Salmon Arm, B.C. – The Salmon Arm Silverbacks finished up their home opening weekend against the Okotoks Oilers for the first time in franchise history.
Okotoks was able to strike early but the Silverbacks answer to have a tie game after the first period. Just over a minute in, the Oilers head down the ice on a two-on-one rush where Jackson Rowland was able to finish it off for the early 1-0 lead. Halfway through the opening frame, the Silverbacks were able to tie things up when Riley Ashe forces a turnover in the offensive zone and slides it over for a Maddux Martin one-timer into the net, 1-1. The Silverbacks would get a late powerplay when Bowen Burke takes down his man with a trip.
The Silverbacks grab a slim lead in the second period. Starting off the period with a man advantage still, it’s Maddux Martin again knocking one in for his second straight two goal game. 2-1. Some rough stuff picked up in the middle frame as Bowen Burke gets handed a five minute major and a game misconduct for hitting from behind. The Silverbacks were unable to take advantage of the extended powerplay.
Both teams find the back of the net in the third period but the Silverbacks hold onto the win. Eight minutes in the Silverbacks had possession of the puck in the offensive zone trying to get an insurance goal. Liam Bursaw deflected a puck in front and then picks up the rebound to throw it in the net for his third of the season, making it 3-1. The Oilers were trying to mount a comeback in the final three minutes when Jackson Rowland finishes off a scramble in front for his second of the game, cutting the lead to 3-2. With the net empty, the Silverbacks were able to fend off offensive waves of pressure before Payton Nelson puts it into the empty net to make it back a two goal game, 4-2.
Ryan Grout gets his third straight win by making 17/19 saves.
(Photo credit: Kristal Burgess)