The Silverbacks host the Nanaimo Clippers tonight at 7p.m. at the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm.
Tonight is game four of the ‘Backs five game home-stand, their longest in 2015-16. The Silverbacks have three points in the first three games of the home-stand, beginning with a 4-4 tie with the Wenatchee Wild on Friday, October 2nd before beating the Trail Smoke Eaters 5-2 last Saturday. The Silverbacks lost for the first time on home ice and just their second loss of the season, 2-1 to the Merritt Centennials this past Wednesday at the Shaw Centre.
The Silverbacks have five wins, two regulation losses and two ties for 12 points in nine games. Also, three wins, one loss and two ties for the ‘Backs in six games at home.
Nanaimo began it’s first trip to the Interior with six wins and three regulation losses in nine games. The Clippers are atop the Island division standings with the Powell River Kings. Nanaimo won 5-2 at home over the Vernon Vipers last Saturday, the Clippers first Interior Division opponent of the season.
Chase Zieky is set to make his Silverbacks debut tonight. The 19-year-old forward of Avon, Connecticut was acquired earlier this week from the Langley Rivermen in exchange for 19-year-old forward Logan Mick. Zieky is listed at 5’10, 170lbs and had one assist and two penalty minutes in his first four games with the Rivermen.
The ‘Backs have also parted ways with the rights to 19-year-old forward Branden Wagner, and 20-year-old defenceman Aiden Salerno. Both players have been moved to the Saulte Ste. Marie Eagles of the Ontario Junior Hockey League.
The Silverbacks have outscored their opponents 36-22 overall, 10-8 in the home-stand and 24-14 in their first six home games. The Clippers scored 35 goals and allowed 22 coming into this weekend.
Nanaimo has two of the top 10 scorers in the BCHL, forwards Mathew Hoover and Devin Brosseau each with 15 points in the Clippers first nine games. As well, nine game point streaks for Nanaimo forwards Sheldon Rempel and Brosseau. Rempel has seven goals and 18 points, while Brosseau has scored twice with 13 assists.
The ‘Backs penalty kill is among the leaders in the league, working at over 88-percent and at the top with five short-handed goals. The Silverbacks are 18-percent with the man-advantage and have scored nine power-play markers.
The Silverbacks visit Nanaimo to conclude their first trip to the Island on Sunday, January 24th at 3p.m.
The ‘Backs finish their home-stand tomorrow afternoon (Sunday) versus the Prince George Spruce Kings in a 3p.m. start at the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm.
In other news the Silverbacks signed 20 year old D Man Michael Winnatoy to the club. Mike played last year in the AJHL with the Grande Prairie Strom. Welcome to the club Mike!
The Silverbacks will play back-to-back games on the road next week, beginning in West Kelowna on Friday at 7p.m. before travelling to Trail on Saturday for a 7p.m. opening face-off.
Each Silverbacks and BCHL game is webcast live, PPV http://bchl.fasthockey.com as well as audio only http://bit.ly/1s0deO7 and, each ‘Backs road game is live at CKVS 93.7 FM http://voiceoftheshuswap.ca
Tune into CKVS each Monday night throughout the season beginning at 7p.m. for 30 minutes or more of Silverbacks talk, including interviews and news from around the BCHL.
