Salmon Arm, B.C. — Wednesday is the most highly anticipated matchup of the season thus far, with the 10-2-1 Salmon Arm Silverbacks hosting the 11-1-0 Penticton Vees at the Shaw Centre.
This is the first of six head-to-head meetings this season for the Interior Division rivals. They will play twice in November (Nov. 13 and 15), twice in January (Jan. 3 and 18) and once more in February (Feb. 7).
The Vees entered Sunday’s action with their perfect record in tact, but fell 4-0 to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, meaning the Silverbacks won’t get to spoil Penticton’s perfect record. Still, thanks to a 2-0 weekend, the Backs can hop the Vees in the standings with a win and take over first overall in the BCHL.
Tonight’s game has the usual 7 p.m. puck drop.
3 Storylines
1) Battle of the Titans
It’s early, but still, these teams have combined for 23 wins and just three regulation losses so far this season, which is quite impressive.
The Vees are no doubt the favourites, given they have the league’s best goal differential by a mile (+31), have allowed just 25.5 shots against per game and have played nine of their 12 games away from home, but the Silverbacks pose a great challenge because of their size, forward depth and elite goaltending.
Of the 10 goaltenders Penticton has faced this season, only two currently have a save percentage above .900 this season.
2) Spreading the Wealth Around
Both teams have significant fire power.
The Vees have seven forwards with 10 or more points so far this season and six players with four or more goals. As a whole, the team is converting on 13.2% of their shots (54 goals on 409 shots), which is extremely impressive.
The Backs have five skaters with 10 or more points and four players with four or more goals. Had they been fully healthy to start the season, that number would likely be higher.
3) Langenegger Coming Off POTW
Backs goaltender Ethan Langenegger recorded his first career shutout on Saturday and is now 8-1 on the season with a 2.00 GAA and .930 SV%.
While Vees goaltender Yaniv Perets — the assumed starter for Wednesday — may have sparkling numbers (1.03 G.A.A and .957 SV%), he has faced more than 24 shots only twice in his six starts.
It may be stating the obvious, but Langenegger could be the most important player in this matchup.
Players to Watch
SILVERBACKS: NICK MARTINO
Assistant coach Tanner Cochrane said Martino was the best forward on the ice in the post-game interview on Saturday, not just because he was able to create offensive opportunities, but also because of how he hounded the puck, especially on the back check.
The newest Silverback forward sees the ice well and can create space for himself despite his size (5-foot-8). On Saturday, he had a sure goal taken away by an unbelievable stick save from Jett Alexander.
VEES: JAY O’BRIEN
The Philadelphia Flyers first-round draft pick from 2018 enters action with 12 points in his last five games and sits tied for the third in the BCHL with 21 points. He has been able to pile up points in bunches this season with six multi-point outings. but has also been held off the scoresheet five of 12 games.
Ten of his 21 points have come on the man advantage this season.
Upcoming Milestones
Akito Hirose: 3 assists from 75 career BCHL assists
William Porier: 1 point from 100 career junior points (including CHL)
Nick Unruh: Will play in his 125th career BCHL game tonight
Noah Wakeford: 3 goals from 25 career BCHL goals
Ethan Langenegger: 2 games from 50 career BCHL games played
Tune In
Tonight’s game will be on EZ Rock as usual and will also be streamed live on HockeyTV.
