SALMON ARM, BC: The Salmon Arm Silverbacks (34-8-5) are gearing up to battle the Penticton Vees (39-7-2) for the sixth and final time this season. This is the Backs’ third trip to Penticton, and they have had success not only in Penticton but also on the road in general. They are 19-0-4 on the road, and incredibly, they have not lost in regulation. In the two meetings in Penticton this season, the Silverbacks have a 4-3 shootout and 5-2 victories. Owen Say started both games. That being said, the Vees have beat the Backs three straight times, all at the Shaw Centre. All one goal defeats; 2-1, 1-0, and 3-2 in overtime. They will look to build off of a 9-3 home victory over the Merritt Centennials. Although it was against the Centennials, it was nice to see the Silverbacks score some goals and have success on the powerplay, going 3/4 on the night.
Players to Watch:
Daniel Panetta: Picked up a hat-trick Saturday night against the Centennials. He had just one goal in his last 14 games before that. Hopefully, Saturday night is a sign of things to come offensively for the captain. He is currently 4th in team scoring with 20 goals and 39 points.
Owen Say: He has a 2-2-1 record this season against the Vees and hasn’t gotten much goal support in the last few games vs Penticton. However, his 2.17 GAA and .945 SV% vs the Vees show that Say can rise to the occasion for big games. Tonight is one of those games.
Tucker Hartmann: Been producing a ton from the back end as of late. Hartmann has points in eight of his last ten and has nine points in that stretch. In five games this season against Penticton, Hartmann has three assists. The Yale commit sits 8th in team scoring with 21 points in 46 games.
A Look at the Opposition:
The Vees sit in first place in the Interior Division, seven points clear of the Silverbacks. They are winners of their last seven in a row, as they are looking for a fourth win in a row against the Silverbacks. The Vees lead the BCHL in wins, GF and GA. Luc Wilson leads the way up front for the Vees with 65 points. Josh Nadeau leads the team in goals with 36. Kaeden Lane continues to shine for the Vees in goal, posting a 27-2-1 record with a .917 SV% and 1.91 GAA.
