The Nanaimo Buccaneers pushed their record to 6 wins and 4 losses on the season with a hard-fought 5–3 victory on home ice in front of 370 fans at the Thanksgiving Monday Matinee.
Nanaimo jumped out to a 2–0 first-period lead on goals by Madden Cruickshank (6) and Boston McDonald (2), setting the tone early for a strong opening frame.
The second period remained scoreless thanks to a series of outstanding saves from goaltender Adam Ranger, who stood tall against a relentless Oceanside attack.
At 2–0 in the third, the Generals were awarded a penalty shot and capitalized to close the gap to 2–1. The Bucs responded with two clutch goals from Koen Gauthier (5), extending the lead to 4–1.
Oceanside refused to go quietly, scoring twice late to make it 4–3 and nearly tying the game before Captain Kai Verbrugge (3) sealed the win with an empty-netter at 19:51 to make it 5–3.
The Bucs now head out on the road for their next two matchups:
- October 18 – Alberni
- October 19 – Lake Cowichan
Let’s Go Bucs! 🏴☠️
