The Nanaimo Buccaneers battled their way back into the win column Thursday night, grinding out a hard-fought 2–1 overtime victory against the visiting Westshore Wolves.
Veteran forward Zach Spafford opened the scoring in the first period and secured his 3rd goal of the season by ripping home a perfectly placed shot in what was easily his strongest performance of the season. Westshore answered late in the frame, sending both teams to the intermission locked at 1–1.
The second period saw no scoring, but Aaron Pichette stole the spotlight—turning aside multiple high-danger chances and keeping the Bucs level in a tight, physical game.
The third period was a fast-paced, back-and-forth affair, with both sides trading chances in search of the winner. Neither team could break through, forcing overtime.
And that’s where the rookie stepped up. Madden Cruickshank ended the game in style. Bursting into open space he ripped a high shot past the Wolves’ goaltender to secure the win, record his 10th goal of the season and send the NIC crowd home happy.
Coach Gow praised the effort afterward, saying he was “very pleased with the entire team’s compete level,” adding it was “100% our most determined and complete game of the season.”
The Bucs are back in action Sunday, November 23, when they host the Victoria Cougars.
Puck drops at 3:15 PM — see you at the NIC!
