Salmon Arm, B.C. – The Salmon Arm Silverbacks traveled to Okotoks for the first time in franchise history to take on the Oilers.
The Oilers took the lead in the first period. Just under seven minutes in, Brock Souch snapped the puck into the back of the net to take the 1-0 lead. In the opening frame, each team had the chance on a powerplay but neither could take advantage. The Silverbacks came out of the gates slow, getting outshot 14-2.
Okotoks added another one onto their lead in the second period. Two minutes in, the Silverbacks had a faceoff in the offensive zone and won it back cleanly but Jackson Rowland stripped the puck and headed up ice on a breakaway, sliding it five-hole for the 2-0 lead. The Silverbacks had their second powerplay chance of the game late in the period but once again could not capitalize.
The Silverbacks were able to get on the board in the third period but it wasn’t enough. With the Silverbacks pressing for momentum, Aidan Willis sends one along the ice through traffic that finds the back of the net, making it a 2-1 game with Willis’ 5th goal of the year. With time becoming the enemy, the Silverbacks pull the goalie gunning for the tying goal. The Oilers were able to get two empty net goals, from Michael Kowalski and Jackson Rowland to take the 4-1 win.
Andrew Ballantyne made 23/25 saves in the losing effort.
(Photo credit: Kristal Burgess)
