Salmon Arm, B.C. – The Salmon Arm Silverbacks hosted the Trail Smoke Eaters for game 2 of the 2025/26 season.
The Smoke Eaters jump out to a hot start in the first period. In the first 5 minutes, Zach Coutu sets up on the far post and hammers home a one-timer into the open net to take the early 1-0 lead. Coming out of the BCHL media timeout, John Lumsden sneaks down from the blue line and snaps a shot from the slot to tie up the game, 1-1. Lumdsen gets his first BCHL goal and the first goal from a Silverbacks defenceman this season. A quick answer, on the powerplay, Christian Kim finds space in the offensive zone and wires one home, to regain the lead for the Smokies, 2-1.
There was no scoring in the second period, despite a strong push from Trail. During the middle frame, each team had a brief look on the powerplay in the final three minutes. In the second, the Smoke Eaters offense fired shots on net, out shooting the Silverbacks 18-8.
A comeback effort in the third period by the Silverbacks is a success. At the 8:23 mark, Tanner Walos forces the turnover at the right faceoff dot and rips one into the twine for the captains first of the season, tying the game up at 2-2. Not rolling over easy, Drew Anastasio and the Smoke Eaters grab the lead again, 3-2. Two minutes later, Brady Logue gets a big stick lift in the neutral zone to take the puck away and drive towards the net on a breakaway, where he slams on the breaks, making a remarkable move, and putting the puck into the net to tie the game at 3-3. This game needs overtime.
Both teams with chances in the extra frame, but it was a period for the goalies. Neither team was able to score the game winner in overtime despite great looks. The shots on goal was 9-4 in favour of the home team.
In the first shootout of the season, the Smoke Eaters scored both of their shooters to get the win. Neither Silverback, Brady Logue and Jaden Johnson, were able to score in shootout as the Smoke Eaters take the 4-3 win.
Despite the loss, Daniel Dirracolo made 40/43 saves.
(Photo credit: Kristal Burgess)
