Photo credits: Liz Wolter (Cranston, Ingemann), Chris Fowler (Pulver)
Surrey Eagles forward Caden Cranston, Penticton Vees goaltender Will Ingemann and Salmon Arm Silverbacks goaltender Eli Pulver have been named the NAPA Auto Parts 3 Stars of the Week.
1st Star – Caden Cranston (F) – Surrey Eagles
Cranston had two goals in two games over the weekend, helping the Eagles take a 2-0 series lead over the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in the Coastal Conference Final.
After being held off the score sheet in Surrey’s 2-1 win in Game 1 on Saturday, Cranston had his most clutch performance of the season in Game two on Sunday. Recently named BCHL MVP for 2023-24, the Merrimack College commit potted his first of the series with just 59 seconds to play in the third period to tie the game 2-2 and force overtime. In extra time, Cranston scored his fourth of the playoffs, wristing home a loose puck with just under five minutes to play to give his team the win. He was named first star of the game.
The 20-year-old has 11 points in 13 playoff games.
2nd Star – Will Ingemann (G) – Penticton Vees
Ingemann made one start and one relief appearance last week, stopping a combined 31 of 32 shots to post a .969 save percentage and a 0.67 goals-against average.
The Plymouth, Minn. native came in halfway through Penticton’s Game 1 matchup against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in the Interior Conference Final. He only faced four shots, but stopped them all, in an eventual 2-0 defeat. With the Vees alternating goalies every game so far this postseason, it was Ingemann’s turn to start in Game 2 on Friday night, and he made 27 saves on 28 shots to earn the win and help his team even up the series.
The 2005-born netminder leads the BCHL Playoffs with a 1.00 goals-against average, while his .949 save percentage is second best in the league. He has also won all six of his starts and has recorded two shutouts along the way.
3rd Star – Eli Pulver (G) – Salmon Arm Silverbacks
Pulver posted a .958 save percentage and a 1.53 goals-against average in two games last week, stopping 69 of 72 shots through Salmon Arm’s first two games of their Interior Conference Final series against the Penticton Vees.
In Game 1, Pulver came up with his strongest performance of what has already been an impressive postseason. The 21-year-old made 37 saves to earn his league-best third shutout of the playoffs in a 2-0 Silverbacks win and was named first star of the game.
The following night, he stopped 32 of 35 shots in a 4-1 loss.
Pulver’s .942 save percentage is the fourth-highest in the playoffs, while his 1.94 goals against average is fifth-best.
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Honourable mentions:
Surrey Eagles D Ty Brassington: 2GP – 1G – 2A – 3PTS
Surrey Eagles F Aaron Schwartz: 2GP – 3A – 3PTS
Surrey Eagles G Ajeet Gundarah: 1GP – 1W – .964 SV% – 1.00 GAA
Surrey Eagles G Jaiden Sharma: 1GP – 1W – .950 SV% – 1.62 GAA
Alberni Valley Bulldogs G Callum Tung: 2GP – .933 SV – 2.22 GAA
