Calgary, Alberta product Zeth Kindrachuk will forever be in the Cranbrook Bucks record books. The 2002-born forward was the first player to score a goal in the history of the franchise. He accomplished the feat on October 3, when he scored on the power play assisted by Noah Leibl and Noah Quinn. The milestone goal came at the 4:25 mark of the second period, during the Bucks first exhibition game against the Trail Smoke Eaters.
The Bucks went on to lose the game, but they seemed to learn a lot about their team that night. Kindrachuk was one of many young and inexperienced Bucks players to show they are ready to compete at the BC Hockey League level.
Cranbrook Bucks fall 7-4 in their first exhibition game in Trail. The young Bucks squad showed great resilience and compete against a good Smoke Eaters team. A great game overall. Three players that stood out tonight: Rhys Bentham, Zeth Kindrachuk, and 15-year-old Walker Gelbard
— Chris Keck (@CK885) October 4, 2020
His contributions go beyond the scoresheet, however, as he continues to illustrate what the Bucks saw in him prior to his commitment.
Like most of his Bucks teammates, Kindrachuk plays a fast, relentless, and tenacious style of game. In addition to producing offense, Kindrachuk is noticeable in doing a lot of the little things well.
Some of these things include winning races to loose pucks or winning a puck battle in the tough areas. The Bucks rely on Kindrachuk at even strength and on special teams so far in the exhibition season. The early returns seem to be that Kindrachuk can deliver in all situations.
As a fun fact, Kindrachuk was a teammate of Bucks defenseman Rhys Bentham last season. The pair of Calgarians spent 2019-20 together with the Calgary U18 AAA Royals of the Alberta Elite Hockey League.
A history of producing offense
Despite scoring the first goal in Bucks history, finding the back of the net is nothing new to Kindrachuk. While developing with the Calgary Royals Athletic Association, he has consistently been an offensive catalyst for his teams.
Over the course of the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, Kindrachuk suited up in 18 games for the Royals U18 AA team. He scored 10 goals and added six assists for 16 points in those 18 games.
Royals POG for the Saturday 5-1 W Zeth Kindrachuk with a gritty and silky performance. Was awesome to watch the boys rally in the 3rd. pic.twitter.com/Io7ClKfTDR
— Calgary Royals U18 AAA (@RoyalsMidgetAAA) December 2, 2019
Kindrachuk also played 28 regular season games with the Royals U18 AAA team between 2018-19 and 2019-20. He contributed 13 goals and 13 assists for 26 points. In seven playoff games with the U18 AAA Royals, Kindrachuk added two goals and an assist.
While trying to identify talent and build a roster for their inaugural season, the Bucks staff was impressed by what Kindrachuk brought to the table. His determination and work ethic are a nice compliment to his high skill level.
In the team’s media release announcing Kindrachuk’s commitment, Bucks’ head coach and general manager Ryan Donald shared his thoughts on the young forward.
“Zeth is a young man that we are excited to add to our roster for our inaugural season,” said Donald. “He has shown an ability to create offense for himself and his linemates using both speed and skill. Despite missing nine games last season he was able to lead his team in even-strength scoring while contributing in all three zones of the ice. Zeth is a young man we believe will fit our culture well and will be proud to call Cranbrook home.”
So far, Kindrachuk has lived up to what the Bucks coaching staff expected of him. However, both Kindrachuk and the Bucks will look for continued growth as the exhibition season progresses.
