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Silverbacks Drop Last Regular Season Home Game

A 2-1 lead after two period wasn’t enough for Salmon Arm as they allowed four third period goals to the Penticton Vees and fell 5-2 in the Shaw Centre.

There was no scoring in the first period, but the Vees had a trio of chances. Four minutes in, Massimo Rizzo of the Vees setup Eric Linell in front of the goal, but the team’s second leading scorer was unable to solve Ethan Langenegger. Just after the media timeout, it was former OHLer Brendan Harrogate with a chance in front but unable to find the back of the net. With under three minutes left, Rizzo spun with a shot that went off the left post and along the goal line, but Langenegger was able to trap it under his pads.

Salmon Arm would draw a late power play, and in the second were able to capitalize. Nick Unruh worked the puck out from the right side of the goal, and was able to get the puck past Jack LaFontaine for the 1-0 lead 1:03 into the period. A minute later, Jack Sampson took the shot while on a two-on-one with Nick Unruh, but the forward was turned away. Shortly after the midway mark of the period, the Vees had an odd man rush of their own with Cole Sheppard sending a shot that was knocked out. With 6:27 remaining though, Rizzo was setup in front of the goal by Eric Linell, and the forward was able to beat the Silverbacks netminder to tie the game at one. The Vees would take their third penalty of the game with less than two minutes to go, and the Backs would give themselves a lead heading to the final period. Again it was Nick Unruh coming out from the side of the goal and scored his second of the game. Trevor Adams assisted on both goals giving him two assists in his return following a three game suspension.

Heading into the third down a goal, Penticton would score two power play goals in the first 6:10 to give themselves their first lead of the game at 3-2. The goals followed a no goal against Rizzo early on where an early whistle blew as the loose puck slid into the goal. Sandelin scored his team leading 30th goal of the game to tie the game, and David Silye went top right corner for the 3-2 advantage. With Salmon Arm pushing last for the equalizer, Penticton turned play the other way springing Jack Barnes for a partial breakaway. The Penticton native deked the to the left and was able to tuck the puck in for the 4-2 lead. The Vees added an empty netter from Silye for the 5-2 final.

The rematch goes tomorrow in Penticton with puck drop in the SOEC slated for 5pm. Around the BCHL, Merritt beat Langley keeping them tied with Penticton for first in the Interior. A win tomorrow for the Vees guarantees them their 8th consecutive division banner. With West Kelowna winning at home over Trail, the Warriors can still catch Salmon Arm for fifth in the Division. The Silverbacks are unable to catch Vernon for home ice advantage, but all they need is a single point Saturday or a West Kelowna loss to keep them in fifth heading to the 2019 BCHL playoffs.

 

KEY PERFORMER: 

With two goals on the night, Nick Unruh provided all of the Silverbacks offence. Salmon Arm continued their dominance on the power play at home, and are now at over 30% in the Shaw Centre when up a man. Playing for the first time in three weeks, it was great to see the team Captain Sol Seibel back on the ice. Out for a lengthy time from injury, look for the leader to get better as he gets back to game shape.