The Nanaimo Buccaneers improved their season record to 5–2 with a strong 5–2 victory over the visiting Saanich Predators.
The Bucs wasted no time getting on the board as Captain Kai Verbrugge struck just 16 seconds into the opening period, notching his second goal of the season. Later in the frame, Quintus Mah extended the lead to 2–0 with his first tally of the year at 14:42. The Predators answered late, cutting the lead in half before the intermission.
The second period belonged to the Buccaneers. Rookie Madden Cruikshank buried his fourth of the season, giving Nanaimo a 3–1 cushion. The Bucs dominated the frame, outshooting Saanich 14–4 in their best stretch of the night.
In the third, Jaxin Karst registered his fourth goal of the campaign to push the score to 4–1. The Predators added pressure, but Ethan Nordli sealed the win with an empty-netter, his third of the season.
Between the pipes, goaltender Adam Ranger was solid throughout, backstopping the Buccaneers to the victory.
The Bucs now turn their attention to their next challenge: a road matchup against the Victoria Cougars on Saturday, October 4.
