The Silverbacks (24-11-3-3) begin three games in as many days today on Vancouver Island. The ‘Backs will take on the Cowichan Valley Capitals (21-16-3-3) at 7p.m.
The Silverbacks are 12-6-0-1 on the road and have won five of six games versus Island Division opponents thus far this season. The ‘Backs lone loss came at home to Cowichan Valley, 3-2 on Sunday, December 6th at the Shaw Centre. The Capitals have a record of 12-5-2-1 on home ice, and 5-5-0-1 versus the Interior.
The Silverbacks hit the road after earning just two of a possible six points in a three-game home stand. The Silverbacks and Merritt Centennials (15-26-1-3) played for 70 minutes, and five periods on Tuesday night and finished tied 5-5 at the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm. Chase Zieky potted his 20th and 21st, both on the power-play. Jared Turcotte deposited his seventh and eighth of the season, while Taro Hirose scored his 10th and Brandon Kegler made 27 saves in his second consecutive start. 6 of the 10 goals on Wednesday came on the power-play, with the ‘Backs finishing 3-for-6 with the man-advantage and 2-for-5 on the penalty-kill. The Silverbacks have yet to win in overtime this season, now with three ties and two losses.
Hirose leads the team with 10 goals and 41 assists in 41 games, 15th overall in BCHL scoring. Carson Bolduc is ranked 18th with 17 goals and 32 assists in all 41 games. 19-year-old Kade Kehoe leads the Capitals with 17 goals and 26 helpers in 43 games.
The Capitals get back into action tonight after being shutout on the road this past Saturday, 5-0 by the Alberni Valley Bulldogs (15-22-3-3). Cowichan Valley has 48 points in 43 games for third spot on the Island, two points behind the Powell River Kings (24-18-0-2) and the Capitals have two games in hand on the Kings.
The Silverbacks will visit the Victoria Grizzlies (19-20-0-4) tomorrow (Saturday) at 7p.m., and conclude the trip with the Nanaimo Clippers (29-15-0-1) on Sunday at 3p.m.
The ‘Backs begin this weekend tied for second with the West Kelowna Warriors (26-15-0-2), each with 54 points although the Silverbacks have two games in hand on the Warriors. West Kelowna is on the road tonight to take on the Vernon Vipers (18-23-0-4), the Warriors will host the Chilliwack Chiefs (27-9-1-4) tomorrow (Saturday) night.
The Silverbacks next home game will be on Saturday, January 30th at 7p.m. at the Shaw Centre which is also HOCKEY DAY IN SALMON ARM. That game will be the back half of a home-and-home set with the Vipers, beginning Friday, January 29th in Vernon at 7p.m.
The Silverbacks and Josh Latta have committed for next season. The 17-year-old forward is second in BCMML scoring with 12 goals and 35 assists, 34 penalty minutes in 26 games with the Vancouver North West Giants. Justin Wilson of the ‘Backs and Giants is just one point back.
Each Silverbacks and BCHL game is webcast live, PPV http://bchl.fasthockey.comas well as each ‘Backs road game is broadcast live at CKVS 93.7 FM http://voiceoftheshuswap.ca Each home game is broadcast at http://bit.ly/1s0deO7 Tune into CKVS each Monday night throughout the season beginning at 7p.m.for 30 minutes or more of Silverbacks talk, including interviews and news from around the BCHL.
