Playing 25 minutes of any hockey game shorthanded generally isn’t a recipe for success. Salmon Arm killed off the first five penalties they took (all in the first period) but would surrender one in the second period, and three in the third. The Prince George Spruce Kings received 24 saves from Bradley Coopers, and came out with a 5-0 victory at home.
A nine hour journey the day after taking Penticton to a shootout was the first challenge for Salmon Arm, who had clear skies on their drive North.
Prince George opened the scoring just before the halfway mark of the first. Just as a Silverbacks penalty was expiring, Dustin Manz took a shot from between the circles, and the rebound was batted in by Corey Cunningham for his second goal in as many games.
The Spruce Kings extended their lead to two four minutes into the second as a point shot by Layton Ahac was tipped in by Dustin Manz.
In the third, Salmon Arm got into more penalty trouble and a five minute to major to Sol Seibel saw the Spruce Kings score three times in the span of 3:07 all on the power play. 17 year old defenceman Nick Bochen took a one timer and just squeaked it past the stretching right pad of Ethan Langenegger. 1:30 later Max Coyle puck a backhand shot into the top corner, and Ben Poisson wrapped up the scoring with a tip from the slot.
This was the first the this season the Silverbacks were shutout. They will have a pair of home games next week taking on Alberni Valley Friday night, and welcoming the Vernon Vees Sunday afternoon at 3pm with a fan skate following with the team.
