Salmon Arm, B.C. — The Salmon Arm Silverbacks (11-3-1) will look to get back into the win column on Sunday afternoon when they host the Nanaimo Clippers (10-4-1).
The Backs had their three-game winning steak snapped Friday by the West Kelowna Warriors after a 2-1 loss.
This is the first of two head-to-head meetings this season and the only meeting at the Shaw Centre. The second matchup will take place in Nanaimo on Dec. 6 when the Silverbacks begin a three-in-three trip on the Island.
The Clippers lost 4-1 to the Trail Smoke Eaters on Friday on the road but bounced back for a 4-1 win over the Penticton Vees on Saturday.
Today’s game has a 3 p.m. puck drop.
3 Storylines
1) Come Out Flying
It took until the third period of Friday’s 2-1 loss for the Silverbacks to truly get going, but by then it was too little, too late. The club’s six shots on goal in the first period were particularly worrisome, so look for them to come out with guns blazing on home ice Sunday.
Additionally, the Clippers will be playing their third game in three days in three different cities, after travelling to Trail and Penticton earlier this weekend.
2) Clippers Stingy ‘D’ or Strong Goaltending?
The Nanaimo Clippers have only allowed 2.07 goals-against per-game this season, which is the best mark in the league. They have, however, allowed 32.3 shots against per game this season, nearly three more per game than the Silverbacks, and they’ve been outshot in five straight.
The Clippers team save percentage is .936, amongst the best in the BCHL and they’ve been able to do it with Zachary Bennett and Jordan Naylor splitting time evenly.
3) Home Sweet Home
The Silverbacks are 7-1 on home ice this season and have an impressive +15 goal differential in those eight games — the third best differential in the league at home.
Players to Watch
SILVERBACKS: HUNTER SANSBURY
Sansbury’s take no prisoner’s attitude has quickly made him a fan favourite in Salmon Arm and the stats show he also likes playing in front of the home crowd, with five of his seven points this season coming at the Shaw Centre.
Among rookie BCHL defencemen, the California native’s seven points this year are tied for the fifth-most.
CLIPPERS: ETHAN SCARDINA
The White Rock, B.C. native scored a power play goal last night midway through the third period against the Vees to give Nanaimo a 3-0 lead, his ninth goal of the season and 18th point. It was also his 100th career BCHL point. Prior to Friday’s loss in Trail, the Clippers captain had a six-game point streak (7G, 5A). Thirteen of his 18 points this season have come at even-strength.
Last season, the 18-year-old had 26 goals and 30 assists for 56 points in 54 games.
Upcoming Milestones
Ethan Langenegger: Will be playing in his 50th career BCHL game.
William Porier: 1 point from 100 career junior points (including CHL)
Noah Wakeford: 3 goals from 25 career BCHL goals
Tune In
This afternoon’s game will be on EZ Rock as usual and will also be streamed live on HockeyTV.
