PHOTO: James Maclennan
The Spruce Grove Saints couldn’t find a way past a strong Cranbrook defensive effort Friday night, falling 3–0 to the Bucks in a tightly played road game at Western Financial Place.
The Saints came out with energy and pace, matching Cranbrook stride for stride early and generating chances off the forecheck. Despite solid zone time and looks from the slot, Spruce Grove was unable to convert, as the Bucks’ goaltender Jason Tremblay turned aside everything sent his way in the opening frame.
Cranbrook opened the scoring midway through the second period, capitalizing on a bounce around the net to break the deadlock. The goal shifted momentum in a game that had been evenly contested, and the Saints spent the remainder of the period pressing to respond but couldn’t find the equalizer.
The Bucks added a pair of empty net goals late in the 3rd period and, despite the strong efforts of Ryan De Kok in the Saints net, it was Cranbrook who came away victorious.
The Saints will look to regroup and bounce back as they continue their road swing for the second of two games in Cranbrook going on Saturday night at Western Financial Place. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM with the game streamed live on FloHockey.
