Surrey, BC – The Salmon Arm Silverbacks (12-8-1-1) got back into action tonight against the Surrey Eagles (16-4-0-0) as they were taking in part in game two of their five game road swing. The ‘Backs are coming off a 4-3 overtime loss to the Merritt Centennials on Sunday afternoon. While the Surrey Eagles are also coming off a loss, which was just their fourth regulation loss of the season as they fell to the Chilliwack Chiefs 6-2 on Sunday.
It was a battle of All-Star’s in between the pipes as Matthew Tovell (9-7-0-1, .922 S %, 2.76 GAA) got the nod for the Silverbacks, while Eli Pulver (11-2-0-0, .927 S%, 2.06 GAA) got the start for the Eagles.
The pace of play came out in a much different style to that in which we saw in last weeks games as both teams came out from the opening whistle with plenty of pace. The Eagles were able to take advantage of their start as Conner Schenider (1) was able to get the opening goal of the game in his first game as an Eagle. Midway through the period the Silverbacks went to a four minute man advantage as Schneider went to the box for kneeing. The ‘Backs weren’t able to capitalize on the ensuing powerplay as the leagues second ranked powerplay went to work. Following the penalty kill, it was Jacob Bonkowski (9) extending the Eagles lead to two goals late in the period. Surrey outshot Salmon Arm 14-4 in the opening frame.
Salmon Arm came out in the second period looking to turn the tides as they looked like a different team to start the period. They opened the frame with the first nine shots on goal as they looked poised to get back in the game. Midway through the period it was the captain, Nathan Mackie (12) getting the Silverbacks on the board to cut the Eagles lead in half. The Eagles went back to the penalty kill late in the second period as Ewan Rennie went to the box for a holding call. The Silverbacks were able to capitalize on the ensuing powerplay as Owen Beckner (9) got the goal to tie things up at two goals. Just over a minute later it was Owen Beckner (10) once again getting the board to give the Silverbacks their first lead of the game. The ‘Backs outshot the Eagles 15-12 in the middle frame.
Surrey looked like a determined group to start the final frame as they were on the hunt to get the game tied up. It was Tate Taylor (5) getting the board for the Eagles just under five minutes into the period to tie the game up at three goals. The Silverbacks stayed resilient in their efforts as the third period progressed. Late in the third period it was a seeing eye-shot from Isaac Lambert (7) that found away to beat Eli Pulver to give the ‘Backs the lead with just 70 seconds to play in the third. That was enough to propel the Silverbacks to the victory, as they knocked down the Eagles by a 4-3 final.
Next up for the Silverbacks will be a trip over to Vancouver Island for a pair of games. They will be right back in action tomorrow night from The Q Centre in Victoria! Puck drop will be at 7:00PM.
