Salmon Arm, B.C. – The Salmon Arm Silverbacks started off round one of the 2025/26 BCHL playoffs on the road against the Trail Smoke Eaters.
The Silverbacks battle in the first period despite a number of penalty kills. Salmon Arm was tasked with three opening period penalties which were successfully killed off. Getting only one powerplay chance in the frame as well, neither team could score to keep it scoreless.
Salmon Arm breaks through in the second period for the first goal of the series. Halfway through, Luke Lepper crashes deep to recover the rebound and hammers it into the back of the net for his first of the playoffs, 1-0.
Holding on for the win in the third period, the Silverbacks capitalize with one more. Trading roughing penalties and four-on-fours to start off a physical final frame. Killing off one more penalty before the game is over. Landon Mackie is able to find the empty net goal to make it 2-0.
Daniel Dirracolo gets his first career BCHL win and shutout making 25/25 saves.
(Photo credit: Kristal Burgess)
