Salmon Arm, B.C. – The Salmon Arm Silverbacks went to Chilliwack for the 2024/25 BCHL Showcase and started it off with a matchup against the Nanaimo Clippers.
The Silverbacks start the Showcase with a lead in the first period. Halfway through the period, the Silverbacks head up ice on an odd-man rush where the puck gets loose in the crease for Patrick Raftery to swoop in and tap home the rebound for his third goal of the season. The Silverbacks had two chances on the powerplay in the opening frame but were unable to capitalize.
Both teams find the back of the net in the second period as the Silverbacks hold onto the lead. Five minutes in, Cole Cooksey takes a feed in the slot and fires one blocker side for his first goal of the season. Three minutes later, the Clippers get on the board. A perfect passing play to enter into the offensive zone, Joel Plante taps one home, set up alone in front of the net on the powerplay.
Adding two more goals in the third period, the Silverbacks put the game away. Jumping out to an early start, the Silverbacks pressure the net in within the first two minutes with Liam Bursaw sending a shot on net. Payton Nelson grabs the rebound in front and hammers it through the legs for the 3-1 lead. Not done yet, Roenick Jodoin adds onto the lead at the 10:39 mark with an outstanding solo effort, making four guys missing while he cuts in and out towards the net.
Andrew Ballantyne gets his third win of the season, stopping 20/21.
(Photo credit: Garrett James)