The Salmon Arm Silverbacks look to go 2-0 this Friday as they take on the Trail Smoke Eaters.
Last weekend in their home opener, three power play goals powered the Backs to a victory winning 4-2. The penalty was also spectacular stopping all seven Merritt power plays including 1:40 of five-on-three time late in the second period.
One positive was the even scoring last weekend. They had four different goal scorers, and nine players pickup points. Eight of those players are returnees from last season, so the veterans are already showing they’re ready to get the job done. The one newcomer to pickup a point was Matthew Verboon who scored on the power play to even the game in the second period.
While it was great to see the penalty kill clicking on Friday, the team will have to be more disciplined this time around as they face a Top 3 power play from the Smoke Eaters who have scored .
Trail is one point ahead of Salmon Arm sitting second in the division early on.In two games the Smoke Eaters have scored nine goals and allowed eight. They beat West Kelowna in regulation in West K, but had lost the night before OT in Trail. Hayden Rowan and Michael Hodge lead the way in scoring, as both are tied for second in league scoring with five points each.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
SILVERBACKS:
Akito Hirose – Tied for the team lead in points, Hirose got more good news this week as the defenceman committed to Minnesota State – Mankato. Opening night Hirose scored to open the scoring for the Silverbacks, and then added the game tying goal moments later.
Smoke Eaters:
Hayden Rowan – On the road Rowan started off a goal in his first game with the Smokies. He followed that up with a four point effort on the road. Look for the Yale commit to show the home fans what he can do.
TUNE IN
Watch – Hockey TV
Listen – 91.5 EZ Rock
| Silverbacks | Smoke Eaters | |
| 1-0-0 | Record | 1-0-1 |
| 4 | Goals For | 9 |
| 2 | Goals Against | 8 |
| 50% | Power Play | 25% |
| 100% | Penalty Kill | 90% |
