Salmon Arm, BC – The ‘Backs five game homestand came to a conclusion on Saturday night as the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (20-15-4-1) welcomed the Coastal Conference leading Nanaimo Clippers (30-7-1-0) into town for the lone meeting on the season between the two squads. It was the first meeting between the two squads since October 21st. The ‘Backs were coming off their biggest offensive output on the season from the night prior, as they put 7 past the Warriors in a 7-1 victory on home ice. While the Clippers continued to stay hot as they won their third straight game, taking down the Wenatchee Wild 7-4 on the road.
It was Matthew Tovell (16-13-3-1, 2.65 GAA, .922 S%, 4 SO) getting the nod in between the pipes for the Silverbacks, while it was Shane Shelest (7-1-0-0, 3.12 GAA, .908 S%) getting the start for the Clippers.
The Clippers were able to carry the momentum over from their win the night prior over Wenatchee as they were able to get seven of the first eight shots on goal, but Matthew Tovell was able to help slow things down and help keep the game scoreless. The ‘Backs went to the penalty kill on three separate occasions in the opening period, including the first one coming at the 28 second mark of the opening period. The ‘Backs were able to go against the pace of play to open the scoring as Hayden Stavroff (9) was able to bury the rebound for his second goal in as many games following the rush from Jules Boilard. Nanaimo was able to strike back midway through the period as Jeremie Payant (17) was able to get one by Tovell with a shot from the nearside halfway on their second powerplay. Just 13 seconds after the Clippers goal, Kai Daniells went to the box for a high-sticking call which sent Salmon Arm to their first man advantage. On the ensuing powerplay, it was Owen Beckner (14) getting his second goal in as many games to restore their one goal lead. Shots in the opening frame were 15-13 in favor of Salmon Arm.
The middle frame started off to a slow start as both teams were looking to build on the opening period of play. Salmon Arm continued their second period dominance as the goals continued to come. Raoul Boilard (9) received a pass from his brother, Jules in the low slot which he was able to steer by Shelest on the backhand. Salmon Arm was able to continue their goal scoring ways as Ethan Ullrick (17) deflected in a shot from Trsitan Allen to give the ‘Backs a three goal lead. Late in the period it was the birthday boy, CJ Foley (4) getting one by Shelest on the man advantage to give the Silverbacks a four goal lead with just five seconds left in the middle frame. Salmon Arm outshot the Clippers 15-7.
Salmon Arm was able to continue their offensive outburst in the final period as Brandon Santa Juana (13) got one on the board to extend their lead to five goals. The rest of the period was a penalty filled affair as both teams went to the short-handed unit on two separate occasions within a five minute sequence. Clippers forward, Jake Hewitt also received a game-misconduct early on in the third period. Matthew Tovell was able to do the rest as he turned aside all 13 shots that he faced in the final period to help steer home a 6-1 victory for the Silverbacks.
Next up for the Silverbacks will be a pair of games in Burns Lake, as the Silverbacks are set to head towards the BCHL Road Show. The ‘Backs will take on the Prince George Spruce Kings on Saturday at 7:00PM, and Sunday at 12:00PM. You can catch all the action on Hockey TV!
Photo by CHRIS FOWLER – Recap by Courtesy of TONY TROZZO
