Salmon Arm B.C. — The Salmon Arm Silverbacks dropped their first game of the 2019-20 season on Friday night — a 4-1 score to the Cowichan Valley Capitals on home ice.
The Backs are now 6-1-0 on the season, while the Caps improve to 6-2-0.
GAME SUMMARY
For the first time this season, the Silverbacks surrendered a goal less than two minutes into the game. It was a fortunate bounce for the visitors, as a point shot from Clark Webster hit forward Dan McIntyre in front, bounced way up into the air and somehow landed in the back of the net. Several minutes later, things went from bad to worse for the Backs, as the Capitals made good on their first power play opportunity of the game, capitalizing on a wrist shot from Luc Wilson from the left side just above the face-off dot.
After a sloppy first period, the Silverbacks trailed 2-0 and were out-shot 14-5.
The Silverbacks looked better to start the second, but a giveaway on a power play behind their own goal led to McIntyre’s second tally of the game and a 3-0 lead just 3:19 in. Halfway through the middle frame, the Backs got some life thanks to a Will Poirier power play goal — his third goal with the man advantage this season and sixth overall. The assists went to Noah Wakeford and Nick Unruh. It only took Cowichan Valley two minutes and change to respond, however, converting on a power play of their own after a point shot from Dimitri Mikrogiannakis beat Ethan Langenegger through traffic.
After 40 minutes, the Capitals had a 4-1 edge in goals and 23-15 edge in shots on goal.
The third period was by far the Silverbacks best. They had a few power play opportunities to sneak back into the game, but each time they got close Caps goaltender Zach Borgiel was there to make the save. In the third, Salmon Arm fired 18 shots on goal and couldn’t find a way to solve Borgiel at all. In the end, no goals were scored in the final period and the game ended 4-1.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES
Zach Borgiel, Cowichan Valley Capitals: Borgiel wasn’t very busy in the first two periods, seeing only 15 shots, but he was lights out in the third, making 18 saves on 18 shots. If there was any chance at a comeback, Borgiel thwarted it.
Luc Wilson, Cowichan Valley Capitals: While McIntyre had the two-goal, three-point night, his first goal was lucky and his second was a bit of a gift, so we’re going to give the nod to Wilson, who had the game-winner on the power play. The Duncan, B.C. native now has eight points in eight games and generated plenty of offence on Friday.
Nick Unruh, Salmon Arm Silverbacks: Unruh had plenty of offensive chances in this one, but just couldn’t find a way to score. He did register an assist to give him six points on the year.
STAT OF THE GAME
23 minor penalties and five misconducts called in total: Between the two teams, the officials called 23 minor penalties on Friday: 10 to the Backs and 13 to the Capitals (some were off-setting). Because of this, it was tough for either team to generate much flow 5-on-5. It really was mostly a special teams game.
WHAT’S NEXT
The Silverbacks head to the mainland on Saturday to take on the Coquitlam Express. The Express have started their season an impressive 5-1. Next Tuesday, the Backs host the West Kelowna Warriors at the Shaw Centre at 7 p.m.
As always, the pre-game show on 91.5 EZ Rock will kick off 30 minutes before puck drop. Fans can stream all games on HockeyTV.
For tickets to Tuesday’s game, click here.
