(Photo Courtesy: Garrett James)
Chilliwack, BC – The Salmon Arm Silverbacks (5-4-0-0) got back into action on Thursday night as they played their second game of the BCHL Showcase against the Coquitlam Express (5-2-1-0). It was back to a regular routine with a 7PM puck drop, as the ‘Backs were coming off a 10AM start in their game against the Powell River Kings. This was the lone meeting on the season between these two teams. It was Carter Richardson (0-1-0-0, 5.06 GAA, .833 S%) getting the nod for the Silverbacks. While it was Adam Manji (4-1-1-0, 3.14 GAA, .906 S%) getting the start for the Express
The game started off with the Silverbacks continuing the momentum that they picked up from the first game of the BCHL Showcase. It was Brandon Santa Juana (3) getting his third in as many games to open the scoring for the Silverbacks. Salmon Arm continued to apply the pressure as the period moved on, but Manji stood tall following the pressure following the opening goal. Each team had some looks on the man advantage, with the ‘Backs missing out on their first look, and Coquitlam having three powerplays of their own late in the period. Carter Richardson had a strong first period as he stopped all seven shots that he faced. Shots after the first were 14-7 in favor of Salmon Arm.
It was a similar start to the middle frame as Salmon Arm applied all kinds of pressure out of the gate. Just over three minutes into the period, it was Ethan Ullrick (3) extending the Silverbacks lead to two following a great shift with his line. The same storyline followed that of the first as it was the only goal of the period. Both teams had an opportunity on the man advantage but the penalty killing units escaped unharmed after the middle frame. The save of the game came late in the period as Jayden Grier found Hayden Stavroff in front of the Express net, but Adam Manji was able to keep it out and keep the lead at two. The shots were 10-10 in the period.
The third period was the most impressive of the game for the Silverbacks, as they added two more goals, and limited the Express to just five shots in the frame. It was Ethan Ullrick (4) getting his second of the game to make it a three goal lead on an impressive individual effort. Midway through the period it was Maddux Martin (2) following up on his own rebound to make it a four goal ‘Backs lead. Salmon Arm was able to steer it home as they ended up taking down the Express by a final score of 4-0.
Next up for the Silverbacks will be a meeting with the Langley Rivermen. Puck drop will be to7:15PM from the George Preston Arena. The game will conclude the three games in three days for the team. You can catch all the action on Hockey TV.
