Vernon, BC – One of the BCHL’s fiercest rivalries continued on Saturday night as the Silverbacks made the trip down Highway 97 for an Interior Conference Clash. It was the second of seven meetings of the season between the Vipers and Silverbacks, with Salmon Arm taking game one last night by a score of 3-0. Matthew Tovell got the start for the Silverbacks once again as he was coming off a 36 save shutout from the previous night. On the other side of the ice, it was Ethan David getting the nod for the Vipers, who is starting his second season in Vernon.
The Silverbacks came out with a quick start as they looked to slow down the momentum that the Vipers got from their home opener. It was Nathan Morin (1) opening the scoring for the Silverbacks just over three minutes into the period. Salmon Arm continued to apply the pressure as the period went on, and just seven minutes after they opened the scoring, Owen Beckner (1) doubled their lead. The Vipers took two penalties late in the period but were able to kill them both off. Late in the period, Owen Beckner took down a Viper player in front of the ‘Backs bench, and received a 2 minute penalty for hitting from behind, and a game misconduct.
Salmon Arm continued their impressive play into the second period, as they added two more goals early in the frame. It was CJ Foley (1) getting his first BCHL Goal as he fired one past Ethan David. Just over a minute later, it was a four-on-four marker for the Silverbacks as the Captain, Nathan Mackie (2), found the back of the net to give the Silverbacks a four goal lead. As the period progressed, Vernon started to get their legs under them. Late in the period, it was Julian Facchinelli (1) getting the Vipers on the board as he squeezed one by Tovell.
The third period opened up with a frantic scene as the Vipers came close to pulling it to a two goal game. Matthew Tovell stood tall once again for the Silverbacks, as he faced eight shots in period number three. Salmon Arm ended up taking this one by a final of 4-1.
The Silverbacks will have a few days off before they welcome the Penticton Vees to the Shaw Centre next Friday, September 30th. Puck drop will be at 7:00PM, and all kids 15 and under will get in free thanks to the Centenoka Park Mall.
