Salmon Arm B.C. — The Salmon Arm Silverbacks lost 7-1 to the Coquitlam Express on Saturday morning at the BCHL Showcase Festival in Penticton.
Their regular season record is now 8-2-1, while the Express improve to 8-2-0.
GAME SUMMARY
The first period was certainly one the Silverbacks would like to forget, as they gave up three goals in the first 6:46 of the game.
First ts was Cooper Connell on a wrap around, then Tyler Schleppe on an odd-man rush and finally Massimo Rizzo scoring his first as an Express forward right from the slot. Schleppe and Rizzo’s goals were scored 18 seconds apart. After the slow start, Dylan Kruss was replaced in goal by Ethan Langenegger.
Things went from bad to worse for the Silverbacks in the second period, this time partially due to all the shorthanded situations they found themselves in. Salmon Arm successfully killed off a lengthy 5-on-3, but on the ensuing 5-on-4 power play, Greg Lapointe was given room to walk in from the top of the circle and beat Langenegger blocker side to give Coquitlam a 4-0 lead. Five minutes later, Express captain Drew Coooper made it 5-0 just one second after another Backs’ PK expired.
The third period started with another Express goal, this time on a power play from Connor Gregga just 2:08 in. The Silverbacks would break the shutout bid of youngster Thomas Wardle when Daniel Rybarik scored on a breakaway to make it 6-1. With 4:14 left, Ryan Tattle scored the Express’ seventh goal of the game right from the slot to make it a 7-1 final.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES
Connor Gregga, Coquitlam Express: Gregga had a goal and an assist in this one and centered a dangerous line between Joshua Wildauer and Massimo Rizzo. The trio were generating offence all morning and have shown great chemistry for just their second game together.
Drew Cooper, Coquitlam Express: The Express captain played a solid, simple game and also chipped in with a power play goal in the second period. It was his fourth tally of the season, just one less than he had all of last year.
Massimo Rizzo, Coquitlam Express: Rizzo scored his first goal of the regular season in his second game and also added a second period power play assist. Considering it was just his second game following a long absence due to injury, the nifty forward was solid, showcasing his offensive creativity a number of times.
For the full boxscore, click here.
STAT OF THE GAME
35 infractions, 28 minor penalties combined: Right from the get go, this contest was pretty rough, which was surprising given the 10 a.m. start. The refs called the game by the book all game long. While there were plenty of off-setting minors called, the Backs were less disciplined, allowing two power play goals on nine shorthanded situations.
WHAT’S NEXT
The Silverbacks next contest is a home date with the Chilliwack Chiefs on Friday, Oct. 11. The following day, they make the long trek up to Prince George to take on the defending champion Spruce Kings.
Both games can be heard on 91.5 EZ Rock with the pre-game show starting at 6:30 p.m., while fans can also stream the games on HockeyTV.
For tickets to Friday’s game at the Shaw Centre, click here.
