PHOTO: LISA MAZUREK PHOTOGRAPHY
Vernon, B.C. — Owen Say’s 35 saves led the Salmon Arm Silverbacks to a 3-1 victory over the Vernon Vipers on Wednesday night at Kal Tire Place, the first win for the Backs against the Vipers since April 10.
Salmon Arm’s record is now 7-5-3, just three points behind the first place Vipers, who are 9-4-2.
GAME SUMMARY
The Backs had a solid opening 20 minutes, out-shooting Vernon 11-7 and getting a late first period goal from Cameron Recchi, who deflected Hunter Sansbury’s point shot past goaltender James Porter Jr. on the team’s first power play of the game.
Just before the eight minute mark of the second period, Salmon Arm extended their lead to two, after Simon Tassy scored on a rebound at the side of the goal. Defenceman Will Lavigne let the initial shot go from the left point, which led to Tassy scooping up the rebound and potting home his 12th of the season through the five hole.
It was Lavigne’s first career BCHL point.
Not long after, the Silverbacks were called for two consecutive penalties and were faced with having to kill off over a minute of 5-on-3 hockey. They were able to do so in large part thanks to the goaltending of Say, who made some incredible stops to keep the score at 2-0.
With under two minutes to go in the period, Griffen Barr would get the Vipers to within one, after netting a pretty goal for his sixth goal of the season.
Salmon Arm shut things down effectively in the third period. Even though they gave up 13 shots, most were from the outside and Say was able to see most pucks cleanly.
Drew Bennett added an empty-net goal with 26.9 seconds to go to cap things off.
For the full boxscore from Saturday, click here.
THEY SAID IT
“Pretty much in every aspect of our game we were disciplined. I think the guys knew the importance of the game and we challenged them to bring a playoff type of intensity. We have some guys out of the lineup right now that are impactful for us and it was a good opportunity for guys to be able to step up and step up into roles they want to be in and roles they might be in in the future. It’s really good for them to get this kind of experience in these games and for us to be able to challenge to play a playoff type of intensity and to have them meet that gives us good confidence in our group.” – Assistant coach Carter Cochrane
SASCU 3 STARS
- Owen Say – SA – 35/36
- Griffen Barr – VER – 1G
- Cameron Recchi – SA – 1G
FORTIS BC ENERGY PLAYER OF THE GAME
Noah Serdachny – SA – 2A
WHAT’S NEXT
The Silverbacks now have a couple days off to rest and prepare for the Vipers again on Saturday at 6 p.m.. They will then play West Kelowna on Sunday at 4 p.m.
Fans can stream all games on BCHL TV!
