Salmon Arm is looking to rebound after a tough weekend at home. They lost 3-2 against the Merritt Centennials, and then surrendered five third period goals in a 7-1 loss with Wenatchee in town. Heading into the weekend, the Silverbacks had just two losses in the Shaw Centre with one being in overtime.
Now they take on the Vernon Vipers who they are undefeated against in three games this season. All three of the games have gone beyond regulation with Salmon Arm winning twice in overtime at the Shaw Centre and in a shootout down in Kal Tire Place. The trio have all been the same scoreline at 4-3.
The last time these two teams met, Salmon Arm trailied 2-1 heading to the third period. Quick goals by Jonathan Krahn and Hudson Schandor would give the Silverbacks a 3-2 lead. Former Back Josh Latta scored a late goal to tie things up and send the game to overtime. In the extra frame it was Nick Unruh setting Olson Werenka up as the hero scoring with 31 seconds left in OT.
This game will be a big one for both sides in the standings. Salmon Arm and Vernon both sit tied with 27 points this season. Vernon has played two extra games though which gives Salmon Arm the current tiebreaker.
Vernon is coming off a weekend that saw lots of goals scored in both of their games. Friday they defeated the West Kelowna Warriors 6-3 and followed that up Saturday with a 6-5 overtime game against the Victoria Grizzlies. Jagger Williamson and Connor Marritt each had two goals and an assist in the games while Josh Latta had three goals.
Players to Watch:
Silverbacks: One of two players to record at least a point in both games last weekend, Matthew Verboon just committed to Colgate University ahead of the games. Before the game Saturday he said it was nice to have that off his mind. Verboon became the third player from the Silverbacks to commit this season to an NCAA school joining Trevor Adams and Akito Hirose. In their last meeting with the Vipers, Last time in Vernon, he had an goal and an assist while scoring the second goal in the shootout. Seeing more ice last weekend was local Salmon Arm product Cole Nisse. He earned some time on the penalty kill as well showing the coaches are trusting the 17 year old with more defensive responsibilities. One things missing from Nisse’s resume is a point this season. In 19 games this season, he has yet to hit the scoresheet.
Vipers: Returning to the Vipers lineup last week was fourth year veteran Jesse Lansdell. He had sat out eight games following his second suspension which he received following a blow to the head in a game against the Silverbacks. In his three games back, he picked up three helpers. He is one of the leaders amongst the BCHL in power play goals with six despite sitting our 12 games from suspensions this year. On a two game goal scoring streak is former Silverback Josh Latta. After missing the first game this season against Salmon Arm with an injury, the West Vancouver product has a point in each of the last two meetings.
TUNE IN
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