Game Recap: Ryan scores late, Vees take 2-0 series lead
Photo: Cherie Morgan
Penticton, BC – Caton Ryan scored the game-winner with two minutes left in regulation, as the Penticton Vees beat the Cranbrook Bucks 3-1, Saturday night in Game Two at the South Okanagan Events Centre (SOEC).
The Vees now lead the best-of-seven series 2-0, after posting back-to-back 3-1 wins on home ice over the Eastern long weekend.
Third period. Playoffs. You know the story.@FloHockey | @BCHockeyLeague | @CornellMHockey pic.twitter.com/3w32j50l7e
— Penticton Vees-xyz (@PentictonVees) April 20, 2025
Ryan’s game-winner came with just 2:04 left in the third period, as he broke a 1-1 tie with his fourth goal of the playoffs. The 18-year-old took a drop pass from Max Heise and from one knee, blasted a one-timer past Cranbrook’s Jaden Cholette.
Ben Merrill and Brock Reinhart also scored for Penticton. Merrill opened the scoring early in the second period and Reinhart sealed the win with his empty net goal in the final half minute of the third.
Ethan Buenaventura improved his record to 3-0 after his 18-save performance in the Vees crease. Buenaventura’s best save came with the game on the line, as he stoned Cranbrook’s Shane Baker right in front of the net with the Vees clinging to a 2-1 lead in the final minute.
After a scoreless first period, the Vees got on the scoreboard first, as Merrill scored just 2:13 into the second. Matthew Cataldo came down the wing and fired a centering pass into the crease to Merrill who tipped it in after charging down the middle.
That lead only last two minutes as the Bucks tied it after Jacob Fletcher scored at 4:21. Sam Ranallo set up Fletcher on a two-on-one.
Penticton had great chance to retake the lead in the second, after Cranbrook’s Rasmus Svartström was given five and a game for his illegal check to the head penalty, but the Vees failed to convert on the extended power play.
With the win, the Vees are now 6-0 in the BCHL Playoffs and have surrendered just seven goals.
GAME STATS
Shots: Vees- 38 Bucks-19
Scoring: Ben Merrill (2), Caton Ryan (4)
Goaltending: Ethan Buenaventura (W)- 60:00, 18/19
Vees Power Play: 0/3
Vees Penalty Kill: 2/2
Three Stars:
1) Caton Ryan (1G)
2) Jaden Cholette (35 SVS)
3) Ethan Buenaventura (18 SVS)
Next Game: Wednesday, April 23rd, 6:00 pm PDT, Round Two, Game Three at Cranbrook Bucks