Coming off a big win last night against the Victoria Grizzlies, the Salmon Arm Silverbacks look to extend their Showcase winning streak to seven this afternoon against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
The Silverbacks had five players record points last night, and it was Matthew Verboon, Olson Werenka, and Justin Wilson coming up clutch. Verboon had two goals including the game winner, and now leads the team in goal scoring with four goals this season. Werenka setup both of Wilson’s goals and scored his first goal in the BCHL. Wilson scored two key goals in the game, opening the scoring 27 seconds into the game, and getting another with four minutes remaining in the second to give Salmon Arm a two goal leading leading the final period.
One key stat from the Silverbacks was their discipline taking just three penalties in the game. This number was much improved after they took 22 penalties in the first three games combined. On the kill Friday, Salmon Arm was three for three on a group led by last year’s CJHL rookie of the year Alex Newhook.
Saturday they take on the Alberni Valley Bulldogs who are reeling after a 5-1 loss yesterday against the Wenatchee Wild. The Bulldogs have lost three games in a row, and have scored just two goals in that span.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Silverbacks – The third star of last night’s game Justin Wilson would love to continue his strong play. After a goal and assist to open the season, he was shutout in the last two games. While the season is still young, the team is 2-0 when he scores and 0-2 when he doesn’t. Wilson is second in team scoring now with five points on the season. He trails leader Matthew Verboon by one goal.
Bulldogs – After five goals in the first two games and just two in the last three, all eyes will be on who can put the puck in the back of the net for Alberni Valley. They currently don’t have a player who has scored more than one goal this season, and one player with a zero in that category is looking to break out. Keaton Mastrodonato has three points to share the team lead in scoring this year. The Canisius College commit 20 goals in 58 games last season, but hasn’t found the back of the net himself this season. He leads his squad in assists with three.
TUNE IN
Today’s game will be back on HockeyTV with the game being played in the main arena. EZ Rock will not be broadcasting the game, but tomorrow against the Coquitlam Express coverage will return to normal.
