The Silverbacks (8-3-2-0) return to action (Friday) at the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm, and host the Victoria Grizzlies (2-9-0-2) at 7p.m.
The ‘Backs put together back-to-back wins on the road last weekend, 6-3 over the Smoke Eaters in Trail on Saturday, October 17th following a 4-3 victory versus the Warriors in West Kelowna on Friday, October 16th.
Mike Winnitoy scored in West Kelowna and Cameron Trott scored in Trail, as the two defensemen now have their first goals as Silverbacks and in the BCHL.
Angus Redmond made 72 saves on the weekend and earned an honourable mention for BCHL Player of the Week. The 20-year-old starter is 7-1-2 in 12 games, with a 2.39 goals-against-average and a saves-percentage of .919.
The Silverbacks now have four wins and one regulation loss in their first five games away from the Shaw Centre. The ‘Backs have outscored the opposition 22-14 on the road, as well as 34-22 at home.
The ‘Backs sit second atop the Interior Division, eight points behind the Penticton Vees (13-1). The Vees won their 13th consecutive game on Wednesday, October 21st by doubling the West Kelowna Warriors (7-5-0-2) 4-2 in the South Okanagan. The Vees one loss of this season came on opening night Friday, September 11th as the Silverbacks doubled Penticton 4-2 in Salmon Arm. The Silverbacks and Vees second regular season meeting is scheduled for three months after their first regular season game as the ‘Backs host game one of a back-to-back, home-and-home set beginning Friday, December 11th at 7p.m. at the Shaw Centre.
The Merritt Centennials (6-10) have 12 points and are fifth in the six team division, just two points up on the Trail Smoke Eaters (5-9) after the Smokies beat the Cents 5-1 in Trail on Wednesday.
The Vernon Vipers (8-6-0-1) sit third in the Interior, one point behind the Silverbacks who have two games in-hand on the Vipers. Vernon is one point ahead of the Warriors.
The Silverbacks second of two games this weekend is set for Sunday, October 25th at 2 p.m. with the Centennials at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena in Merritt. The ‘Backs fell 2-1 to the Cents on Wednesday, October 7th at the Shaw Centre after beginning the season series with a 7-5 win in Merritt on Tuesday, September 15th.
The Grizzlies are coming off of a 5-4 loss at home to the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Saturday, October 17th.
Victoria is at the bottom of the five team Island Division, three points behind the Alberni Valley Bulldogs (4-7-0-1). The Silverbacks will visit the Grizzlies in Victoria on Saturday, January 23rd in the second game of the ‘Backs three game Island road trip.
Brayden Gelsinger leads the Grizzlies in scoring with one goal and 11 assists in 13 games, while Nick Hutchison has seven goals and 11 assists in 13 games to lead the Silverbacks in scoring.
Ross Heidt has committed to the NCAA. Div I University of Alaska Nanooks for the 2016-17 season. The 19-year-old forward of Red Deer, Alberta has eight goals and four assists in 13 games. The second season Silverback will join ‘Backs alumnus Jordan Burns who is currently playing in Fairbanks.
Four of the Silverbacks final five games in October are with Interior Division opponents. The ‘Backs will be in Vernon this coming Wednesday, October 28th at 7p.m. for their first regular season meeting with the Vipers. The Silverbacks will then host the Warriors on Friday, October 30th at the Shaw Centre at 7p.m. before travelling to West Kelowna on Saturday, October 31st for a 7p.m. start.
Each Silverbacks and BCHL game is webcast live, PPV http://bchl.fasthockey.com as well as each ‘Backs road game is broadcast live at CKVS 93.7 FM http://voiceoftheshuswap.ca Each home game is broadcast audio only as well http://bit.ly/1s0deO7 Tune into CKVS each Monday night throughout the season beginning at 7p.m. for 30 minutes or more of Silverbacks talk, including interviews and news from around the BCHL.
