Salmon Arm, B.C. — The Salmon Arm Silverbacks used the final game of the regular season to clinch home ice in the first round of the playoffs, defeating the Merritt Centennials 3-2 on Sunday afternoon for their 30th win of the year.
The Silverbacks finish the regular season with a record of 30-23-5, the first time they’ve reached 30 wins since the 2010-11 season. Thanks to Sunday’s win, the Backs finish in third place in the Interior Division and will face off against the Victoria Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs. Times and dates for the series will be determined soon.
GAME SUMMARY
The Backs came out flying in this one, out-shooting Merritt 11-3 early on. They also opened the scoring under three minutes in, courtesy of Daniel Rybarik, who banged home his 31st of the season in front on an early power play.
Just 18 seconds after the Silverbacks opened the scoring, the Cents responded thanks to captain Rylan Van Unen, who finished top shelf from in front after a pass from behind the net from Payton Matsui.
As the period went on, the Cents started to pick things up and they took the lead with under five minutes to go. Right off an offensive zone face-off, Christian Buono found himself all alone in front and gave the Cents a 2-1 lead with 4:38 remaining after he shovelled it through the five hole of Ethan Langenegger.
After one period of play, Salmon Arm trailed 2-1 but led in shots on goal 22-11.
The second period was even for the most part, with plenty of neutral zone play and not as many chances, but the Silverbacks took control in the final few minutes, striking twice before the middle frame was out.
First, with 3:08 remaining and just moments after the Cents hit the cross-bar on a power play, Luke Mylymok started from his own zone and led a shorthanded rush down the ice, eventually chipping a pass in front for William Poirier, who had a tap-in for his 23rd of the season.
With 59 seconds remaining in the second, Drew Bennett caused a turnover behind Merritt’s net and centred a pass for Nick Unruh, who one-timed it home to give the Backs a 3-2 lead.
The third period was the most uneventful of the game, but Langenegger was forced to make some key stops to keep the Backs out in front. He stopped all nine shots he faced in the third and helped Salmon Arm hold on for the 3-2 victory.
For the full boxscore, click here.
WHAT’S NEXT
The regular season is now complete.
The Silverbacks will play the in the first round of the BCHL playoffs, with dates still to be determined.
Make sure you keep a close eye to our social media channels for the official schedule announcement!
All playoff games of course can be heard on 91.5 EZ Rock with the pre-game shows starting half an hour before puck drop. Fans can also stream games on HockeyTV.
