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‘Backs Begin Pre-Season in Merritt

Who: Salmon Arm SilverBacks @ Merritt Centennials
When: Thursday, August 22nd, 7:00 pm
Where: Nicola Valley Arena, Merritt

Pay-Per-View: FASTHockey
Radio: Mixlr

The SilverBacks begin their 2013 exhibition campaign in Merritt tonight. It's the club's first visit back to the Nicola Valley Arena since clinching a playoff berth in a dramatic comeback last March, but many of the faces wearing the Black and White this evening will be different.

After a three-day camp that saw teammates battling against each other, the focus shifts to live opposition for the first time as well this evening. For some players, tonight's matchup in Merritt marks their first opportunity to skate in a BCHL game, for others, a chance to polish their game in advance of the regular season. For everyone, it's yet another chance to leave a lasting impression on head coach Troy Mick and his staff, and the cozy confines in Merritt ensure that physicality and quick decision-making remain at the forefront of everybody's minds.

Last Meeting: Harlan Orr's goal with 7:01 left in the third period tied the game, and put the 'Backs in the playoffs for the first time since 2011 back on March 8th. Carter Lukenda eventually scored the overtime winner as Salmon Arm won 5-4 in Merritt.

Our Opponent: The Centennials will have plenty of new faces as well this season after falling short in the first round of the playoffs against West Kelowna last year. Gone are the likes of goaltender Tyler Steel, defensemen Kevin Lohan, Charlie Donlin and Richard Sabourin (all to college), and forwards Derek Huisman and Regan Soquila, the latter recently joining former captain Brent Fletcher at Alabama-Huntsville. 18 year-old Armstrong product Dylan Chanter is south of the 49th with Dubuque of the USHL, while gritty forward Brendan Lamont was shipped to Trail this summer for third-year blueliner, and Kamloops native Shane Poulsen. Last year's backup netminder, Russell Sanderson, takes over the starting role after backing up the workhorse Steel last season. Blueliner Dane Birks was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in this past June's NHL Entry Draft.