Salmon Arm, B.C. – The Salmon Arm Silverbacks looked to get back into the win column, facing the Vernon Vipers.
The Silverbacks come out aggressive and take the lead in the first period. Four and a half minutes in, Booker Toninato drives to the net all alone and follows up his own rebound for his first career BCHL goal, 1-0. With five minutes remaining and the Silverbacks facing their first penalty kill of the night, Davids Livsics wires a one-timer on the man advantage to tie up the game, 1-1. With time running out, Scott Miner fires a shot from the blue line that bangs off bodies in front with the puck finding the stick of Landon Mackie for the tap in goal, his 19th of the season, 2-1.
It’s the Vipers turn to take control and tie up the game in the second period. Extending the lead to start the frame, Landon Mackie gets his second of the game, even 20th of the season, finishing off a two-on-one rush, pushing the lead to 3-1. Answering quickly was Oliver Czaja finding the back of the net, two minutes later, 3-2. Tying up the game with three minutes remaining, Christian Maro sneaks one through, making it 3-3.
Some late goals in the third period give the Vipers the win. With only three minutes left in the game, Christian Maro strikes again for his second of the game, giving Vernon their first lead of the game, 4-3. Pulling the goalie, pushing for the tying goal, the Vipers and Davids Livsics find the empty net to make it 5-3. The Silverbacks went on to out shoot the Vipers 16-9 in the final frame.
Despite the loss, Daniel Dirracolo stopped 30/34 shots faced.
(Photo credit: Lisa Mazurek)
