Victoria, BC – For the first time since October 30th, 2021, it will be the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (13-8-1-1) squaring off against the Victoria Grizzlies (10-10-1-2). The Grizzlies come into the game with a three game win streak, including back-to-back shutout wins. They took down the Alberni Valley Bulldogs last night by a 5-0 final. They currently sit fourth in the Coastal Conference and are looking to jump above .500 on the season. While the Silverbacks are coming off a 4-3 come from behind victory over the Surrey Eagles last night. The game was also the Annual Teddy Bear Toss for the Grizzlies.
For the second straight game it was a battle between two All-Star Goalies as Matthew Tovell (10-7-0-1, 2.77 GAA, .922 S%) got the nod for Salmon Arm. While Oliver Auyeung-Ashton (8-6-1-0, 1.93 GAA, .941 S%) got the start for Victoria.
Both teams came out following the opening whistle with a sense of discovery as they seemed to be poised to feel out the flow of the game. The Silverbacks had the first opportunity to open the scoring as they went to the powerplay when Tim Busconi went to the box for a two minute hooking penalty. Victoria was able to kill off the penalty and then followed it up with a powerplay of their own when Owen Desilets went to the box. Owen Bohn (11) was able get the Teddy Bears flying as he opened the scoring on the man advantage. Victoria added a late powerplay marker as Jack Gorton (7) was able to pounce on a rebound to extend the Grizzlies lead to two goals. Shots in the opening period were 12-12.
The second period opened up with the Silverbacks heading to the powerplay for the second time of the game as the Grizzlies were called for a too many men call just five minutes into the middle frame. That was the lone powerplay of the period for the ‘Backs as they were unable to capitalize. Victoria had two powerplay opportunities of their own to work with in the middle frame. but were not able to continue the powerplay success that as shown in the first as Salmon Arm was able to kill off both penalties. Victoria outshot Salmon Arm 12-9 in the middle frame.
The final frame was a fast paced period as the Grizzlies were doing the best that they could to take as much time as they could off the game clock to try and steer home another victory. The Grizzlies were able to add one more goal late in the period Luc Pelletier (5) was able to extend their lead to three goals when he was able to beat Matthew Tovell just past the midway point of the third period. The Grizzlies ended up taking down the Silverbacks by a final score of 3-0.
Next up for the Silverbacks will be a Sunday afternoon matchup in Cowichan. Puck drop will be at 2:00PM from the Cowichan Community Centre.
