Both teams had something to play for, and it was Penticton coming out on top shutting Salmon Arm out 4-0.
To clinch their eighth consecutive division banner, the Vees needed a win. Thanks to a 23 save shutout from Jack LaFontaine, and four different goal scorers they did just that. Salmon Arm came into the game needing a single point to clinch fifth in the Interior Division which would match them up against the Vernon Vipers in Round 1 of the 2019 BCHL Playoffs.
It was a hot start in the South Okanagan Events Centre, as the home side scored 1:09 into the game and then again just eight seconds later. First it was Andrew Ghantous hitting double digits in goals as he came down the right wing and went top corner for his 10th of the season. On the ensuing faceoff, Ty Pochipinski was able to split the defence, and beat Ethan Langenegger for the quick 2-0 lead. The Silverbacks would head to three power plays in period but were unable to capitalize. Just before the halfway mark of the first, leading Vees scorer Ryan Sandelin was setup in front of the goal and potted his 31st of the season.
In the second, it was Salmon Arm earning a power play six minutes in, but the Vees cashing in. Coming down on a two-on-one shorthanded break, David Silye kept and shooting inside the right post for the 4-0 lead. The Silverbacks outshot Penticton 10-6, but again were unable to beat LaFontaine.
Both teams would receive power plays in the third period, but neither would capitalize. The best scoring chance came with just over a minute to go in the third period. Playing his first shift in the second game of a double header, Kelvin Hair took a pass from Eric Linell but was denied by Langenegger.
That left the fate of the Silverbacks playoff positioning in the hands of the West Kelowna Warriors vs Trail Smoke Eaters game down in Trail. The Smoke Eaters won in OT, meaning Salmon Arm finishes a point ahead in the standings for fifth in the division. The Vernon Vipers will be the first round opponent for Salmon Arm setting up a rematch of last season’s first round series.
