A flying first period and some stellar goaltending was the recipe for the West Kelowna Warriors to take a commanding 3-0 series lead against the Cranbrook Bucks on Apr. 9
On Tuesday night at Western Financial Place in Cranbrook, the Warriors dominated the first period, starting when Felix Caron scored his first goal of the postseason at the 7:31 mark. The goal was assisted by Viggo Nordström.
Just 22 seconds later, Callum Hughes found the back of the net, scoring his third of the playoffs to double up the lead. Jack Pridham and Trent Wilson collected the helpers.
2️⃣ goals in 2️⃣2️⃣ seconds!#BCHLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/pEePvopUI9
— West Kelowna Warriors (@BCHLWarriors) April 10, 2024
Less than two minutes later, at the 9:40 mark, Caron scored his second goal of the period to make it 3-0. The powerplay marker was assisted by Isaiah Norlin.
Cranbrook made it a game as Jaden Fodchuk scored early in the second period and Kaslo Ferner made it an one-goal game early in the third period but that’s as close as they could come.
Warriors goaltender Matthew DellaRusso was outstanding inbetween the pipes, making 36 saves in the win. One of his last stops saved the game for the Warriors.
GAME SAVER BY MATTHEW DELLARUSSO!
— BCHL (@BCHockeyLeague) April 10, 2024
A dramatic finish in Cranbrook sees the West Kelowna Warriors hold on for a narrow 3-2 win in Game 3 thanks to a highlight-reel last-second save by their goaltender.
🎙️ @Miller_Lite00 #BCHLPlayoffs | @BCHLWarriors pic.twitter.com/K06lgseA0f
With the win, the Warriors lead the best-of-seven series 3-0. They have a chance to complete the sweep on Wednesday night (Apr. 10) as the puck drops on game four at 6 p.m. Pacific time.
If the Warriors lose, the series will shift back to West Kelowna for game five on Friday night at Royal LePage Place at 7 p.m. Pacific time.
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