The BCHL’s Kootenay clash returns to Cominco Arena tonight for pivotal game five.
Wednesday’s 7-6 Cranbrook win in triple-overtime tied the BCHL first round series at two games each.
Two tumultuous periods saw the teams pile up 10 goals in game four, capped by Cranbrook’s tying marker with under two minutes left in the third period.
It took about almost another 44 minutes of playing time before the Bucks buried the winner.
Christian Kim had a huge night with two goals and an assist and leads the Smokies with six points in the season series.
The 19-year-old Californian is also a finalist for the BCHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player award.
Nelson’s Bryce Sookro scored power play goals during both Cranbrook contests and leads the Bucks with five season series points.
The 20-year-old rearguard is a candidate for the BCHL’s Top Defenseman award.
Series leading marksman Black Cotton of the Bucks scored all three of his goals on Wednesday, including the overtime winner.
The all-Kootenay clash has also seen the emergence of Trail’s rookie line of Josh Evaschesen, Cade De St. Hubert and Cash Carter.
Evaschesen scored the empty net goal that sealed Tuesday’s 3-1 Smokies victory in game three, De St. Hubert has a goal and two assists in the series and Carter, like his line mates has helped the newbies thrive in a pressure packed playoff environment. They were matched against the Bucks top line of Rasmus Svartstrom, Jacob Fletcher and Patrick Murphy during game two in Trail.
The Smokies balanced offensive attack has been spread through all four forward lines, with defenseman Jack Kennedy chipping in with a pair of goals.
Teagan Kendrick continues to carry impressive numbers in the post season.
The 20-year-old Smokies netminder who has a 2.48 goals against average and a save percentage of .919, is in the running for the BCHL’s Best Goaltender award.
Head Coach and GM Tim Fragle is one of the three finalists for BCHL Coach of the Year.
Game five of this hard-hitting, close checking, tightly contested and highly intense playoff matchup should be no different.
Opening faceoff at Cominco Arena is set for 7 p.m. and good seats are still available at Tickets.TrailSmokeEaters.com.
All Smokies playoff action can be listened to to Mixlr or watched on FloHockey.
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