Salmon Arm, B.C. – The Salmon Arm Silverbacks returned to the Shaw Centre for a massive game five against the Merritt Centennials with the series tied 2-2.
For the first time in the series, the Silverbacks grabbed the first goal of the game. 15 minutes in, Ocean Fancy took a late shot on the net after the whistle blew which resulted in the defenseman getting an unsportsmanlike penalty, sending the Silverbacks to the powerplay for the only time in this game. With the man advantage, a rebound finds the tape of Jonah Aegerter who makes no mistake in finding the open net for the 1-0 lead.
The second period saw no penalties or goals but the Silverbacks really clasped down defensively. In the middle frame, Salmon Arm outshot Merritt 10-4.
The Centennials pushed for the tying goal with the net empty but once again the Silverbacks dominated another period. With two and a half minutes left, Nathan Mackie and Sawyer Prokopetz were both handed penalties, leading to four-on-four action. The Cents would pull the goalie to make it five-on-four but for the second straight period the shots on goal were lopsided, led by strong defensive play, 8-3.
Eli Pulver got his first career playoff shutout by making 17/17 saves, leading his team to the 3-2 series lead.
