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Silverbacks snap four-game skid, defeat Centennials 5-1

Merritt, BC – Matthew Tovell stoped 39 of 40 shots, while five different Silverbacks got on the board to elevate Salmon Arm to a 5-1 victory over Merritt.

The ‘Backs returned from holiday break with an afternoon matchup in Merritt. The Silverbacks (14-12-2-1) and Centennials (8-18-3-1) renewed their rivalry on Saturday for the second time on the season. Salmon Arm was coming off their two week hiatus, in which they lost their last game in Trail on December 17th, by a 6-3 final. The ‘Backs had dropped four straight games heading into the game. While Merritt is coming off a Friday night 4-0 loss to Vernon in their first game back following the Christmas break last night.

Matthew Tovell (10-10-1-0, 3.04 GAA, .914 S%, 2 SO) got back in between the pipes for Salmon Arm, while Connor Sullivan (1-6-0-0, 5.49 GAA, .869 S%) got the start for the Centennials.

The first period proved to be a shooting gallery in Merritt as both teams seemed to be poised to put any puck possible towards the net. It paid off early for the Silverbacks as Will Lavigne (5) was able to beat Sullivan to open the scoring with a seeing-eyed shot from the blueline. Midway through the period came the first penalty as Aleksey Chichkin sat for a two minute interference call. The leagues sixth ranked penalty kill stayed strong and shut down the ‘Backs first powerplay attempt. Late in the period it was a a display of patience from Jayden Grier (5) as he outwaited the Centennials defence and lifted one over the shoulder of Sullivan to extend the Silverbacks lead to two. Shots were deadlocked at 16-16 after the first.

Salmon Arm continued with the momentum that they picked up in the first period as they stormed out in the middle frame to extend their lead to three goals. It was a burst of speed from Liam Steele in his own end which saw him carry the puck into a prime scoring position, Isaac Lambert (8) was able to bat one home on the ensuing rebound.. Midway through the period saw another offensive burst as the ‘Backs were able to bury another two goals within 72 seconds. Hayden Stavroff (3) got it started as he put one high over the shoulder of Sullivan. Just moments later it was Owen Beckner (11) extending the ‘Backs lead to five as he took a wrister from the slot on the man advantage. Shots in the middle frame were 16-14 in favour of Salmon Arm.

The pace of play continued to be flowing in the third period as both teams continued to battle. Both teams had powerplay opportunities in the period, and Merritt was able to capitalize on theirs as Jaxson Murray (10) was able to end Tovell’s shutout bid late in the period. Salmon Arm was able to hang on for a 5-1 victory over the Centennials.

Next up for the Silverbacks will be a return to the Shaw Centre as they welcome the Vernon Vipers into town. Puck drop will be on Friday night at 7:00PM.