It’s hockey night in Penticton.
The Trail Smoke Eaters seek their first exhibition season victory in their third start after a 6-4 setback to the Cranbrook Bucks at Cominco Arena on Wed.
It was a see-saw battle that saw the Smokies score two late second period goals to stake themselves to a 4-2 lead.
However a power play goal by the Bucks early in third period set the stage for the furious final frame comeback by the visitors.
It was also a power play marker in the first period that turned the momentum around after Trail had opened a 1-0 lead while dominating play in the early stages.
It was a big night for Josh Schenk who potted a pair of goals with Jack DesRuisseaux sniping his third goal of the preseason on a second period power play and Ridge Dawson ripped home a sharp angle snap shot with just :13 remaining in the middle frame.
The Bucks bounced back late in the frame, breaking the tie with five minutes remaining and taking advantage of a defensive zone turnover the bury the winner less than two minutes later, before the empty net deal-sealer in the final minute.
Dawson also picked up an assist, as did Judah Makway, Adam Marshall and Ethan Warrener, while Jason Stefanek contributed two helpers.
Starting goalie Teagan Kendrick stopped 14-of-16 shots and despite some stellar saves in the second period, Ryan Parker gave up three goals on 14 shots.
The Smokies poured 41 shots on Bucks puck-stoppers Danick Leroux and Jaxon Loewen.
Trail was one-for-four on the power play and killed off two-of-four Cranbrook advantages.
Tonight, they take the lessons learned from Wed up against the two-time defending BCHL Champions who are making their preseason premiere.
