucks will look to build on that progress tonight against the Trail Smoke Eaters. Cranbrook lost 5-3 in a close matchup between the teams on Sept. 26.
“I think especially just in our transition game with our D, like if we’re able to get pucks up ice a little quicker, it’ll just help our forwards be able to enter zones a little easier, and not play as much, obviously, in our end with our turnovers and stuff,” adds Jaswal.
“I think if we can focus on that, it’ll help us get in the offensive zone a little more, where we can have some success.
“I think just being able to play our game for a full 60 minutes will be huge.”
Looking beyond, the Bucks will also turn their attention to the upcoming BCHL Showcase. It’s an annual marquee event that brings every BCHL team to one location for regular-season games.
The event gives players an opportunity to compete in front of hundreds of coaches and scouts from the NHL, NCAA Division I programs and U Sports.
The showcase is scheduled for Oct. 11–14, at the Silent Ice Center in Nisku, Alberta. The Bucks will play two games.
Jaswal said it is an exciting time for the players, but he is encouraging the group to stay focused on their game.
“We talk about our team goals and our individual goals being aligned, and if we play the right way as a team, it makes you look better as an individual too,” says Jaswal.
“So, it’s good for them, and it’s just understanding that they don’t need to change anything. They can play the way that we play, and then you’ll impress the scouts with our team game.”
At the BCHL Showcase, the Bucks will play Coquitlam Express and Powell River Kings.
Jaswal said the game against the Express will be a “good test” because the Bucks do not often face the Lower Mainland team.
“I think a big thing for us is they’re pretty high-octane up front, so just neutralizing their forwards, and then being able to get pucks behind their D and get in to establish our forecheck, and play with the puck in there, and I think it will be huge,” adds Jaswal.
Turning his attention to the Kings, Jaswal said they play fast, move the puck quickly and transition well.
“They’ll try to get up ice on you, so I think our neutral zone forecheck, and our reloading, our tracking, all the stuff that we talk about will be very, very important for us that night,” says Jaswal.
While the Bucks have found success on the road, Jaswal said support at Western Financial Place can make a difference at home.
“It’s huge. I think if we can – it’s something that they can build off energy-wise. We talk about juice, being juiceful a lot in our room, and I think there’s more fans, the louder it is,” says Jaswal.
“It just picks up their energy and their juice naturally a little more. So, I think playing in front of a crowd that’s loud and supporting you is huge for us, so the more people we can get out, I think the better it is for Cranbrook in general, and it’s better for our players.
“I hope the fans are happy with us, and we’re only going to get better and better.”
Puck drop is 7 p.m. tonight (Oct. 9) at Western Financial Place.
Purchase Bucks tickets at cranbrookbucks.ca/tickets/
Upcoming Schedule:
Friday, October 9, against the Trail Smoke Eaters at Western Financial Place. Puck drop is 7 p.m.
Sunday, October 11, against the Coquitlam Express at Silent Ice Center in Nisku, Alberta. Puck drop is 4 p.m.
Monday, October 12, against the Powell River Kings at Silent Ice Center in Nisku, Alberta. Puck drop is 11:45 a.m.
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