Salmon Arm B.C. — The Salmon Arm Silverbacks blanked the defending champion Prince George Spruce Kings on Saturday night on the road by a score of 1-0.
It was the Backs’ 10th win of the year, as their regular season record now sits at 10-2-1. The Spruce Kings fall to 4-6-3.
GAME SUMMARY
The opening 20 minutes were very solid for the Silverbacks, as they out-shot the home side 15-6, but couldn’t find the scoresheet. They went 0-for-2 on the power play in the first period, but did generate a number of chances and had good puck movement. Salmon Arm didn’t give up much on the defensive side of things, as Ethan Langenegger only had to make a couple tough saves.
The momentum for the Silverbacks carried over into the second period, where they once again started out by controlling the play, out-shooting the Spruce Kings 4-1 in the first few minutes. Those shots included the first goal of the game, as Akito Hirose set up Hunter Sansbury for a one-timer in the slot during the tail end of a 4-on-3 power play that he pounded into the back of the net right along the ice.
The score remained 1-0 after 40 minutes, only because Jett Alexander made a miraculous save on Nick Martino with the paddle of his stick. If not for that stop on a 2-on-1 rush, Salmon Arm would have had some more insurance heading into the final frame. After two periods, they were up by one but led in shots 23-12.
Things opened up in the third period, with both teams exchanging chances and going long stretches without a whistle. Langenegger was forced to make some key saves on multiple occasions, and each time he was up to the task. With just over one minute remaining, the Spruce Kings pulled the goalie. On the ensuing 6-on-5, Noah Wakeford drew a penalty when he hustled to a loose puck in the offensive zone and nearly scored into the empty net (he probably would have scored, yet he was not given an automatic goal). Because of the power play situation, the Silverbacks were able to hold on for a 1-0 win.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES
Nick Martino, Salmon Arm Silverbacks: While being robbed of a sure goal in the second period might not sit well with Martino, there’s no denying he was absolutely incredible all night long. His line with Garozzo and Poirier could have had a handful of goals, plus Martino was tremendous with his back pressure. It’s clear the new addition will be able to provide even more secondary scoring for the Backs this season.
Ethan Langenegger, Salmon Arm Silverbacks: You may look at the low number of shots and assume Langenegger’s night was easy: however, that was simply not the case. He wasn’t tested much in the first two periods, but his third period was dynamite, especially considering the Backs were nursing a one-goal lead. Langenegger now sports a .930 SV% and 2.00 GAA thanks to his first shutout of the season.
Jett Alexander, Prince George Spruce Kings: The 6-foot-5 giant not only stole a goal from Martino with the paddle of his stick in the second period, but he also made key saves with his team shorthanded, particularly on a few one-timers. The 20-year-old may only have four wins this season. but on this night he gave his team a chance to win.
For the full boxscore, click here.
STAT OF THE GAME
10th win of the season: This may be cheating, as this stat doesn’t directly come from Saturday’s game, but the biggest takeaway was getting the two points, as it gives the Silverbacks 10 wins in their first 13 contests. Because of Penticton’s loss to Alberni Valley on Saturday, the Silverbacks have a chance to hop the Vees for first place in the BCHL on Wednesday when the two meet at the Shaw Centre.
WHAT’S NEXT
As mentioned, the Silverbacks host a big game on Wednesday night, with the now 11-1-0 Penticton Vees rolling into town for 7 p.m. puck drop at the Shaw Centre. The Backs then travel to West Kelowna on the Friday and host the Nanaimo Clippers on Sunday at 3 p.m.
The game can be heard on 91.5 EZ Rock with the pre-game show starting at 6:30 p.m., while fans can also stream the games on HockeyTV.
