Salmon Arm, B.C. – The Salmon Arm Silverbacks finished up a three game road trip with the first meeting of the season against the Okotoks Oilers.
A tied game after the first period with both teams lighting the lamp. Starting with the penalty kill the Silverbacks are able to defend that before heading to a man advantage. On the powerplay, Liam Bursaw gets the puck in the high slot and riffles it by the blocker to get his team leading 8th of the year, 1-0. 5 minutes later, Joseph Meredith ties up the game, 1-1. Before the opening frame is over, Mateu Späth and Gabriel Simpson drop the gloves.
Okotoks grabs the lead in the second period. Liam Bursaw gets sent to the box halfway through for the Silverbacks second penalty kill of the night. This time around, Michael Mikan snaps one into the net for a powerplay goal and an Oilers 2-1 lead.
The Oilers offense stays on the gas pedal in the third period. The Silverbacks are given a golden opportunity with a 5-on-3 powerplay to start the final frame. Late in the powerplay, it’s Luke Lepper who places the puck perfectly through traffic for his 3rd of the season, tying the game up, 2-2. A minute later, a gift wrapped questionable powerplay is handed to the Oilers and they make no mistake with Joseph Meredith getting his second of the game, now 3-2 Oilers. Shortly after, adding onto the lead, Marko Lisica will find the top corner to pile on, 4-2. Pulling the goalie trying to push for the comeback, Jospeh Meredith completes the hat-trick by finding the empty net, 5-2.
The Silverbacks out shot the Oilers 38-25 but fell 5-2. Daniel Dirracolo stopped 20/24 shots faced.
(Photo credit: Kristal Burgess)
