Team Sites
Follow the BCHL
BCHL

Backs Overcome Deficit Again, But Fall to Vipers in OT

Salmon Arm B.C. — On Wednesday night, the Salmon Arm Silverbacks lost their second consecutive home exhibition game in overtime, this time 5-4 to the Vernon Vipers. Their pre-season record now stands at 1-0-2.

GAME SUMMARY

The game started as some might have expected: with numerous penalties being called against both sides. During 4-on-4 play 2:47 into the game, Newfoundland native Drew Bennett re-directed an Akito Hirose point shot perfectly into the top corner to give the home side an early lead.

Just a few minutes later, however, the Vipers responded courtesy defenceman Trey Taylor, who beat goaltender Ethan Langenegger right from the slot on a 5-on-3 power play. Halfway through the opening period, Vernon took their first lead of the game when captain Connor Marritt fed a pass towards the slot  on a 2-on-1 for Curtis Hammond that the winger redirected five hole.

In the second period, the Silverbacks came out flat, as Vernon struck twice in a span of 29 seconds. First, Colby Feist deflected a point shot from defenceman Landon Fuller five-hole and then Nick Cherkowski backhanded home his own rebound.

With the Silverbacks in a familiar position — down, but never, ever out — the comeback began. This time, Sam Schofield lit the spark, after Hirose knocked down a clearing attempt on a power play, drew a defender towards him before streaking a pass into the high slot for Schofield, who one-timed it home. Four minutes into the third period, Tony Andreozzi poked home his own rebound to get the Backs’ within one and then 10 minutes later, Adams snuck one through the wickets of Dawson Pelletier to tie the game 4-4.

Right before the end of regulation, Noah Wakeford was called for hooking, leading to a 4-on-3 power play for Vernon to start overtime. It only took them 19 seconds to convert, as newly acquired forward Connor Sleeth ripped a shot top corner to give his team their first pre-season win.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES

Sam Schofield, SA Silverbacks: Schofield has played great all pre-season and this night was no different. Playing (again) on a line with Daniel Rybarik and Noah Wakeford, Schofield was solid on both sides of the puck and got the comeback started his with power play rocket.

Ben Sanderson, Vernon Vipers: Even though he didn’t find the scoresheet, Sanderson was creating things offensively with his speed all night long. The son of former NHLer Geoff Sanderson is already committed to Colorado College and will surely improve on his 14 points in 28 games he had for Vernon last season.

Tony Andreozzi, SA Silverbacks: The Brown University commit controlled much of the play skating alongside Hirose, but he also was constantly looking for opportunities to join the rush. His rebound goal early in the period actually came off of his own shot, and only happened because he had the awareness to jump into the high slot at the right time. Andreozzi will surely be an offensive catalyst from the blue line this season.

STAT OF THE GAME

Vipers 2-for-7 on the PP:  For the second game in a row, the Backs’ found themselves shorthanded to start overtime. It’s not that they’ve been particularly undisciplined in the pre-season, but special teams have been a difference so far. On this night, the Vipers also took advantage of an early 5-on-3 opportunity.

WHAT’S NEXT

The Silverbacks wrap up the pre-season with a rematch in Vernon against the Vipers on Friday. Fans can stream the game on HockeyTV.