Looking to go 2-0 against the Kings this season, the Silverbacks had a hot started but faltered late and paid the price losing the extra point in a 4-3 shootout loss.
Making his first start since December 16th, Ethan Langenegger made his first big save seven minutes in on a break down the left wing from Josh Coblenz. Salmon Arm would turn things the other way, and went down to score the opening goal. From the right of the goal, Matthew Verboon and John Little both prodded the puck, and eventually forced it across the goal line. The goal was credited to Verboon, and Little picked up an assist giving him a four game point streak. Five minutes later, Cole Nisse slapped a pass to the left circle for Justin Wilson, but the one timer was turned away by Mitch Adamyk. With under four minutes left, Salmon Arm went to their first power play of the game and quickly were able to extend their lead. 32 seconds into the man-advantage, Nick Unruh sent a one timer from the top of the right circle into the top left corner. Darren Rizzolo picked up the assist marking his first point as a Silverback.
In the second there was just one goal, as a Ryan Pouliot shot from the right circle found it’s way to the back of the net. Ryan Brushett had the primary assist extending his point streak to 17 games.
A late power play transferred to the third period, and Salmon Arm drew another in the final frame to give them 54 seconds of five-on-three power play time. The Silverbacks were unable to capitalize, keeping Powell River within one goal. That would count late in the period as the Kings tied the game with 2:30 left. Mitchell Williams found a rebound in front of the goal and lifted it over a sprawled Ethan Langenegger to even the game at two. 1:20 later it looked as if Salmon Arm had saved the two points as Aiden Jenner tipped in an Andy Stevens shot. The Kings would pull Adamyk after the goal, and a failed dump in from Salmon Arm turned the other way and wound up in their net. Powell River was able to provide pressure, and send the puck to the point for Ryan Brushett who walked up and lasered a shot into the left corner to tie the game at three. In overtime, both teams exchanged chances but neither goalie would yield.
Heading to the shootout, one of the team’s streaks had to end. Salmon Arm was two for two and the Kings had won their single shootout of the season. Mitchell Williams of the Kings was stopped on the first attempt for Powell River. Nick Uruh scored for Salmon Arm giving his side the early lead. Ethan Langenegger denied Christian Buono giving the Silverbacks three chances to win the game. Matthew Verboon and Akito Hirose were both stopped though, while Brushett scored to send the game to a fourth shooter. There it was Levi Glasman scoring, and Justin Wilson would attempt to extend the shootout for Salmon Arm but Adamyk came up with the save.
With one point on the night, Salmon Arm is now six points back of West Kelowna for 4th in the Interior. Salmon Arm has three games in hand to catch up to the Warriors. One of those games comes comes Sunday afternoon when the Warriors have the day off, and Salmon Arm will be playing host to the Nanaimo Clippers. The Clippers had a ten game winning streak snapped Saturday night by the Penticton Vees losing 4-1. Shaw Centre box office doors open at 2pm with the puck dropping at 3pm.
Key Performers:
Taking on his former team, Andy Stevens again had a two point night for Salmon Arm. He had two assists, and now has four of his 18 points against the Kings. Another impressive stat for the 20 year old defenceman is despite playing top minutes, hasn’t taken a penalty since December 7th.
